10 Essential Commands to Teach Your Puppy

Commanding your puppy

10 Essential Commands to Teach Your Puppy

 

As a new puppy owner, one of the most important things you can do to set your furry friend up for success is to teach them basic obedience commands. Not only will this make your life easier, but it will also help your puppy feel more confident and secure in their new home. Here are 10 essential commands to teach your puppy: 

1. Sit: This is a great command to start with because it’s easy to teach and can be used in a variety of situations. Hold a treat in front of your puppy’s nose and slowly raise it above their head. As their head goes up, their bottom should go down into a sitting position. Say “sit” and give them the treat. Check out our blog that helps you teach a puppy to sit.

2. Stay: Once your puppy has mastered the sit command, you can start working on stay. Ask your puppy to sit, then hold your hand up like a stop sign and say “stay.” Gradually increase the distance between you and your puppy, rewarding them with a treat if they stay in place. 

3. Come: This command is crucial for keeping your puppy safe and under control. Start by calling your puppy’s name and saying “come” in a happy, upbeat tone. When they come to you, reward them with a treat and plenty of praise. 

 

 

4. Down: This command is similar to sit, but requires your puppy to lie down on the ground. Hold a treat in front of their nose and slowly move it towards the ground. As they lower their head to follow the treat, their body should follow. Say “down” and give them the treat when they are lying down. 

5. Leave it: This command is useful for preventing your puppy from eating or picking up things they shouldn’t. Hold a treat in one hand and a less desirable item (such as a piece of paper) in the other. Say “leave it” and cover the less desirable item with your hand. When your puppy stops trying to get it, give them the treat. 

6. Drop it: This command is similar to leave it, but is used when your puppy has already picked up something they shouldn’t. Hold a treat in one hand and the item in the other. Say “drop it” and offer the treat. When your puppy drops the item, give them the treat. 

7. Heel: This command is used for walking your puppy on a leash. Hold the leash in your left hand and a treat in your right. Start walking and say “heel” as you lure your puppy to your left side with the treat. When they are in the correct position, reward them with the treat. 

8. Off: This command is used to stop your puppy from jumping up on people or furniture. Say “off” and gently push them down or away. Reward them with praise and attention when they stop jumping. 

 

 

9. Wait: This command is used to teach your puppy patience and self-control. Ask your puppy to sit, then say “wait” and step back a few feet. After a few seconds, release them with a release word (such as “okay”) and reward them. 

10. No: This command is used to discourage your puppy from doing something they shouldn’t. Say “no” in a firm but calm tone, and redirect their attention to something more appropriate. 

Remember, teaching your puppy these essential commands takes time, patience, and consistency. But with practice, your puppy will soon be a well-behaved member of the family! 

Have a look at our helpful Puppy Training Schedule.

 

Image by Freepik

Before you buy a puppy or dog there are several important aspects to consider before bringing one into your home:

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