Almost everyone, whether a dog owner or not, is aware of the basic dog training commands used but because they make being a pet owner more enjoyable but also keep the dog safer, it is worth going over them again.
Interestingly, even newly written bestselling books on dog training often cover these five primary commands. Although these specific commands will not change, methods for getting a dog to obey will.
Below, we have provided helpful information specific to the most common dog training commands that ever dog should know at minimum. Keep in mind, when walking a dog, approaching a person or another individual walking a dog, or even having a dog in the home environment, all of these commands would prove beneficial.
Obviously, the last thing a pet owner wants is a dog out of control by barking, destroying furniture, terrorizing the neighborhood, or behaving badly in other ways.
Five Basic Dog Training Commands
- Sit – Immediately after a person buys a puppy or even older dog, the first command that should be taught is to sit. In addition to being an extremely easy command for a dog to learn, it is also one option for getting and keeping the animal under control. The easiest method is to hold a small treat in one hand while moving the hand above the animals head. As the head follows the hand, the backend automatically comes down. While going through this motion, the command “sit” would be given. When the dog actually sits, he would be offered the treat, as well as praise. Of all dog training commands, this is one that could be taught in a day or two.
- Down – Another one of the important dog training commands is “down.” The goal would be to get the dog to transition from the sitting position to the lying down position. Therefore, after getting the dog to obey the “sit” command, a treat would be lowered to the ground but also away from the dog in front. Again, the body would naturally follow, which results in the lying down position. Although another easy command, it may take a little longer for a dog to pick up on what the owner wants but once the command has been obeyed, a treat would be given along with praise.
- Stay – This command takes a little time and patient on the owner’s part but with regular training sessions, the dog would soon understand the request. Even if a dog were not given the command to “stay” often, if needed it would prove very helpful. The easiest training method would be done from a sitting or staying position although learning while standing would also be possible. The dog’s owner would need to place an open palm in front of the dog’s face, approximately six inches away while giving the command. If the dog does not move, he gets a treat and praise. Then, the owner would move about six inches further away, again going through the same process, each time moving further and further out.
- Off – It is common for puppies especially to want to jump up on furniture, get into the trash, or even jump on people out of excitement but all these behaviors should be corrected with the “off” command. As with other dog training commands, special treats and praise would be essential. One of the most effective training methods is to place the pet’s favorite toy about three feet in front of him. The natural reaction would be for the dog to go for the toy but as he moves toward the toy, the command “off” is given. As he pauses in surprise, he would not get a treat but instead, praise followed by play time with his toy.
- Recall – The last of the five most important dog training commands is “Recall”, which simply teaches a dog to come whenever called. For many pet owners, trying to get a dog to come is frustrating but by teaching this command, better control over the animal is gained. With the dog sitting and the owner about two feet in front, the dog would be called. As he reaches the owner, a treat and praise would be offered. As with other dog training commands, the owner should move a little further away until six feet or more from the dog, going through the same process over and over again until the pet understands.
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