10 Basic Commands Every Dog Should Know

Looking for a dog that obeys you perfectly, every single time?

Well, they don’t exist. None of us are perfect, including your dog (but pretty darn close, right?).

You can teach them basic commands that will give them a good manners and keep them safe. All it takes is patience, praise, and a few treats (or handfuls of treats). Oh, and did I mention patience?

1) Sit

This is probably the easiest and most used tool in your tool kit. It’s a classic. Your dog may learn this one before they even know their name.

When to use: Before crossing streets, getting them to stop the happy dance when you have a treat in hand, or any time you need them to focus on you.

Why? “Sit” stops your dog from jumping, knocking people over, running in circles, or just generally being a lunatic.

Say it once, firmly but without yelling. Let them know you mean business without anger or frustration.

2) Come

This command is the most important command for your dog’s safety. This is the one that can save your dog’s life.

When to use: When you’re dog is off-leash, such as at a dog park, or has spotted a skunk in the corner of your yard or a squirrel across the street. Basically, anytime they’re about to get themselves in a heap of trouble or out of your control(or sight).

Why? This command is absolutely critical for recall. Having a level of control over your dog at all times is a responsibility and may just save their life.

Practice this command often to keep their focus sharp. When you first teach it, practice in an area where they aren’t actually in danger. Be patient and positive. Reward with praise and treats. Slowly up the ante with more distractions. If you aren’t at the stage where your dog’s recall is reliable, don’t take the chance with off-leash experiences.

3) Stay

This one is about impulse control. It’s taking the whole “sit” command to the next level.

When to use: Use this command when you need to keep your dog in one spot. You can use it when there’s a knock at the door, when you drop something and don’t want to butt heads with your canine in its pursuit, or when you need them not to be underfoot.

Why? It keeps your dog in one place. It can be crucial for their safety, and yours. It’s also a good tool for household manners.

When teaching this command, you will need to convince your dog that staying in one place is more rewarding than moving out of place, in a positive way.

Ask her to sit and stay, then reward her with several treats immediately. Toss a treat so she has to get up and to retrieve it. Then repeat, extending the time that she is in the stay position and give the treats more slowly. The goal is to teach her that staying in one spot gets more treats then moving.

Add a release cue, such as “Okay” when you let her move. If you don’t, she’s technically breaking the “stay” on her own every time, eventually.

4) Wait

“Wait” is the little brother to “Stay”. This is more of a temporary pause, as opposed to a hold.

When to use: Use this one when your pup is about to be fed, when you’re about to walk through a doorway, or you’re trying to put on their leash and he’s doing the happy dance.

Why? This command is all about manners. Your dog needs to learn patience and and not just force their way through doorways, demand their food, and generally push you around.

Generally, I use “wait” to keep from getting knocked on my butt or getting bonked in the head by an exuberant dog when I’m putting on my shoes, trying to put on a leash or getting out of the vehicle.

5) Off

This command is useful for getting your pet off the furniture, or your Aunt Edna. Not to be confused with “Down”.

When to use: It’s useful to use this command to get your dog off whatever it is they’ve jumped on, including your sofa, your bed, and people.

Why? It gives your dog the exact direction they need. Just be clear about the word. Some people mix up “Off” and “Down”. As we’ll discuss next, “Down” is a different command and you’re going to confuse them.

Dog in down position, waiting patiently

6) Down

This command is actually a companion to “Sit”. This is taking it to the next level and going all the way down. You could also use “Lay Down” instead. Just be consistent if you want consistent results.

When to use: This one’s useful to get your dog calmed down and set into place. If they’re getting overstimulated and about to knock over a knick-knack on a table with their tail, or a small child, this one comes in handy. Maybe you just need them to lie down.

Why? A dog who’s getting worked up might need a time-out to take a breath and settle. You also might need them to lie in a specific spot so you can get things done without tripping over them.

Again, don’t confuse this one with “Off”. This is why I use “Lay Down”. Honestly, that’s more for my training than the dog’s training. It was easier for me to remember in the heat of the moment.

7) Leave It

Ever see your dog spot something it wants and you know that any second it’s going to lunge for it? Perhaps that something would be harmful or undesirable, like the neighbour’s cat, a skunk, goose poop, or the cookie you just dropped. This is where the “Leave it” command is useful.

When to use: Timing is everything with this command. Use it any time you see your dog about to about to go after something it shouldn’t have. But, once they’ve gone for it, it’s too late.

Why? This command stops your pup from grabbing or chasing something it shouldn’t. It’s about impulse control and keeping your pet safe.

You’ll probably be surprised how often you have to use this command, especially if you have a puppy.

8) Drop It

Okay, this is the command for when you missed your chance for the “Leave it” command or just need them to give up whatever’s in their mouth that you want out of it.

When to use: Use this command when you need your dog to drop whatever item they have. It could be dangerous, disgusting, or just something they helped themselves to without permission. You can even use it when playing fetch.

Why? This one can be a safety measure or a control measure. Either way, it’s just plain useful.

You’re fighting instinct and impulse control with this one. Reward generously when they comply as they learn this command. You’re teaching them that doing as their told is even better than the treasure they just snatched.

9) Heel

Ever been dragged around your neighbourhood by your dog? It’s a choice of going along or getting your arm ripped out of your socket. That is a definite advantage to a small dog but even they can become super-dog strong when they want to get somewhere and you’re in tow.

When to use: You can use this one on any dog walk. It can be especially useful in the Winter(or Spring) on icy sidewalks, or when you’re somewhere new and your dog is trying to smell all the smells as quickly as possible.

Why? This one is probably for your safety more than your dog’s safety. Honestly, I’ve done face plants with dogs that aren’t taught to heel. Walking nicely beside you instead of pulling you around like they’re a sled dog sounds so much more appealing, doesn’t it?

Leash manners are a important. And maybe I just need to practice more. But if I had to pick a command that’s the most difficult for me to teach and practice with my dogs, it would be the “Heel” command. Maybe that’s just me. But I promise to work on it and you should, too.

10) Okay

This is your release command. Honestly, you can pick any word you like such as “go”, “free”, “done”, or “go for it”. Take your pick but be consistent.

When to use: This is your release for other commands like “Sit”, “Stay”, or “Wait”. It basically lets them know their job is done and then can go back to regularly scheduled programming.

Why? This is their “job well done” ticket. If you don’t use this command, your dog will, technically, always have to break a command to move again.

Sometimes, I like to use this one with a little extra enthusiasm. They’ve controlled their impulses, have done as asked, and are now being set free. It’s sort of a pat on the back for your dog.

Practice, Practice, Practice

There’s no dog that’s perfectly trained. Even military and police dogs will have momentary lapses. They may come a lot closer to perfect but they also consistently practice.

Training can be an enrichment tool for your dog. For them, it can be a game. You just need to be calm, patient, and keep it fun. Practice in short sessions and accept the fact that they won’t be perfect every time but they can get better.

Sometimes, the distractions are too much or they’re just not in the mood. It’s okay. We’ve all been there. But stick with it and try another time.

Oh, and a point about those treats. Treats are a great tool to motivate most dogs. Dogs learn with food. That’s just good science.

But treats are a reward, not a bribe. Give them the treat after the desired behaviour happens, not before.

And, slowly, use praise as their reward and reduce the treats. Your dog loves your praise!

The more you practice these commands, the more confident you and your dog will be together. Your dog wants to please you. By following the commands, they will see that you’re pleased.

It lets them know what to do. You will know what to expect from them. It’s a total WIN-WIN.