Basic Commands Every Dog Should Know

Whether you train your canine companion yourself or you call in the pros, carving out time for age-appropriate training is a great way to boost your pet’s self-esteem while making your time together more rewarding. Plus, well-trained dogs are better equipped to socialize safely with the world around them. 

At The Urban Pet, we’re dedicated to caring for pets and their people, and with a few dog training tips and tricks, you can keep your dog safer while deepening the bond you share with your precious pooch. 

Basic Dog Training Commands

Social media may be full of dogs that dance, play basketball, and even surf, but teaching sit and stay plus a few other basic dog training commands are all your furry friend needs to learn to be the best version of himself.

Here are seven basic dog training commands that promote positive dog behavior and serve to keep your pet safe:

Sit: This fundamental command is useful when putting a harness on your dog, for calming him down, and when you need to keep him safe. 

Stay: This is a vital command for stressful or unsafe situations. 

Come: Teaching a dog to return to you when he hears his name is extremely important. 

Heel: This basic command helps your dog establish good walking habits by teaching him to match your pace. 

Down: This command is used when you want your dog to lie down (a calmer position for your dog than sitting). 

Drop It: A very useful command if your dog has something harmful or toxic in his mouth, or if he’s trying to steal your slipper!

Off: This tells your dog to get his paws off of someone or something. 

Dog Training Tips

Most dogs love to learn, particularly when their favorite treats are involved! These dog training tips will help you get started:

• Begin in a quiet room away from distractions.
• Keep sessions short—5 minutes max.
• Reward good behavior (don’t punish the bad).
• Be patient and stay positive.
• Give “partial credit.” Praise your pooch for small steps in the right direction to keep him motivated.
• Make sure everyone in the household knows the commands.
• As your dog gains confidence, try commands in other places where there are more distractions.
• Add a new command if your dog has mastered all the previous ones.
• Reinforce commands like Sit, Stay, and Drop It during playtime, so your pooch associates his training with positive interactions. 
• End on a positive note with a command your dog has mastered.

A Well-Trained Dog is a Happy Dog

Dogs that have mastered these basic dog training commands are less likely to run away, make better companions, and have less stressful—and safer—lives than untrained dogs. We are always happy to discuss training and socialization during your dog’s visit. Please contact our team at (615) 356-8993 if you’d like more dog training tips or if your dog is due for a checkup.