🐕 Top 10 Essential Commands Every Dog Should Know

Top 10 Essential Commands Every Dog Should Know

Training your dog is one of the best ways to keep them mentally stimulated, disciplined, and well-behaved. More importantly, it strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Dogs love learning—especially when their owners make the process fun and rewarding with treats and praise.

Now, let’s dive into the top 10 most essential commands that every dog should know.

10. Stand

The “stand” command is simple but very useful, especially for active and playful dogs. It helps in situations where you need your dog to get up from a sitting or lying position.

How to Teach “Stand”

1. Start with your dog sitting or lying down.
2. Hold a treat near your dog’s nose.
3. Say “stand” and move the treat slightly forward.
4. When your dog stands up, reward them with the treat.
5. Repeat the process until they respond consistently.

9. Give Paw (Shake Hands)

This is a fun and interactive command that most dog owners love teaching their pets. You can also go a step further by teaching them to give the other paw as well.

How to Teach “Give Paw”

1. Hold a treat in your hand and close it.
2. Let your dog sniff your hand.
3. When they try to reach it with their paw, reward them.
4. Repeat several times.
5. Once they get the hang of it, add the command “give paw.”
6. You can later introduce “give the other paw.”

For extra fun, try teaching them “Give Me Five” as well!

8. Leave It

This command helps prevent your dog from picking up harmful or unwanted objects.

How to Teach “Leave It”

1. Hold a treat in your hand and close it.
2. Let your dog sniff but don’t let them have it.
3. Say “leave it.”
4. Once they stop focusing on the treat, reward them with a different treat.
5. Repeat several times.
6. Gradually place the treat on the floor instead of in your hand.

This command is incredibly helpful during walks when your dog encounters something they shouldn’t eat or touch.

7. With Me

This command ensures your dog walks beside you rather than pulling ahead.

How to Teach “With Me”

1. Stand with your dog in front of you.
2. Hold a treat near their nose and say “with me.”
3. Move the treat toward your left leg to guide them.
4. Reward them once they are in position.
5. Practice walking slowly while repeating “with me.”
6. Reward good behavior.

This command makes walks much more enjoyable and controlled.

6. Speak & Quiet

If your dog barks a lot, these commands help manage their vocalization.

How to Teach “Speak”

1. When your dog barks, say “speak.”
2. Reward them when they bark again.
3. Repeat several times.

How to Teach “Quiet”

1. After your dog barks on command, say “quiet.”
2. If they stop barking, reward them immediately.
3. Keep practicing until they associate “quiet” with stopping barking.

5. Come

One of the most important commands, “come” ensures your dog returns to you safely.

How to Teach “Come”

1. Put your dog on a leash.
2. Say “come” and gently pull the leash if needed.
3. Reward them when they come to you.
4. Gradually practice off-leash in a secure area.

Make sure your dog associates “come” with positive experiences like treats and playtime!

4. Stay

This command keeps your dog from moving when needed.

How to Teach “Stay”

1. Start with your dog sitting.
2. Say “stay” while holding up your hand as a signal.
3. Reward them for staying still for a few seconds.
4. Gradually increase the time before rewarding.
5. Move a few steps back and repeat.

Patience is key with this one!

3. Lie Down

“Lie down” helps calm your dog and prevent them from jumping on people.

How to Teach “Lie Down”

1. Start with your dog sitting.
2. Hold a treat near their nose and move it toward the floor.
3. Your dog should follow the treat and lie down.
4. Reward them when they do.
5. Add the command “lie down” as they perform the action.

2. Sit

One of the first commands every dog should learn!

How to Teach “Sit”

1. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
2. Move your hand slightly upward—your dog should naturally sit.
3. Reward them immediately.
4. Repeat while saying “sit.”

This command is useful for preventing unwanted behaviors like jumping on people.

1. Watch Me

The “watch me” command ensures your dog focuses on you during training sessions.

How to Teach “Watch Me”

1. Hold a treat near your dog’s nose.
2. Move it toward your face while saying “watch me.”
3. When they make eye contact, reward them.
4. Repeat until they naturally respond to the command.

This simple but effective command makes all other training much easier!

Final Thoughts

Basic dog training is essential for a happy and well-behaved pet. These commands will help you communicate better with your dog while making daily life more enjoyable for both of you.

Did we miss any commands? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this post and want more dog training tips, check out the link below:

Read More: The Secret to a Smarter, Happier Dog – Brain Training Tips Every Pet Owner Needs