5 Simple Commands to Teach Your Dog

Training your dog is not about turning them into a robot. Instead, it is about giving them the skills they need to live a balanced, happy life and to build a relationship based on trust and respect with you. To start this journey, basic commands can be a great help: they teach us to cooperate with our dog, to understand them and listen to them, turning simple exercises into moments of connection and shared understanding.

Basic commands are the first shared language between you and your dog. A starting point that, while simple, helps build the foundation for a deeper communication and a more balanced everyday life. These commands are usually taught through luring, a technique where food is used to guide the dog into performing a specific action.

Choosing the Right Reward
Rewards play a key role in helping your dog understand and enjoy the learning process. The best reward is something your dog finds highly motivating and is excited to work for.

Rewards play a key role in helping your dog understand and enjoy the learning process. The best reward is something your dog finds highly motivating and is excited to work for.

While some dogs can be successfully trained using their regular kibble, many respond better to soft, highly palatable treats that are quick and easy to eat. Choose rewards that are appealing to your dog without significantly affecting their daily diet. Soft treats are often a great option, as they can be consumed quickly and help maintain focus during training sessions.

To ensure proper learning, it is important to follow a clear sequence:

1. Verbal command
2. Hand gesture (visual cue)
3. Reinforcement (reward)

This order helps the dog gradually understand the verbal cue. Dogs naturally understand gestures more easily, since visual communication is closer to their own way of interacting.

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How to Teach Your Dog Essential Skills

Sit

• Execution

Take a few steps backward while encouraging the dog to follow the treat. Stop, then slowly raise your hand above the dog's head and slightly backward. As the dog follows the treat with their nose, they will naturally sit down.

• When to reward

Immediately as the dog sits.

• How to correct mistakes

If the dog stands up or does not sit, simply repeat the exercise. If the dog continues not to understand, it is better to pause and try again later rather than forcing the learning process.

Down

• Execution

Starting from the sit position, guide the dog with an L-shaped movement. Lower the treat straight down to the ground between the dog's front paws, then slowly move it forward along the floor, away from the dog's chest. As the dog follows the treat, they will naturally lower themselves into a lying position. Make sure there is enough space in front of the dog.

• When to reward

As soon as the dog lies down.

• How to correct mistakes

If the dog stands up or does not go down, repeat calmly. If the dog is struggling, it is better to stop and try again at another time.

Heel (walking close to you)

• Execution

Guide your dog to stay beside you, holding treats in one hand, and start walking. The goal is for the dog to remain at your side during movement.

• When to reward

After a few seconds of staying beside you, reward the dog. Gradually increase the duration over time.

• How to correct mistakes

If the dog gets distracted, stops, or moves ahead of you, it is part of the learning process. Gently guide them back to your side and continue. If the dog keeps wandering off, reward them as soon as they return to you. Using a leash can help at the beginning. Start in a low-distraction environment to make learning easier.

Stay

• Execution

This command should be practiced both in a sit and a down position. At the beginning, keep the leash on. Stand in front of your dog, hold up a hand as a signal, and take a few steps backward. Start with very short distances and gradually increase them. Eventually, remove the leash.

• When to reward

Only reward the dog when you return to them.

• How to correct mistakes

Avoid using the dog’s name during this exercise, as it may be interpreted as a recall cue. If the dog gets up or comes toward you, calmly bring them back to the required position. This is a more advanced exercise that requires patience and consistency.

Recall (coming when called)

• Execution

Start in a low-distraction environment. Allow your dog to move a short distance away, then call them using your chosen recall cue in a happy, inviting tone. You can encourage them by moving backward a few steps or opening your arms. As your dog comes toward you, remain positive and make returning to you rewarding. Gradually practice in more distracting environments and at greater distances.

• When to reward

Reward immediately when your dog reaches you. Use high-value rewards and praise, especially during the early stages of training.

• How to correct mistakes:

If your dog does not come immediately, avoid repeating the cue excessively or showing frustration. Give them time to respond and reward them when they arrive, even if they are slow. If recall is unreliable, reduce distractions, shorten the distance, and practice in easier situations before increasing difficulty again.

Important notes

• Don’t call your dog only to end playtime or leave the park. Occasionally call them, reward them generously, and then allow them to continue playing.
• Never punish a dog for coming back late. Punishment can create negative associations with recall and make the dog less likely to return in the future.

A quick note: these exercises are helpful tools, but they're not a cure-all for issues like leash pulling or recall struggles. Often, what really makes the difference is making sure your dog gets enough time outdoors, with the freedom to move, sniff, and explore.

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