Foundation of Good Behavior
These five commands form the foundation of a well-trained dog. Master them before moving on to advanced tricks.
1. Sit
The most fundamental command and often the easiest to teach.
How to teach it:
- Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose
- Move your hand up, allowing their head to follow
- As their bottom hits the ground, say “Sit”
- Reward immediately
Practice for 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times daily. Most dogs learn this in just a few sessions.
2. Stay
Teaching your dog to stay in place could save their life.
Progression:
- Start with 1-2 seconds at close range
- Gradually increase distance and duration
- Always return to release them (don’t call them to you)
3. Come
The most important safety command.
Tips for success:
- Start indoors with no distractions
- Use a long line outdoors for safety
- Never punish a dog for coming slowly - always reward
- Practice with increasing distractions
4. Down
Useful for calming excited dogs and preventing jumping.
Teaching method:
- Lure from sit position down to the ground
- Reward when elbows touch the floor
- Gradually phase out the lure
5. Leave It
Essential for preventing destructive behavior and keeping dogs safe.
When to use it:
- When your dog shows interest in forbidden items
- Before they pick up something inappropriate
- As prevention, not after the fact
Training Tips
- Keep sessions short: 5-10 minutes maximum
- Be consistent: Same words, same hand signals
- End on success: Always finish with a command they know
- Use high-value rewards: Small, soft treats work best
Ready for advanced training? Check out our training guides!