Dog Training > Dog Training > Dog Training Commands

Dog Training Commands

A well-behaved dog is welcomed almost anywhere. And if your dog knows some basic dog training commands, he's also a lot safer. There are times when it's important for him to not move, or to stay close by you. Teaching your dogs some dog training commands is not difficult. You'll need a supply of his favorite food treats and an area relatively free from distractions.

Training sessions should be fairly short--about five minutes for a puppy less than four months old, and no more than ten minutes for older puppies and adult dogs. Be sure to end your training session with something your dog knows how to do.

Five Dog Training Commands Your Dog Should Know

Sit. Every dog should learn to sit on command. This particular dog training command is one of the easiest to teach. Hold a treat in front of your dog's nose. Make sure he's looking at it. Give him your "sit" command and move the treat up until it's over your dog's head, then move it towards his tail. Most dogs will automatically sit down as they follow the treat in your hand. When this happens, praise you dog and give him the treat.

Down. Your dog needs to know your dog training command for "sit" before he learns "down." When your dog is in the "sit" position, again hold a treat in front of his face and make sure it has his full attention. Give the "down" command, while at the same time moving your hand with the treat down to the ground, then away from him along the ground. As he follows the treat with his eyes, he will most likely lie down. When he does, praise him and reward him with the treat.

Stay. The dog training command "stay" can be extremely useful. There will likely be many situations where you'll be glad your dog can "stay." Often this dog training command is linked with "sit" or "down" but it's also possible to for a standing dog to "stay." In this example, we'll assume your dog is sitting. Open your hand and put your open palm about six inches in front of his nose. Give him your command for "stay," move back one step, then return immediately. Praise your dog for staying and give him a treat. Do it again, this time moving back two steps. Gradually increase the distance between you and your, and also work on increasing the amount of time he must "stay." Once this is going well, start to add some distractions.

Recall. The "recall" dog training command is a technical way of saying your dog will come when you call him. It's not the easiest dog training command to teach, but it is one of the most important. Start with your dog in a sitting position a few feet away. Then say his name and give him your recall command. You should be enthusiastic and happy. When your dog reaches you, welcome him, praise him, and give him a treat.

Off. This is the dog training command you'll use when you want your dog to stop doing whatever he's doing, whether it's pawing through the garbage or starting to eat some strange food. Put your dog's favorite toy a few feet away from him. When he start to get it, pick it up and give your "off" command. More than likely, he'll look at you in surprise. When he does, praise him, then give him the toy. Keep doing it until he drops the toy on command.

With just a few minutes every day, your dog will quickly master these basic dog training commands and be ready for more. The bond between you and your dog will grow, and you'll never have to apologize for your dog's behavior.