Common Dog Commands
Common Dog Commands
Dog training is by no means an uphill climb. Even a first-time fur parent can succeed with the proper guidance and patience. You see, it may look like quite the challenge at first, especially when you have a highly active and stubborn furry buddy. But teaching them to follow your commands is necessary if you want them to rid of behavioural problems.
The basic goal of obedience training is learning how to communicate with your four-legged friend. This is where dog commands come in. By teaching your pup to follow commands through simple words and phrases, you can better control their behaviour inside and outside the home.
Here are common dog commands every dog companion should use:
1 – Sit
This is probably the first command you’ll teach your furry friend. It’s a great way to start because it’s relatively easy to do and usually doesn’t take long for dogs to learn. The “sit” command happens to be one of the most versatile dog commands as you can use it in various situations, i.e., when you’re getting their food ready or when you want them to stay put while you open the door.
2 – Down
The “down” command is very similar to the sit command, except your dog will be lying down on their belly instead of sitting upright. It’s a great way to teach your furry friend to relax, especially when they’re feeling anxious or excited. In other words, this command keeps dogs in place whenever you need them to stay put.
3 – Stay
The “stay” command has to do with safety more than anything else. You’ll use it to keep Fido from bolting or crossing the street when they’re off the leash. It’s also helpful when you have company over and don’t want your pup to bother them. When teaching your dog the stay command, ensure that they understand the sit and down commands first.
4 – Come
The “come” command is likely one of the essential dog commands you’ll teach your pup. It’s an effective way to recall them when they’re off the leash or if they’ve gotten away from you. This command is a tad more difficult to master, but it’s well worth it. It says a lot about your dog’s behaviour when they obey this command, especially when they’re in the presence of other animals.
5 – No
This command comes naturally – it’s a simple yet effective way to stop your pup from doing something they’re not supposed to be doing, i.e., chewing on furniture, shoes, or jumping on guests. It’s effective as an emergency brake of sorts when you need them to stop in their tracks immediately.
6 – Leave it
The “leave it” command is similar to the no command, except you’ll use it specifically when you want your dog to stop paying attention to something and move away from it. This is the command you’d use if your pup is fixated on a cat or another animal, and you don’t want them to start a fight or hurt other pets.
7 – Off
It’s an easy yet versatile command that every dog must be trained to obey. The “off” command is essential, especially if you have a dog who loves to jump on people. It’s also a great way to get them to stop doing something, like getting on the couch or bed.
8 – Stand
The “stand” command is relatively easy and usually doesn’t take long for dogs to learn. You can use this command when you’re getting their food ready or when you want them to stay put while you open the door. It’s also helpful when you have company over and don’t want your pup to bother them.
9 – Heel
The “heel” command is what you use when you want your dog to walk by your side, particularly when crossing the street or walking in a crowded area. It’s a crucial command to know, especially if you live in an urban area with lots of foot traffic. Don’t forget to praise your dog the first time they heel perfectly – it’ll encourage them to do it again.
10 – Drop it
The “drop it” command makes sense for your furry buddy because they’re constantly picking things up with their mouth – whether it’s their toys, food, or something they found just about anywhere. It’s an easy command to teach, and it’ll come in handy when you need your dog to drop whatever they have in their mouth, especially when they’re not supposed to have it.
Final thoughts
The key to the effective use of these dog commands is consistency and practice. The rationale is simple: the more you use a particular command, the more likely they will obey it.
You never should lose your temper when training your pup – they’ll eventually get it with time and patience. It’s monotonous, but if you learn how to have fun with obedience training, it’ll make the process easier for you and your pup. Be creative, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the time you spend with your pet while trying out these common dog commands.
