5 Basic Commands You Can Teach Your Dog

Who doesn’t like a dog who is well behaved and well trained. He behaves like a perfect gentleman in front of your guests. Neither does it bark nor does it pounce. Your dog earns the “most civil and courteous Dog”, and you are filled with all smiles.

But to earn this epithet also needs a well-programmed training for your dog. Regularly exercising your dog with simple basic commands will add your dog winning brownie points.

Tip for beginners: - Don’t forget to keep a treat handy to reward your doggie. A reward a day will the training go the easy way. Where nothing works, there works reward.

1.“Sit”

The most basic and the easiest for your dog to learn.  It is also easier for your dog to learn and better start with simpler commands for your dog.

To start withhold a treat or a ball attached to a string above your dog’s nose. Slowly move the string up, when your dog’s back lowers. Now command it to “Sit”. Repeat this exercise few more times, until your dog has mastered the commands. By continuously exercising this method on your dog will soon make it well accustomed with the command.

Once mastered, you can use this on your dog while on a walk or during some occasion, when you want your dog to sit and calm down.

2.“Come”

This command can prove to be your rescuer when your dog runs far from you. Dogs can often get out on a stroll if you have forgotten to close the door or when unleashed. This can be dangerous for your dog as it can fall prey to accident.

• Training your dog to come command becomes must in such cases.

To train your dog the basic “Come” command, tie a leash to your dogs neck. Make sure the leash is not too tight. This can cause discomfort to your dog, obstructing its learner process.

• Now still holding its leash, come down to your dog’s level and command it “Come”.
• When it follows you, reward it with a treat.

Repeat this process a couple of times. When your dog has mastered the command well, remove the leash and practice this command in safer places.

3.“Down”

Compared to rest of the commands, this can be difficult. This submissive posture can be bit authoritative to the dogs.

• To train your dog this command, place a mouth-watering treat (your dog’s favorite treat is preferable) attached to a string above your dog’s nose.
• Now slowly move your hand up to its face
• Let your dog sniff it.
• Now slowly move your hand downward, for your dog to follow.
• Slowly slide your hand along the ground, till your dog’s head follows its body.
• Once its face touches the ground, command him “down” and reward with the treat.

Repeat this process to make it accustomed to the command and give it enough time to master it. In case your dog tries to plunge to grab the treat, say “No” and take your hand away.

 Beware, pushing your dog to make it down will hit back on you. Remember patience and perseverance will take you a long way.

4.“Stay”

If your dog is well mastered with the “Sit” command, it's time to move forward with the next command. This command will help when your super energetic dog becomes all the more excited.

• Foremost, ask your dog to sit.
• Then open your palm, place it in front of it and say “Stay”.
• Once done, retreat back a few steps.
• If he stays at its place, it means it has well understood your command.
• (For this your dog fully deserves a treat.)
• Reward it with a treat.
• Increase your retreating steps and watch whether your dog stays in place.
• If it stays back, it surely deserves few more treats.
• Reward it with more treats.

Repeat this exercise few more times, and don’t forget to reward your pup even if it stays put even for a few seconds. It's mastering your command, that surely deserves applause.

5.“Leave it”

This treat can be truly helpful to keep your dog at bay when it gets excited when it gets its eyes on something intriguing its senses.

In the first level,

• Place a treat in both of your hands
• Enclose the treat and show it the enclosed fist. Now say “leave it”.
• Don’t stop it when it tries to lick, sniff, paw or bark to get its treat. Its better to ignore these behaviors.
• Wait for him to stop his antiques, once he is done with it, give him the treat placed on the other hand.
• Repeat this exercise, until your dog fully retreats away from your first fist and reward him for the same.

In second level,

• When your dog has fully mastered this command, now move to the second level.
• Instead of using the same treat, now use two different treats. Choose a treat one that is tastier (your dog’s favorite) and one that is less tastier.
•  Place the less attractive treat on the floor and say “Leave it”. Cover it with your hand.
• Wait and watch, till your dog loses all interest from the first treat and looks up at you.
• Those pleading innocent eyes will surely melt your heart. Reward your dog with the tastier treat and shower your love on it.
• Once he is done enjoying his reward, again start with the exercise.
• Place the less tastier treat on the ground, this time covering it partially. If your dog is showing disinterest, without trying to snatch it away raise your hand slowly and slowly, revealing the treat fully.
• If he still ignores it, move on to the next level and stand up. If your pooch still doesn’t try to grab the treat on you saying “Leave it”, pat your back you are successful in your mission.
• In case your dog tries to grab the treat once you stood up, cover it with your foot.

Repeat this for as many times, before your dog has well mastered your command. Be patient with your dog and do not push it to abide. Let it learn in its own pace. Keep trying, until it has fully mastered your commands.

If your dog has learned this 5 basic commands and also mastered it, now be calm, it has mastered itself for better communication with you. It’s much safer, obedient and intelligent now, all prepared to go on a joy ride with you.