5 Dog Basic Commands Every Dog Should Learn
Dogs can learn a lot of tricks but here are the 5 dog basic commands that your dog or every dog should learn. Teaching your dog these basic commands is not just to showcase their talent but to discipline them. Doing so will assure that you and your dog live a harmonious life.
It is difficult when you cannot control your dog. This is not just a challenge to you but can be detrimental to you and your dog’s safety.
So if your dog has not learned these commands, it is time to teach now.
Sit
Sit is the easiest dog command to teach your dog. So teaching this command is a good one to start training your dog.
To teach this command, here’s what to do:
> Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose
> Move your hand up making your dog’s head follow the hand holding the treat. This will cause his bottom to go down.
> Once your dog is in sitting position say ‘sit’ and give him the treat. Also show some affection.
Repeat this sequence several times a day until your dog masters it. You can use this command on your dog before mealtime, going out for walks and other situations you want your dog to be calm and in sitting position.
Stay
The next level command to sit is Stay. Your dog should master sit before you teach Stay.
> Ask your dog to Sit.
> Then open your palm in front of you where you dog can see it and say Stay.
> Take a couple of steps back. Give him a treat and affection if he stays.
> Try to take more steps before giving another treat.
> Remember to reward your pet even if staying in position for a few seconds.
Stay may take some time to learn as your dog will learn self-control. This can be a challenge when you have a high-energy dog or puppy. As dogs don’t want to be sitting and waiting.
Come
The Come command is important for you and your dog. Come will keep your dog out of trouble in case your dog escapes from the leash or you forgot to close the gate or front door.
Here’s what to do to teach your dog this command:
> Put a leash on your dog.
> Take your dog to a place where interesting things can be seen but don’t let him roam around.
> Go down to the dog’s level and say ‘Come’ and gently pull on the leash.
> When he gets to you, reward with treat and affection.
You can remove the leash once your dog has mastered the command. Practice in an enclosed area first until your dog can come to you at your command.
Leave It
This command will teach your dog to leave anything that will intrigue him but can be dangerous. You want your dog to ignore whatever it is on the ground knowing that he will get something better from you.
Here are the possible ways to teach this command:
> Place a treat in both of your hands.
> Show your dog one enclosed fist with a treat inside and say Leave it.
> Allow your dog to snick, lick, paw or even bark at your closed fist but ignore the behavior.
> When your dog stops the curious behavior, give him a treat from your other hand.
> Repeat this process until your dog moves away from the first fist when you say ‘Leave it’.
> Give the treat only when your dog moves away from the first fist and looks up at you.
Down
The Down command is one of the more difficult commands to teach your dog. This is a submissive position. Make sure to keep the training positive and relaxed especially when you are handling anxious dogs.
To teach this command, you can do the following:
> Prepare a good smelling treat and hold it close in your fist.
> Move your hand near your dog’s snout. When you dog sniffs the treat, move your hand to the floor and allow your dog’s head to lower down.
> Then slide your hand along the ground in front of your dog to encourage his body to follow the down position of his head.
> Once your dog is in the down position, say Down. Give a treat and don’t forget to show affection.
Practice this command everyday. Say No when your dog tries to sit up or lunges toward your hand. Encourage your dog every step of the training in learning the right position.
Training your dog basic commands may need time. But this will be time well spent in the long run. Make an effort to teach these dog basic commands and you will see the benefits for doing so.
Learn more about training your dogs at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Enjoy peace of mind,
Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC
“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client
Sources:
https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/obedience/5-essential-commands-you-can-teach-your-dog
http://www.petful.com/behaviors/basic-commands-your-dog-should-know/
https://www.canidae.com/blog/2016/10/7-basic-commands-every-dog-should-know/
