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5 ESSENTIAL DOG COMMANDS

Do you want to teach your dog the best commands? Teaching your dog basic dog training commands can help you deal with any behavior issues your dog may have now or in the future.

So, where do you begin when it comes to teaching your dog commands? Although attending a class may be useful to both you and your dog, there are many dog training commands that you may teach your dog at home. We've put up a list of dog instructions that both you and your dog will love.




1. Sit

Teaching your dog to sit is one of the most fundamental dog commands to teach so it’s a good place to start. A dog who has been taught the "Sit" command will be considerably calmer and easier to handle than one who has not. The "Sit" command also prepares your dog for more difficult commands like "Stay" and "Come."



Here's how you can teach your dog to "Sit":

1. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose

2. Move your hand up, to allow his head to follow the treat.

3. Say "Sit," give him the treat, and show affection once he's in a sitting posture.

Repeat this pattern several times a day until your dog understands it. Then, before mealtimes, walks, and other situations when you'd like him you'd like your dog to be calm and seated, ask him to sit.


2. Come

The word "come" is another important command for your dog to learn. This command comes in useful when you lose your hold on the leash or leave the front door open by mistake. This command is simple to teach and will assist in keeping your dog out of danger.


1. Put a leash and collar on your dog

2. Gently pull its leash and go down to his level and say “Come”

3. Reward him with affection and a treat when he comes.

4. Remove the leash once he's learned it and continue practicing the command in a secure, enclosed area.




3. Down

One of the most challenging dog training commands to teach is “Down”. This command may be difficult for your dog to understand since it requires him to be in a submissive position. Create a positive and relaxing training environment for your dog, especially if he or she is fearful or anxious. Also, remember to constantly reward your dog when he successfully follows the command.

1. Hold a delicious goodie in your closed fist.

2. Hold your hand up to the snout of your dog. Move your hand to the floor when he sniffs it, so he follows.

3. Then, in front of him, move your hand along the ground to urge his body to follow his head.

4. Say "Down," give him the reward, and show affection after he's in the down posture.

Repeat this training every day. Say "No" and pull your hand away if your dog attempts to sit up or lunge towards your hand. Don't force your dog into a down position and reward every step he takes in the right position. After all, he's putting in a lot of effort to figure it out!



4. Stay

The "Stay" command, like the "Sit" command, helps you to control your dog. This command is helpful in several situations for instance when you want your dog to stay out of the way. Make sure your dog understands the "Sit" command before attempting to teach him this command.

- To begin, ask your dog to "Sit."

- Then say "Stay" while opening your palm in front of you.

- Back up a few steps. If he remains, reward him with a treat and attention.

- Before offering the treat, gradually increase the number of steps you take.

- Even if it's only for a few seconds, always reward your dog.

This is a self-control exercise for your dog, so don't give up if it takes some time to learn, especially for pups and high-energy dogs. After all, most dogs would rather be active than sitting and waiting.



5. Leave it

When your dog is curious for instance when he smells something intriguing but possibly dangerous on the ground, you can keep your dog safe with this last command. The idea is to teach your dog that he gets something even better for ignoring the other item.

- Place a treat in both hands

- As you show him one enclosed fist with the reward inside, say “Leave it”.

- Ignore the licking, sniffing, mouthing, pawing, and barking to receive the treat.

- Give him the reward from the other hand after he has stopped trying.

- When you say "Leave it," your dog should move away from the first fist.



You're ready to step it up a level whenever your dog consistently walks away from the first goodie and gives you eye contact when you say the command. Don't rush the process of teaching any of these dog training commands to your puppy. If you take it up a notch and he's still having a hard time, go back to the previous step.


To find the perfect treats for training sessions: https://www.petprinces.com/treats-snacks


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