Basic Commands For Puppies

Bringing a new puppy into your home is a memorable and exciting time, but it can also be a little overwhelming. As a new dog owner, you want to ensure that your puppy is well-behaved and obedient. One of the most important steps in teaching your puppy to behave is to teach them basic commands.

Learning these simple commands will help you communicate with your new furry friend and ensure you have a strong foundation to build on. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to teach your puppy four essential commands: Sit, Stay, Lay Down, and “Come Here”.

Basic Puppy Commands

Teaching Your Puppy To Sit
Teaching Your Puppy To Stay
Teaching Your Puppy To Lay Down
Teaching Your Puppy To "Come Here"
Final Thoughts

Teaching Your Puppy To Sit

Teaching your puppy to sit is an excellent start because it’s typically the easiest command for your puppy to learn. You can start teaching this command at an early age. Here’s how:

Hold a treat near your dog’s nose.
Move the treat upwards, which should cause your pup to sit back naturally.
As soon as your pup sits, reward them with the treat and give them positive praise such as “good boy” or “good girl.”
Repeat this process several times per day until your puppy learns what you’re asking.

Note: Occasionally, you may need to lightly force their butts to sit down in order for them to understand the command.

Teaching Your Puppy To Stay

Once your pup has mastered sitting, it’s time to teach them to stay put. This is an important command for safety and to prevent your pup from running off or getting into something they shouldn’t. Here’s how to teach your pup to stay:

Once your puppy is in a sitting position, hold your hand up in front of them, palm out, and say, “Stay.”
Take a step back and reward your puppy with praise and a treat.
Keep repeating this process, but gradually increase the distance between you and your puppy.
After a few days of practicing, your pup should be able to stay in place for a longer period.

Teaching Your Puppy To Lay Down

Teaching your puppy to lay down is a great way to help them get comfortable in your home. Plus, it’s another valuable safety tool that can help protect your puppy. Here’s how to teach your puppy to lay down:

Start with your puppy in a sitting position.
Hold a treat in front of your puppy’s nose and slowly lower it towards the floor.
Without releasing the treat, wait for your pup to follow the treat with their nose and then place their elbows on the ground.
Praise them for their effort and give them a treat.
Repeat this process, gradually increasing the time your pup spends in the down position.

Teaching Your Puppy To “Come Here”

The “Come Here” command is essential for your puppy’s safety and can help prevent them from running into potentially dangerous situations. It can also be incredibly helpful in daily situations, such as calling your puppy back inside after playtime. Here’s how to teach your puppy the “Come” command:

With your puppy in a controlled environment (preferably on a long leash for safety), kneel down to their level to make yourself less intimidating.
Call your puppy’s name and follow with the command “Come here.”
When your puppy comes to you, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.
Gradually increase the distance from which you call your puppy.
Practice this command frequently and always ensure a positive experience for your puppy by rewarding them each time they respond correctly.

Final Thoughts

Teaching your puppy to behave is a crucial part of being a responsible dog owner. These four simple commands: sit, stay, lay down, and come here relatively easy to learn but provide a great foundation for more advanced training. By being patient and consistent, your puppy will quickly learn these commands and be ready to tackle more.

Remember, a well-behaved pup is a happy pup, so keep practicing and rewarding their efforts to strengthen your bond and have fun in the process!