7 Basic Commands Every Dog Should Know (And Exactly How to Teach Them)

You’re standing at the front door, leash in hand, and your dog is bouncing off the walls like a kangaroo on espresso. You yell “Sit!” and he stares at you like you’re speaking a foreign language. We’ve all been there. Teaching your dog basic commands every dog should know isn’t just about having a well-behaved pet—it’s about safety, bonding, and saving your sanity.

Here’s the good news: it’s not as hard as you think. With a little patience and the right technique, you can teach your dog the essential dog commands that make life easier for both of you. Let’s get started.

Why Basic Commands Matter (More Than You Think)

Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. The basic commands every dog should know aren’t just party tricks. They’re the foundation of a safe, happy relationship between you and your pup.

A dog that knows “Come” won’t run into traffic. A dog that knows “Leave It” won’t eat that mysterious thing on the sidewalk. And a dog that knows “Stay” won’t bolt out the door when the delivery guy shows up. These commands can literally save your dog’s life.

Plus, training builds trust. When you teach your dog what you expect, they feel more secure. It’s like giving them a roadmap to the world—and they’re eager to follow it.

So if you’ve been putting off puppy obedience training, now’s the time. Even 5 minutes a day can make a huge difference.

Command #1: Sit — The Foundation of All Training

“Sit” is the gateway drug to good behavior. It’s the first command most dogs learn, and for good reason. It’s simple, it’s useful, and it sets the stage for everything else.

How to teach it:

• Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
• Slowly move the treat up and back over their head. As they follow it with their eyes, their butt should naturally hit the floor.
• The moment their rear touches the ground, say “Sit!” and give them the treat.
• Repeat 5-10 times per session, and practice in different rooms to generalize the behavior.

Use high-value treats at first—something smelly and irresistible. We love Zuke’s Mini Naturals (Amazon, $8.99 for a 16-oz bag) because they’re small enough for rapid-fire training without overfeeding. Once your dog has it down, phase out treats and use praise instead.

Pro tip: Don’t repeat the command. Say “Sit” once. If they don’t do it, gently guide them into position. Repeating makes the word meaningless noise.

Command #2: Stay — The Patience Builder

“Stay” is where the magic happens. It teaches impulse control—something every dog (and their owner) desperately needs.

How to teach it:

• Start with your dog in a “Sit.”
• Hold your hand up like a stop sign and say “Stay” in a calm, firm voice.
• Take one small step back. If your dog holds their position for even one second, step back and reward them.
• Gradually increase the distance and duration. One step becomes two. Two seconds becomes five.

The key is to release them with a word like “Okay” or “Free” so they know when the stay is over. This prevents them from guessing when to move.

If your dog breaks the stay, don’t scold them. Just start over with a shorter distance. Patience is your superpower here.

We recommend using a non-slip mat like the GoDog Non-Slip Training Mat (Chewy, $14.99) to give your dog a clear “spot” to stay on. It helps them understand exactly where they need to be.

Command #3: Come — The Lifesaver

“Come” is arguably the most important of the basic commands every dog should know. It’s what you use when your dog is about to run into danger.

How to teach it:

• Start in a low-distraction environment (your living room).
• Crouch down, open your arms, and say “Come!” in a happy, excited voice.
• When your dog runs to you, reward them with a jackpot of treats and praise.
• Practice with short distances first, then gradually increase the distance and add distractions.

Never call your dog to you for something they hate (like a bath or nail trimming). You want “Come” to always mean good things are coming.

Use a long training leash like the Max and Neo 15-Foot Long Line Leash (Amazon, $19.97) for outdoor practice. It gives your dog freedom while keeping them safe.

For more on managing shedding during training sessions (because let’s be real, treat time = fur everywhere), check out our guide on how to remove pet hair from furniture fast.

Command #4: Down — The Calm Button

“Down” is the ultimate relaxation command. It’s harder than “Sit” because it requires your dog to be vulnerable (belly on the floor). But once they get it, it’s a game-changer.

How to teach it:

• Start with your dog in a “Sit.”
• Hold a treat in your closed fist and lower it slowly to the floor, right between their front paws.
• As they follow the treat, their elbows should touch the ground. The moment they’re fully down, say “Down” and reward them.
• If they pop back up, gently hold the treat on the floor for a few seconds before rewarding.

If your dog is struggling, try capturing the behavior. Wait until they naturally lie down, then say “Down” and reward. Some dogs learn faster this way.

Be patient. “Down” can take weeks to solidify. Use a soft training mat like the PetFusion Memory Foam Dog Bed (Petco, $69.99) to make the position more comfortable—and to give them a designated spot for calm time.

Command #5: Leave It — The Safety Net

“Leave It” is your dog’s off-switch for curiosity. It prevents them from eating garbage, picking up dropped pills, or chasing squirrels.

How to teach it:

• Hold a treat in your closed fist. Show it to your dog, but don’t let them have it.
• When they stop sniffing, pawing, or licking your hand—even for a second—say “Leave it” and give them a different treat from your other hand.
• Gradually increase the difficulty: place a treat on the floor and cover it with your hand, then just use your foot, then try it with no hand coverage.

The goal is that your dog learns that ignoring something gets them a better reward. This command takes practice, but it’s worth its weight in gold.

Use a variety of treat textures to keep it interesting. The Blue Buffalo Bits Soft-Moist Training Treats (Chewy, $7.49) are soft and easy to break into small pieces—perfect for training sessions.

Command #6: Heel — The Walking Partner

“Heel” teaches your dog to walk calmly beside you without pulling. It’s not just about looking good on walks—it’s about preventing shoulder injuries and making walks enjoyable for both of you.

How to teach it:

• Start indoors with no leash. Hold a treat at your left hip (or right—doesn’t matter, just pick one side).
• Say “Heel” and take a step forward. The moment your dog moves with you and stays at your side, click or say “Yes!” and reward.
• Practice in short bursts—10 steps at a time. Gradually add the leash and then move outdoors.

Don’t let your dog pull. If they surge ahead, stop moving. Wait for them to look back at you, then start again. This teaches them that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go.

Using a no-pull harness like the PetSafe Easy Walk Harness (Amazon, $29.95) can make teaching “Heel” much easier. It gently steers your dog back to your side without choking them.

If your dog is shedding like crazy during training (it happens!), you’ll want to read our tips on best dog brushes for shedding to keep your home fur-free.

Command #7: Place — The Off-Switch

“Place” is the modern version of “Go to your bed.” It gives your dog a specific spot to settle, whether you’re eating dinner, having guests over, or just need a few minutes of peace.

How to teach it:

• Get a designated dog bed or mat. We love the K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Crate Pad (Petco, $29.99)—it’s cozy and portable.
• Lure your dog onto the mat with a treat. The moment all four paws are on it, say “Place” and reward.
• Gradually increase the time they stay on the mat: 5 seconds, then 10, then 30. Reward them for staying, not just for getting on.
• Add a release word like “Okay” or “All done” so they know when they can leave.

“Place” is especially useful for high-energy dogs who need help learning to switch off. It’s not a punishment—it’s a break command. Use it before meals, when the doorbell rings, or during Zoom calls.

Training Tips That Work (Every Time)

Now that you know the basic commands every dog should know, here are the secrets to making them stick:

• Keep sessions short. 5 minutes, 2-3 times a day is way more effective than one 30-minute session.
• End on a win. Always finish with a command your dog knows, so they feel successful.
• Use a marker word. Say “Yes!” the exact moment your dog does the right thing, then reward. This helps them understand what they’re being rewarded for.
• Be consistent. Use the same word for the same command every time. “Down” and “Lie down” confuse your dog.
• Train in different locations. Start in the living room, then move to the backyard, then the park. Generalization is key.

If your dog is struggling with focus, consider using a calming aid like Zesty Paws Calming Bites (Chewy, $22.97 for a 90-count bag). They’re natural and can help anxious dogs settle enough to learn.

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