One of the first steps to building a strong relationship with your dog is to teach them expectations. You teach them where they eat and where they go outside. You even teach them commands.
Today, we have a dog training command list to help you get some ideas of which common commands you can teach your dog and how to go about teaching them.
Dog Training Command List
Some dog commands can be called “tricks” that are simply for entertainment. Other commands are for obedience. Those are the kind of commands that can really help strengthen your bond with your dog. Obedience commands allow you to help tame your dog. When you two are put in stressful situations, you can trust that your dog will respond the way you want.
Here is a dog training command list that you may find useful. We’ve included some of the most common commands that can apply to a wide range of situations.
Come
Come is one of the most important commands you can teach your dog. This command gets your dog’s attention and tells them that you need them. It’s also good for preparing to teach your dog other tricks as well.
Put your dog on a long leash. Let them get farther from you. When you want them to come to you, give your dog a gentile tug and say “come.” When they follow your command, be sure to have a treat ready for them. Always reward your dog for following your command.
Slowly you can start to remove the leash from your dog and practice. Practice this command many times a day and always have a reward for them. Once they have mastered the command without the leash, you can practice taking the treat away. Every three or so times, withhold the treat. Then, every other time. Eventually, your dog will be trained to come to you without the need for treats.
No
Most dogs learn “no” easily enough. Often this is an early command they learn through their owner’s tone and facial expression. If your pet is having a hard time learning no, here’s what you can try.
Place a treat on the ground and put your dog on leash. Walk toward the treat. When your dog starts to move to eat the treat, give a gentle tug on the leash and say firmly “no.” Continue practicing this command. Eventually, your dog will walk toward the treat but look to you. Once this happens, reward them. Give them a treat from your hand and give them some attention.
With continued practice, your dog will not need the leash anymore and will look to you when you say no.
This is one of the best commands to keep your dog out of trouble, or when trying to stop something they are already doing.
Sit
Take a treat in one hand and let the dog smell it. Then take your hand and move it up and over the dog’s head. When your dog follows it with their head, they will naturally put their bottom on the ground.
As they sit, say the command “sit.” And of course, give them the treat and affection when they do sit. Eventually, you can begin withholding the treat occasionally until they learn to complete the command without need for reward.
Sit is a very versatile command as it can be used to settle a dog down or to refocus them while outside. Just remember to give your dog the “okay” command to tell them it’s time to get up.
Down
“Down” is a very passive position for a dog to take, so it is somewhat difficult to teach dogs.
Take a treat in your hand. Let your dog smell it, then put your hand down to the floor. Move your hand back and forth on the floor to encourage your dog to follow your hand in a laid position. Once they are laying down, give them the treat.
Remember not to physically push your dog to the ground. This will be confusing and frustrating for your dog.
Stay
Step one for “stay” is to have your dog sit. While making eye contact with your dog, tell them “stay” as you back away from them. If this is completely new to them, your dog will most likely get up to follow you. If they do this, tell them “stay” again and back away. Once your dog can stay for short distances, call them over to you by telling them to come. Give them the reward they deserve.
You can start working on longer distances or longer periods of time. Just remember to make it reasonable. Don’t expect your dog to sit for minutes and always reward them when they complete your expected command.
Go
The “go” command uses both verbal and physical cues. First step is to hide a treat somewhere. You get your dog’s attention. Telling them to sit is great for this.
With your hand point toward the treat and tell your dog “go.” the dog is rewarded for listening to you, and you’re teaching them that your physical language can tell them where they belong.
Final Tip for this Dog Training Command List
This dog training command list is just a reference to get you started. Dogs can learn any number of tricks, but what is most important is consistency. When your dog completes a desired task, you must be ready to reward them.
If you have a stubborn dog or one who is just not understanding what you want, you might want to walk around with a few treats in your pocket so you can “catch them in the act.” This works well for commands like sit or come. And it’s a kind of impromptu way of teaching your dog commands.
Also remember to keep a cool head. It can be frustrating when you dog doesn’t listen to you but remember that you have the power to change that. With a positive attitude and firm commands that are coupled with positive reinforcement, your can have the dog of your dreams.