5 Basic Commands Every Dog Should Know

Training your dog isn't just about party tricks—it's about building communication, trust, and ensuring their safety in a human-centric world. Mastering a few fundamental commands forms the bedrock of a well-adjusted, confident dog.

1. Sit

"Sit" is usually the first command a dog learns. It acts as a polite "please" in the dog world and is an excellent default behavior to replace jumping.

How to teach it: Hold a treat close to your dog's nose. Move your hand up and back over their head, allowing their head to follow the treat and causing their bottom to lower. Once they are in a sitting position, say "Yes!" and give them the treat.

2. Down

"Down" is a more relaxed, submissive position than sitting. It's incredibly useful for teaching your dog to settle at a cafe or while you eat dinner.

How to teach it: Start with your dog in a Sit. Hold a treat to their nose and slowly lower it straight down to the floor, then slowly pull it away from them along the floor. When their elbows touch the ground, mark and reward.

3. Stay

"Stay" teaches your dog impulse control. A solid stay can prevent your dog from bolting out the front door or jumping out of the car prematurely.

How to teach it: Ask your dog to Sit or Down. Open the palm of your hand in front of you and say "Stay." Take one step back. If they stay, step back to them, mark, and reward. Gradually increase the distance and duration over many training sessions.

4. Come (Recall)

A reliable recall is arguably the most important, life-saving command you can teach your dog. It keeps them safe if they slip off-leash or encounter danger.

How to teach it: Put a leash on your dog. Crouch down, open your arms, say "Come," and gently pull on the leash. When they get to you, reward them with a high-value treat and lots of affection. Always make coming to you the best choice they can make.

5. Leave It

"Leave it" tells your dog not to pick up or interact with an item. This is vital if they try to eat something toxic on a walk or grab your dropped medication.

How to teach it: Place a lower-value treat in a closed fist and present it to your dog. Let them sniff and lick it, but don't open your hand. The moment they pull their nose away or stop trying to get it, say "Yes!" and reward them with a better treat from your other hand.

Practising Commands for Everyday Safety

Use these dog commands in the moments they matter most: ask for a sit before clipping on the leash, practise wait before a doorway opens, and reward a recall on a long line in a secure, low-distraction space. Build each skill indoors first, then add real-life distractions gradually. Reliable responses come from many successful repetitions, not from raising your voice when the environment becomes difficult.