What Are The 7 Basic Dog Commands?
When you give a verbal command to a dog it should be combined with a visual motion. The first command, sit, is the easiest for a dog to learn. Just say sit and point down with your finger. Second is down or lay down. The dog becomes immobile. Third is Stay. This is essential to keep the dog from wandering into dangerous situations like a street. Fourth is come. Train your dog to come to you regardless of the activity the dog is engage in. Fifth is heel. Teaching a dog to walk next to you at your pace is for control of the dog and to keep the dog from running from you. Sixth is off. You want to keep your dog off of places it is not supposed to be like furniture. Seventh is no. Keep the dog from doing things it is not supposed to do.
Dogs are intelligent animals that thrive on structure and consistency. Teaching your dog basic commands can help you establish a strong bond with your pet while ensuring they are well-behaved and safe. There are many commands that you can teach your dog, but there are seven basic commands that every dog owner should know. In this article, we’ll discuss the seven basic dog commands and how to train your dog to follow them.
The “sit” command is one of the most basic commands you can teach your dog. It’s a versatile command that can be used in many situations, such as when you want your dog to sit still while you put on their leash or when you want them to sit before getting their food.
To train your dog to sit, start by holding a treat in front of their nose. Slowly move the treat up and back over their head, causing them to look up and sit down. As soon as your dog sits, give them the treat and praise them.
Repeat this process until your dog sits on command, without the need for a treat. Remember to always use positive reinforcement and praise your dog for good behavior.
The “stay” command is essential for keeping your dog safe in various situations, such as crossing the street or when there are strangers around.
To teach your dog to stay, start by commanding them to sit. Once they are sitting, place your hand in front of their face and say “stay.” Take a step back, and if your dog stays in place, reward them with a treat and praise. Repeat this process, gradually increasing the distance and duration of the stay.
If your dog gets up or moves before you release them from the stay command, simply start the process over again until they can stay in place for longer periods.
The “come” command is essential for calling your dog back to you when they are off-leash or have wandered too far away.
To teach your dog to come, start by using a long leash in a safe, enclosed area. Call your dog’s name and say “come” in a friendly, upbeat tone. When your dog comes to you, reward them with a treat and praise.
Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog, always rewarding them for coming to you. Once your dog is responding to the “come” command consistently, you can start practicing in new, unfamiliar environments.
The “down” command is useful for calming your dog down and keeping them still in various situations.
To teach your dog to lie down, start by commanding them to sit. Once they are sitting, hold a treat in front of their nose and slowly move it down towards the ground. As your dog follows the treat with their nose, their body will naturally lower to the ground. When your dog lies down, reward them with a treat and praise.
Repeat this process until your dog can lie down on command without the need for a treat.
The “heel” command is essential for keeping your dog safe when walking on a leash. It teaches your dog to walk calmly beside you without pulling or straying.
To teach your dog to heel, start by commanding them to sit beside you. Hold a treat in your hand and place it against your leg. As you start to walk forward, say “heel” in a calm, firm tone. Keep the treat close to your leg and reward your dog with the treat and praise when they stay beside you.
If your dog starts to pull or stray, stop walking and wait for them to come back to your side. Reward them for coming back before continuing to walk.
The “leave it” command is essential for keeping your dog safe from harmful objects or foods.
To teach your dog to leave something alone, start by placing a low-value treat on the ground in front of your dog. Say “leave it” in a firm tone and wait for your dog to look at you. As soon as they do, reward them with a high-value treat and praise.
Repeat this process, gradually increasing the value of the item you want your dog to leave alone. This command is also useful for teaching your dog to leave other animals alone or to stop chewing on something they shouldn’t be.
The “off” command is useful for teaching your dog to get off of people, furniture, or other objects. This command is especially important if your dog jumps on people, which can be dangerous and intimidating.
To teach your dog the “off” command, start by commanding them to sit or lie down. As they start to get up or jump, say “off” in a firm tone and turn away from them. When your dog gets off, reward them with a treat and praise.
Repeat this process, gradually reducing the need for a treat as your dog learns the command. Remember to praise your dog for good behavior and be consistent in your training.
Conclusion
Teaching your dog basic commands is essential for their safety, well-being, and your relationship with them. The seven basic commands discussed in this article are sit, stay, come, down, heel, leave it, and off. Remember to always use positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience when training your dog. With time and practice, your dog will learn these commands and become a well-behaved, happy companion.
