Essential Commands Every Dog Should Learn

Training your dog isn’t just about obedience — it’s about building trust, keeping them safe, and making everyday life easier for both of you. Whether you're raising a brand-new puppy or helping an older rescue settle in, teaching a few key commands can make a world of difference.

Here are the core commands we’ve personally found most useful in our homes, shelters, and with foster dogs. These are the ones we always prioritize — not because they’re trendy, but because they work in real life.

1. Sit
This is usually the first command we teach — and for good reason. It’s like a reset button for overexcited pups.

Here’s how we do it:

• Hold a treat just above your dog’s nose and slowly move it back over their head.
• As their nose goes up, their rear should go down. The second their butt hits the floor, say “sit” and reward.
• With practice, they’ll start offering the behavior even without the treat.

Once they’ve got it, start phasing out the treat and use praise instead. “Sit” becomes your go-to move for calming things down.

2. Stay
This one takes patience, but it’s key for safety — like waiting at the door instead of bolting into the street.

• Start with your dog in a sit.
• Hold your hand out like a stop sign and say “stay.”
• Take one step back. If they hold position, step back in and reward.
• Gradually increase distance and distractions.

We’ve found it helps to practice during calm moments first, then build up to busier environments.

3. Come
“Come” is a life-saver — literally. But it only works if your dog trusts it won’t lead to something negative.

• Call them in a happy voice while crouching down or holding a treat.
• When they reach you, reward generously. Don’t skimp here.
• Never call them to punish or end play. Always make “come” a party!

We’ve had the best luck practicing this indoors first, then moving outside on a long leash.

4. Down
This is great for calming a hyper dog and managing behavior in busy places.

• Start from a sit.
• Move a treat from their nose toward the ground between their paws.
• As they lie down, say “down” and reward.

Some dogs are resistant at first. Be patient and don’t force them — just reset and try again later.

5. Heel (or Loose Leash Walking)
We’ve both had leash-pullers, and teaching “heel” changed our walks overnight.

• With your dog on your left, hold a treat at your side and say “heel.”
• Take a step. If they stay by your side, reward.
• If they pull, stop walking. Don’t yank — just wait for them to return.

Start with short walks and slowly increase. Consistency is everything here.

6. Leave It
Whether it’s a chicken bone on the sidewalk or your favorite shoes, “leave it” is a command you’ll be glad you taught.

• Place a low-value treat on the ground and cover it with your hand.
• Say “leave it.” When your dog backs off or looks away, reward with a better treat.
• Practice with different objects and in real-life situations.

This one takes repetition, but it’s incredibly useful in everyday life.

7. Drop It
This is a go-to for keeping your dog from swallowing something dangerous or refusing to give up a toy.

• Offer a toy. Let them play for a moment.
• Then present a high-value treat and say “drop it.”
• When they release the toy, reward and praise.

We’ve used this successfully with everything from socks to sticks. Just make sure the trade is worth it!

8. Wait
Unlike “stay,” which means don't move until released, “wait” is more of a pause and check-in.

• Ask your dog to sit.
• Say “wait” and take a small step back.
• If they hold position, return and reward.
• Use it before crossing streets, opening car doors, or serving meals.

It’s especially handy in real-life situations. We use it daily.

9. Off
“Off” is for when your dog jumps on people or furniture. It’s different from “down” (which means lie down).

• When your dog jumps up, say “off” firmly.
• Once all four paws are on the ground, reward and praise.
• Stay consistent — don’t reward jumping with attention.

We’ve found this most effective when everyone in the household uses the command the same way.

10. Speak and Quiet
These go hand-in-hand and can help manage barking.

• Get your dog excited and say “speak.” Reward when they bark.
• Then say “quiet” and pause. When they stop barking, reward again.

It’s a fun trick but also a helpful way to teach self-control. Just be careful not to reward barking before you’ve added the cue.

11. Touch
“Touch” teaches your dog to bump your hand with their nose. It’s simple, fun, and surprisingly useful for focus and redirection.

• Hold out your hand and wait for your dog to sniff or touch it.
• When they do, say “yes!” and treat.
• Add the word “touch” once they’re consistently doing it.

We’ve used this to redirect leash-reactive dogs, guide shy pups, and even teach more advanced tricks.

Final Thoughts
You don’t need to teach every command at once. Start with 2 or 3, keep sessions short and positive, and always end on a win. Some dogs pick things up fast; others take more time. That’s okay.

Training isn’t about perfection — it’s about communication. And every minute you spend working with your dog builds your bond. Keep it fun, stay consistent, and celebrate the small wins. You’ve got this. 🐾