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5 basic commands that every dog should learn (and how to teach them)

Education

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January 20, 2025

Training your dog not only improves their behavior but also reinforces the bond between you both. Basic commands are essential to ensure your dog's safety and promote harmonious coexistence. Below, we explain how to teach the 5 essential commands that every dog should know.

Training your dog not only improves their behavior but also reinforces the bond between you both. Basic commands are essential to ensure your dog's safety and promote harmonious coexistence. Below, we explain how to teach the 5 essential commands that every dog should know.

Training your dog not only improves their behavior but also reinforces the bond between you both. Basic commands are essential to ensure your dog's safety and promote harmonious coexistence. Below, we explain how to teach the 5 essential commands that every dog should know.

Training your dog not only improves their behavior but also reinforces the bond between you both. Basic commands are essential to ensure your dog's safety and promote harmonious coexistence. Below, we explain how to teach the 5 essential commands that every dog should know.

1. Sit

The command "sit" is one of the most important because it helps control your dog's enthusiasm and encourages their attention.

How to teach it:

  1. Take a treat and hold it in front of your dog's snout.

  2. Slowly, move the treat up and back over their head. This will make them instinctively sit.

  3. As soon as their bottom touches the ground, say "sit" and give them the treat as a reward.

  4. Repeat the process several times a day until they associate the word with the action.


  1. 2. Stay

The command "stay" is key to keeping your dog in one place, preventing accidents or dangerous situations.

How to teach it:

  1. Ask your dog to sit.

  2. Show the palm of your hand in front of them as a visual signal and say "stay" firmly.

  3. Step back a few steps. If they stay still, come back and reward them.

  4. Gradually increase the distance and the time they stay still before receiving the reward.

  5. If they get up, start over from the beginning.

3. Come here ("Come")

This command is essential to ensure that your dog returns to you in any situation.

How to teach it:

  1. Use a long leash in an open and safe space.

  2. Step away from your dog, crouch down slightly, and say "come" enthusiastically.

  3. When he comes to you, praise him and give him a reward.

  4. Practice it both on the leash and off to associate it in any context.

4. Down ("Down")

The "down" command is ideal for calming your dog and promoting their tranquility.

How to teach it:

  1. Hold a treat near your dog's snout.

  2. Slowly and gently, lower the treat to the ground, encouraging them to follow it with their body.

  3. When they lie down completely, say "down" and give them the reward.

  4. Repeat several times a day until they associate the word with the action.

5. Leave it

This command is essential to prevent your dog from picking up something potentially dangerous or inappropriate.

How to teach it:

  1. Place a treat in your closed hand and show it to your dog.

  2. When they try to take it, say "leave it" and wait for them to stop.

  3. As soon as they back away or stop trying to take it, praise them and give them a different treat as a reward.

  4. Practice with objects on the ground once they master the initial version.

Final tips for training:

  • Short sessions: Train your dog in sessions of 5-10 minutes to prevent boredom or frustration.

  • Patience and consistency: Some commands may take longer to learn, but with dedication, you will see results.

  • Positive reinforcement: Always reward good behavior with treats, pets, or praise.

With these basic commands, not only will you have a more obedient dog, but also a happy and balanced companion. Start training today and enjoy the process!

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