10 essential dog commands your pup needs to know

Learning how to teach your Fido essential dog commands can improve not only his behavior but his life. A well-trained and well-behaved dog is a happier and healthier dog.

Along with proper nutrition, prevention from skin allergies or dog ear infection, and regular vet check-ups, knowing how to train your dog is key to helping him become a happier and more active canine companion.

Use these tips to teach your pup 10 essential dog commands.

Essential dog commands: Dog’s Name

The very first thing you must teach your dog is his name. This command is vital as you will address your pup by his name in any other dog commands that you teach him. You will know whether he responds well to this command when your dog looks at you when he hears his name. As a rule of thumb, it would be helpful to provide your pooch with a reward or give him praise whenever he does what you command.

Come

The “come” command can be started by putting a collar or leash to your Fido. In a certain distance away from him, say “come” while you are gently pulling the leash towards your direction. Once the dog comes to you, make sure to reward him a treat or praise him. The goal of the “come” command is to protect your dog from getting into trouble.  Keep in mind that you need to practice this activity in an enclosed area so your dog will become more familiar.

Down

Begin executing this command by finding an excellent smelling treat to entice your dog. Hold the treat with a closed hand, then move it closer to your dog’s nose. Let him sniff it while carefully moving your hand towards his nose so that your dog will then follow. Gradually slide your hand with a treat along the floor to encourage your Fido to follow the food until he assumes a lying or down position. Once your dog is in a lying position, say “down.” Do this command repeatedly. This exercise is beneficial to address your dog’s behavioral problems or calm down a hyperenergetic Fido.

Leave it or No

A “no” or “leave it” command prevents your dog from eating something accidentally that might also put him in great danger. To teach your dog, begin by holding treats on both hands. Move the first hand closer to your Fido’s nose and allow him to sniff it. Say “leave it” or “no.” Ignore your dog’s behavior when he is trying to bark or grab the hand with the treat. Once your dog loses interest, that is the perfect time to give him the treat from the second hand.

Watch me or Look

Make sure to establish eye contact when executing a “watch me” or “look” command. To do this exercise, offer your Fido a treat while gradually moving your hand closer to his nose. Give the “watch me” or “look” command when you get his attention. Reward or praise him as he is doing a great job.

Take it and Drop it

Give the “take it” command from the time that your Fido is willing to catch a thing and opens his mouth. Let him play with it, then carefully introduce a second object, which is an exact duplicate of the first one. By the moment that your dog grabs the second object and drops the first one, give the “drop it” command. Say “take it” when he opens his mouth to catch the second object.

Sit and Stay

This activity is a combination of dog commands. Start with the “sit” command by offering your dog a treat close to his nose. Gradually move up your hand holding the treat, so your Fido will follow the direction of your hand. When he is in a natural sitting position, give the “sit” command. By the time that your pooch learns the “sit” command, teach the “stay” command. Begin to open the palm of your hand then give the “stay” command. Make sure to repeat these exercises and give your dog a treat or praise.

Stand

Begin the “stand” command by teaching your dog to “sit.” Holding a treat in your hand, gradually move your hand closer to your dog’s nose forward then down. Once your Fido followed the direction of your hand holding a treat, carefully move your hand until your pooch assumes a standing position. Give the “stand” command.

Wait

The “wait” command is beneficial to teach your dog not to run away or move until you say so. To execute this exercise, give the “sit” command while your Fido is in front of your car or any closed doors. While pointing your fingers upward and opening the palm of your hand, say “wait.” Repeat this exercise until your Fido masters it.

Heel

The goal of the “heel” command is to teach your dog in behaving appropriately when he is beside you. To do this activity, start by holding the leash of your Fido with your right hand. Using your left hand, make sure to guide him while he is walking and commanding him to sit. While holding the treat with your left hand, give the “heel” command. Make a few steps while guiding him so that he can master the exercise.

Essential dog commands: Final thoughts

Proper dog training and obedience are beneficial to your Fido’s health. It would not only make him physically active, but it also triggers mental stimulation. As a responsible pet owner, it is your goal to mold your canine companion into a well-behaved and well-disciplined member of your family using these essential dog commands.