5 Essential Commands To Teach Your Dog

The first thing a dog needs to learn is discipline and respect, which is defined by the energy and basic directions the parent gives to his dog – however, a disciplined dog also requires basic training, which any parent can provide as a means of avoiding dogs behavioural problems. These are the 5 essential dog commands you must teach your dog.

Sit

A command that may be taught by placing a reward close to the dog’s nose (to let him smell it better) and then moving the treat higher – encouraging him to follow the treat. The dog, on the other hand, is unable to catch the treat since he is in a sitting posture that allows him to pull his head up in order to follow the treat, and it is at this point that you offer the instruction “Sit” – together with the reward and by demonstrating affection for the dog. The technique must then be repeated until the dog understands the command correctly.

 This command is especially important since it prevents negative dog behaviours like stopping by to get into a fight with other dogs on the street or jumping on humans when out on a walk. This command will cause the dog to sit and not move from its current posture. With an “Okay” or “Brake,” command, release or set the dog free.

Recommended For You: How To Teach a Dog To Sit

Down

This is a difficult dog command since it puts the dog in a passive stance. The command may be taught by placing a good-smelling treat in a closed hand and putting it close to the dog’s nose. When the dog smells it, move the hand to the floor and the dog will follow. You then slide your hand around the floor to get him to follow the food in a laid-on posture. 

 The activity must be done numerous times daily for the dog to understand the command, and if the dog tries to grasp the treat with force, say “No.” With an “Okay” or “Brake,” command release or set the dog free.

Stay

This command is taught by first asking the dog to “Sit,” then placing a treat under his nose and commanding him to “Stay,” then taking a few steps away. If the dog remains and waits, reward him with a treat; if he does not, say “No” and take a few more steps away from him so he can tell when he is doing the exercise correctly and when he is not.

 The exercise must be done multiple times daily for the dog to effectively understand the command. This command is effective because it maintains the dog’s self-control, which is especially important in hyper-energetic dogs.

Leave It

You may teach this instruction by holding a treat in both hands. Putting one hand near the dog’s face – allowing him to smell and lick it – and commanding him to “Leave it.”

 The dog will lick and smell the treat at first, and may even bark to get it, but he will ultimately lose interest. That’s when you’ll hand over the treat you’ve been hiding on the other closed hand.

 Repeat the exercise until the dog abandons the first treatment as soon as he hears “Leave it,” and when he returns for the second treat, you give him and show affection. This activity must be done every day until the dog knows it completely.

Come

This command may be taught by placing a collar and leash on your dog at a set distance from you and commanding him to “Come” towards you while pulling the leash a little. You must offer the dog a treat as soon as he approaches you to make him aware of the aim of the activity – since the dog associates the treat with the exercise.

 This activity should be done multiple times a day, and when you’re ready to release the dog, simply say “Okay” and show him attention.

 This is a valuable activity because it can defend the dog if he is attempting to get into problems with other dogs, if he runs away in the streets, or if he is attacked by other dogs.

 Keep in mind that the following commands, when used correctly by the dog parent, can be a lot of fun for both the dog and the parent, as well as making their lives easier and more joyful. Happy Training!