10 Basic Puppy Training Commands You Can Start Today

Training your puppy with basic commands is crucial for building a strong foundation of good behavior. These commands help ensure safety, structure, and a better relationship between you and your puppy. The goal of this post is to provide a list of essential puppy training commands and simple instructions on how to teach them effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Teaching basic commands establishes structure and communication.
• Training strengthens the bond between owner and puppy.
• Consistency and patience are key for successful training.

The Importance of Basic Commands

Building a Foundation for Good Behavior

• Establishing Structure and Communication: Basic commands help set clear boundaries and expectations. They make it easier for your puppy to understand what you want.
• Benefits for Safety and Day-to-Day Life: Commands like recall can prevent dangerous situations, like running into traffic. They also make everyday activities, like walking or visiting the vet, much smoother.

Strengthening the Bond with Your Puppy

• Enhancing the Relationship: Training sessions are a great way to bond with your puppy. They learn to trust and rely on you, which strengthens your relationship.
• Positive Interaction: Through training, you and your puppy engage in positive, rewarding interactions. This creates a strong, loving connection between you two.

10 Basic Puppy Training Commands

1. Crate

The “Crate” command involves teaching your puppy to enter their crate on command. This command is massively helpful in simplifying the crate training process. Additionally, crate training, in general, creates a safe space for your puppy and aids in potty and house training.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Hold your puppy facing the crate with the door open.
2. Toss treats towards the back and let your puppy go to eat the treats out of the crate. Reset and repeat this a few times.
3. While holding your puppy back, toss the treats in the crate. Say the command “crate” or “kennel!” Release your puppy immediately after saying the command.
4. Repeat this process until your puppy is running into the crate on command. Don’t forget to reward when they go in on command!

The Benefits of Using a Crate: Crates can provide a safe, comfortable space for your puppy and help with house training.

2. Sit

Teaching your puppy to sit is one of the easiest commands to teach. It’s a simple command that helps establish a foundation for good behavior. “Sit” is helpful in many situations, such as before mealtime, crossing the street, or greeting people.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.
2. Move your hand up, allowing their head to follow the treat and causing their bottom to lower.
3. Once they’re in a sitting position, say “Sit” and give them the treat along with praise.

Tips for Effective Training: Practice in short, regular sessions. Be patient and consistent.

3. Stay

“Stay” teaches your puppy to remain in place until you give another command. This command is important for keeping your puppy safe and under control in various situations, preventing them from running into dangerous areas or getting into trouble.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Ask your puppy to sit.
2. While they are seated, slowly take half a step back. If they stay, calmly give them a treat. If they break the stay, simply help them back into a sit (but give no reward).
3. Slowly take another step back and quickly reward them for staying.
4. After they get the basic idea, give it a name! Tell your puppy to “stay” before taking a step back. If they stay, give them a treat.
5. Gradually increase the distance and duration. But keep in mind – you’re training a puppy! Don’t focus so much on how long they can hold it. Save this command to build upon when they grow up a bit.

Tips for Increasing Duration and Distance: Start with short distances and gradually increase. Always reward for successful stays.

4. Come

“Come” is a recall command that brings your puppy to you. This command is essential for safety, especially in off-leash situations where you need to ensure your puppy returns to you immediately.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Put a long leash on your puppy and let them wander.
2. Make some noise to catch their attention. When they turn to look at you, cheer your puppy on and present them with treats. Repeat this several times.
3. As your puppy seems to understand the game, give it a name! “Fido, come!”
4. When they come to you, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.

Importance of a Reliable Recall: This command can save your puppy’s life. Practice it frequently in different environments. Always reward your dog for recall, no matter what!

5. Down

“Down” instructs your puppy to lie down on the ground. This command is useful for calming your puppy and keeping them in one place, making it easier to manage them in various situations.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Hold a treat in your hand and let your puppy sniff it.
2. Lower the treat to the ground. Your puppy should follow it and lie down. This can take some time for large breed puppies who may be slightly clumsy.
3. Once they’re down, say “Down” and give them the treat along with praise.

Pro tip: Be patient! Some puppies can be a bit slower to learn this and that’s okay.

6. Leave It

“Leave it” teaches your puppy to ignore or walk away from something. This command helps prevent your puppy from picking up harmful or unwanted items, keeping them safe and out of trouble.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Show your puppy a treat in your hand.
2. Say “Leave it” and close your hand. Wait until they lose interest.
3. Once they back away, give them a different treat with the other hand.

How to Use This Command to Prevent Unwanted Behaviors: Practice with various objects and in different settings.

7. Drop It

“Drop it” tells your puppy to release whatever is in their mouth. This command is important for safety, preventing them from swallowing dangerous items or ruining something they shouldn’t have.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Set your puppy up with a toy or chew they are interacting with. Be sure to have at least two identical rewards.
2. When your puppy has the chew, say “drop it” and offer the new chew in exchange. Your puppy should drop the old one. This applies to toys as well.
3. When they drop the item, give them the new reward and praise.

Prevent Resource Guarding: While this command is essential for safety reasons, it’s important not to overdo this, as it can create anxiety around the puppy’s possessions. Never take a chew away from a dog without trading for treats or something of equal value.

8. Walk

“Walk” is exactly what it sounds like. It instructs your puppy to walk beside you. This command is essential for loose leash walking and keeping your puppy close during walks, making the experience more enjoyable for both of you.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Start walking with your puppy on a leash.
2. Say “walk” and use treats to keep them walking beside you.
3. Reward them frequently for staying close and focused on you.
4. Keep the walks incredibly short. The beginnings of this command are all about quality over quantity.

Tips for Loose Leash Walking: Practice in short sessions and gradually increase the duration as your puppy’s focus improves.

9. Place

“Place” teaches your puppy to go to a designated spot and stay there. This command helps create a safe space for your puppy and teaches good manners, such as staying in one place during mealtime or when guests arrive.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lead your puppy to their bed or mat and say “Place.”
2. When they get on the bed, give them a treat and praise.
3. Teach your puppy to stay on their place just like the way I covered “Stay” earlier in this post (without the word “stay”).

Benefits for Creating a Safe Space: This command helps your puppy learn to stay in a designated area.

10. Wait

“Wait” tells your puppy to pause and not move until released. This command is useful for various situations, like waiting at the door or before crossing the street, ensuring they stay safe and controlled.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Ask your puppy to sit.
2. Hold up your hand and say “Wait.”
3. After a few seconds, release them with a treat and praise.

Difference Between “Stay” and “Wait”: “Wait” is usually for short periods and is often used when you want your puppy to pause for a moment.

Tips for Successful Training

Consistency and Patience

• Importance of Regular Practice: Consistency is key to effective puppy training. Make sure to practice commands regularly to reinforce good behavior.
• Keeping Training Sessions Short and Positive: Puppies have short attention spans. Keep sessions brief (5-10 minutes) and end on a positive note to maintain their interest and enthusiasm.

Using Rewards and Reinforcement

• Different Types of Rewards: Use a variety of rewards such as treats, praise, and play. This keeps your puppy motivated and eager to learn.
• Timing and Fading Out Rewards: Give rewards immediately after your puppy performs the desired behavior. Gradually reduce the frequency of treats as they become more reliable with the commands, but always provide praise and affection.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Overcoming Frustration and Staying Patient: Training takes time. If you feel frustrated, take a break and try again later. Patience is crucial for both you and your puppy.
• Ensuring Clarity in Commands and Expectations: Use clear, consistent commands and avoid confusing your puppy with mixed signals. Make sure everyone in the household uses the same commands and techniques.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Puppy Not Responding to Commands

• Possible Reasons and Solutions: If your puppy isn’t responding to commands, it could be due to distractions, lack of understanding, or simply being tired. Ensure you are in a quiet environment free from distractions. Make sure your puppy is not too tired or overstimulated during training.
• Reviewing and Adjusting Training Methods: Sometimes, you might need to change your approach. Use more enticing rewards or try a different method of teaching the command. Consistency and patience are key.

Puppy Getting Distracted

• Tips for Minimizing Distractions During Training: Start training in a quiet, familiar place. Gradually introduce distractions as your puppy gets better at the commands. Keep training sessions short, no more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time, to maintain their focus.
• Gradually Increasing Distractions to Build Reliability: As your puppy becomes more proficient, slowly increase the level of distractions. Practice commands in different environments to ensure your puppy responds reliably in various situations.

Conclusion

Teaching your puppy basic commands is an essential part of raising a well-behaved dog. By establishing a routine, reinforcing behaviors, and staying patient, you can successfully teach your puppy commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and more. These commands not only ensure your puppy’s safety but also strengthen the bond between you and your new friend.

Remember, consistency and patience are key. Practice regularly, keep sessions short and positive, and adjust your methods as needed. With time and effort, your puppy will master these basic commands and become a well-behaved member of your family.

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