5 Basic Commands a Dog Should Know

While spending time with your dog, you can try to teach your dog certain commands. Training makes life with a dog delightful and soothing. Having a well-trained dog will allow him to join your activities like vacations, walks in the park, guests' visits, having coffee at a pet-friendly cafe, and many more.

There are some basic dog commands that every dog should know. These commands will help you keep your dog's behavior under control. Also, your pup will be more disciplined. Plus, a well-trained doggo is happier.

In some cases, these commands may save your dog from dangerous situations.

There’s plenty of things you can teach your pup if you are motivated and have enough time to learn him some simple commands that can make both of your lives much easier.

Teach your dog some simple and essential commands in just a few steps:

1. Sit

One of the most frequently used commands for dogs is "SIT". This command is usually the first command people teach their pups.

This command plays an important role in dealing with unwanted behavior.

How to teach a dog to "sit" in 4 steps:

1. Hold a tasty treat above your dog's head
2. Command out loud: "Sit!" & move it behind his head until he sits
3. When he sits, reward your pup with a treat. Don't forget to praise and scratch him
4. Repeat!

"Sit" is absolutely useful in everyday life with your dog!

Here you can find a full article about the "Sit" command!

2. Stay

The "Stay" command can be useful in many situations. It can save your dog life by preventing him from dangerous situations, keep distance while feeding another dog or it can keep him out from under your feet.

If teach your dog this command, he can well-behave in public, but at home, too. It may also allow you to let your dog off the leash in certain situations when it must stay still.

1. Stand right in front of your dog
2. Hold your hand, slowly take a small step back
3. If he moves toward you, loudly say: "No!"
4. When he do the "stay", reward him with the treat
   Follow the treat with lots of chin and ear scratches.
   6. Repeat!

3. Down

"Down" is one of the best commands for dogs to practice self-control and for building respect. Moreover, it helps a pup feel calmer.

This command is also an important part of many tricks and canine sports activities.

1. Take a delicious smelly treat or something your dog loves the most in your hand
2. Put it in the front of your dog to smell it
3. Move the treat to the ground and say: "Down!"
4. Practice down" with the treat until your pup lies down
5. Repeat!

4. Wait

"Wait" command is one of the basic commands, but one of the hardest, too. This command tells your dog to focus on you, remain where he is and do not advance until you release him.

Here's a quick trick to learn your dog the"wait" command:

1. Ask a person to stay outside the door, you and your dog remain inside
2. Ask that person to open the door
3. If your dog goes towards that person, just shut the door and say: "Wait!"
4. Reward you dog only when he understands the command
5. Repeat!

5. Come

The "Come" command is really useful because it can save your dog from situations like fights, slipping out of his leash. Or, you can just use it to call your dog for play or another activity you want to have with him.

Remember to ask your dog to "Come" for good things and in this way he always be happy to come on command.

1. Leash your dog
2. Stay across from him and loudly say: "Come!"
3. Gently pull the leash and give him the treat
4. Repeat!

Each dog is different, just as each pet parent is different. Your dog might learn at the pace of light or go a bit slower. Remember the story of the Tortoise and the Hare — both are OK!

Remember: Each dog is different, so you have to be patient if your dog doesn't learn the command easier and fast. In the end he will!

On the next article! Paws & love! 🐾