30 Dog Training Commands: Basic, Essential Advanced

You and your dog speak entirely different languages. When you take on the role of a pet parent, it becomes absolutely crucial that you bridge that gap. This is key to raising well-adjusted dogs and building a strong bond with your canine companion. And dog training commands are integral to that process.

That’s because while dogs are smart and can learn to associate meanings with words, they cannot comprehend long-winded, complex sentences. Now, we all love talking to our furry babies, and when they listen to you with that adorable head tilt, it may seem like they’re getting every word you say.

Contrary to how much we’d like for this to be true, the fact is that a dog cannot comprehend most of our conversations with them. They can, however, quickly learn to pick up certain keywords. As a pet parent, it’s your responsibility to ensure that these keywords include important dog commands that can help you regulate your pet’s behavior, teach them desirable actions, and weed out undesirable ones.   

30 Dog Training Commands To Make Your Pet Best Boy/Girl In The World

Just as you need to learn how dogs communicate to correctly decipher their cues, expressions, and body language, your pet also needs to understand your language to know what is expected of them. Introducing dog training commands in your communication with your pet helps streamline this process.

Starting with basic dog training commands like Sit and Stay to advanced commands for well-behaved dogs like Quiet and Easy, there is a whole gambit of words you can use to train your pet. Let’s take a look at some of these essential dog commands you ought to master with your furry baby:

1. Sit

One of the most basic dog training commands, it instructs your dog to sit down with its hindquarters on the ground. This is usually one of the first commands taught and helps control the dog’s behavior.

2. Stay

Once your dog has mastered the Sit command, Stay is a natural progression. It tells your pet to remain in its current position until released. Useful for ensuring the dog stays put in potentially dangerous situations, it is one of the commands every dog should know.

3. Come

Commands the dog to return to the handler. This is one of the most effective dog training commands for recall in open or crowded spaces and must be included in your pet’s training regimen early on.

4. Down

Directs the dog to lie down on its belly. It is useful for calming the dog and reducing its excitement levels. Teaching your dog to lie down and stay until released can help keep them in control in unfamiliar environments or stressful situations.

5. Heel

This is among the most important dog commands that enables you to walk your pet in crowded or busy areas without getting distracted or excited. It instructs the dog to walk beside you, typically on your left side, without pulling on the leash. Heel, however, is a very specific position and it’s crucial to get it right.

6. Leave It

Tells the dog to ignore or move away from something, such as food, objects, or other animals. It tops the list of important dog commands to teach your pet to prevent unwanted or dangerous interactions. The key to mastering it is to offer your pet a higher-value alternative to the object you want them to leave. For instance, if you’re teaching your dog the Leave It command with food, offer a high-value treat like a small piece of chicken or liver as soon as your pet complies.

Suggested Reading: Puppy Chewing on Paws? Causes and Remedies

7. Drop It

Commands the dog to release whatever it has in its mouth. Crucial for safety, especially if the dog picks up something hazardous. It can also come in handy when teaching your dog to fetch.

8. Off

It instructs the dog to get down from furniture, people, or other elevated surfaces. Helps in preventing jumping on guests or furniture. If you’re looking for the most effective dog training commands to raise a well-adjusted pet, this one is non-negotiable.

9. Wait

Tells the dog to pause or stay in its current position but for a shorter time than “Stay”. Often used before crossing the street or entering/exiting a door, this is one of the most essential dog commands for your pet’s safety and your own.

10. Quiet

Commands the dog to stop barking or making noise. Useful for controlling excessive barking. This one definitely makes the cut for advanced commands for well-behaved dogs. I say advanced because it takes a lot of skill, patience, and consistency to get your dog to comply with the Quiet command when they’re excited or agitated.

Suggested Reading: Do Dogs have Emotions?

11. Watch Me

This command gets the dog’s attention focused on you. Helps in redirecting the dog’s focus from distractions. This is also one of the essential dog commands to teach your pet, as it helps make teaching several other cues a lot easier.

12. Release/Free

Signals the dog that it is free from the current command. Used to end a “Stay” or other commands.

13. No

A general corrective command to stop unwanted behavior immediately. This is one of the most basic dog training commands that you should incorporate in your interactions with your pet as early on as possible.

14. Take It

Tells the dog to pick up or take something in its mouth, often used in retrieving games.

15. Find It

Instructs the dog to search for a specific object or toy. This is one of the rather advanced dog training commands and can be used in scent work or interactive games.

16. Spot/Place

Directs the dog to go to a designated spot, such as a bed or mat, and stay there until released. I would definitely count it among the most advanced commands for well-behaved dogs.

17. Touch

Commands the dog to touch your hand or an object with its nose or paw. This can be a foundation for other advanced tricks.

Suggested Reading: 12 Signs Your Dog Loves You

18. Roll Over

Teaches the dog to roll over onto its back. This is more of a trick than a training command but helps fortify your pet’s obedience.

19. Paw/Shake

Instructs the dog to offer its paw for a handshake. It’s a basic trick that builds trust and also helps with bonding.

20. Spin

Tells the dog to spin around in a circle. This is another fun trick that enhances the dog’s agility.

21. Up

Instructs the dog to jump up onto something, like a piece of furniture or into a car.

22. Speak

Commands the dog to bark on cue. It’s another fun trick and is often used in tandem with other tricks like Spin, Roll Over, and Touch to make a dog earn their meals.

Suggested Reading: Dog Training Toolkit: 18 Essentials

23. Back Up

Tells the dog to move backward. This can be useful in tight spaces or when you need the dog to give you room.

24. Hush

Similar to “Quiet,” but sometimes used in a more soothing tone. This can be used to calm down your pet when they’re anxious. For example, ahead of a vet exam.

25. Stand

Commands the dog to stand up on all four legs. This one is also useful during grooming or vet visits.

26. Bed/Crate

This is one of the most essential dog commands for effective crate training and providing your dog with a safe space.

Suggested Reading: How to Crate Train a Dog with Separation Anxiety: 7 Simple Steps

27. Easy

Tells the dog to slow down, often used when walking on a leash or during play.  

28. Crawl

Instructs the dog to crawl forward on its belly. This can be a fun trick and is also used in obedience training.

29. Bow

Commands the dog to lower its front end while keeping its rear end up, as if taking a bow. This is a trick that also stretches the dog’s muscles.

30. High Five

Teaches the dog to lift its paw and touch your hand, as if giving a high five. This is a simple but enjoyable trick for the dog.

Suggested Reading: Can You Train a Dog at Any Age? The Answer May Surprise You

FAQs 

1. How long does it take to teach a dog a new command?

The time it takes to teach a dog a new command varies depending on factors like:

• The dog’s age and breed: Puppies may learn faster than older dogs, and some breeds are naturally more inclined to learn.
• The complexity of the command: Simple commands like “sit” or “stay” may be learned quickly, while more complex commands like “fetch” or “heel” may take longer.
• The dog’s personality and learning style: Some dogs are natural learners, while others may need more patience and repetition.
• Training methods: Positive reinforcement techniques are generally more effective than punishment-based methods.

If you follow a step-by-step guide to essential dog commands and train your pet consistently, most dogs can learn basic commands within a few weeks.

2. Can older dogs learn new commands?

Yes, older dogs can absolutely learn new commands! While it may take a bit longer than teaching a puppy, older dogs are capable of learning and adapting. The key is to use positive reinforcement techniques, be patient, and break down commands into smaller steps. Consistency and patience are essential for successful training, regardless of the dog’s age.

3. What should I do if my dog doesn’t respond to a command?

 If your dog doesn’t respond to a command, here are a few things you can try:

• Re-evaluate your training techniques: Ensure you’re using positive reinforcement and clear commands
• Check for distractions: Distractions can interfere with your dog’s focus. Try training in a quieter environment or use a higher-value treat
• Be patient: Learning new commands takes time. Keep practicing consistently and reward your dog for progress
• Consult a professional: A dog trainer can help you identify and address any underlying issues

Takeaway

There you have it, a full round-up of dog training commands you need to hone your furry baby into the best boy/girl they can be. Watch this space for more detailed insights into how to teach basic dog commands to your pet as well as a step-by-step guide to essential dog commands. Until then, remember, positive reinforcement and practice are key to training your pet. It’s also important to ensure that both you and your pet enjoy the process.