3 Basic Dog Commands Every Pup Needs To Learn

You probably know you can’t teach an old dog new tricks; therefore, you should be more adamant about training your new dog on right and wrong. Early training creates a lifetime of good behavior, and starting small is the best way to create a foundation for more complicated commands. Teach your four-legged friend these three basic dog commands every pup needs to learn before moving on to larger feats.

“Sit”

Sit is probably the very first command that all dogs should learn. It’s the basis of all other orders, and it’s a relatively easy one to start with. The best way to get your pup to sit is to hold a treat in front of them and slowly move it above their head; they will follow it and lower their bottom to the ground as a result. Once they’re in the desired position, say “Sit” and reward them with the treat.

For the best results, repeat this a few times every day until they’ve mastered it. With time and lots of treats, your pup will sit for you on command.

“Come”

Training your dog to come to you on command comes in handy for many situations, and it’s a good one to keep in your back pocket for trips and spending time outdoors. However, you should be sure they’ve mastered the sit command before moving on to this one.

Start by sitting down right in front of your pup, and tell them to sit first. Once they sit, start saying “Come” until they come to you. When they do, give them lots of treats and praise, and repeat it a few times each day until you can increase your distance apart and they still come to you directly on command.

“Heel”

Teaching your dog to heel isn’t a typical basic command, but it should be. Without it, taking your pup for a walk can be a nightmare. This command teaches dogs to walk next to you with their head level with your knee and not pull you around with their leash. Give your pup a treat for staying calm and close to your leg, and then get a step ahead of them to encourage them to catch up using another treat.

To make training your dog to heel easier on yourself, consider a dog-walking fanny pack to carry multiple treats and waste bags while keeping your hands free. Going on frequent walks is the best way to get your dog used to being on a leash and staying close by your side.

These three basic dog commands every pup needs to learn can make your life easier as their owner. Early training ensures you’ll have a well-behaved dog, and you can gradually add to the commands they know. Not to mention, training a tiny pup is much easier than trying to control a poor-behaved massive dog.