Sit The Foundation of Good Behavior
“Sit” is your dog’s entry point to the world of obedience. It’s simple, reliable, and sets the stage for more complex behaviors. Teaching your dog to sit gives them structure. It’s like learning to stop at a red light before learning how to drive basic, but vital.
To teach it, grab a treat your dog likes. Hold it just above their nose, then slowly move it backward toward their forehead. Their natural response is to lower their backside to keep eyes on the prize. The moment their rear hits the ground mark it with a cue like “yes” or a clicker and give the treat. Timing is critical. Praise too early or too late, and they won’t connect the action with the reward.
Reinforce the “sit” command at common transition points: before putting down food, before opening the door for a walk, or before giving attention. These moments help your dog see that sitting isn’t just a trick it’s a way to “ask politely” for what they want.
If your dog isn’t getting it, check your positioning. Are you too slow with the treat? Is the environment too distracting? Keep sessions short and focused. Don’t repeat the command over and over; say it once, wait, then reset. Patience beats pressure every time.
Once they’ve nailed it, “sit” becomes your reset button useful anytime your dog needs to pause and recenter.
Stay Teaching Impulse Control
“Stay” isn’t just a fancy trick for Instagram it’s about building real world safety and calming your dog’s impulses. Whether you’re stopping your dog from bolting out the front door or keeping them still while a toddler walks by, “stay” gives you a pause button in unpredictable moments. It teaches your dog that not moving is sometimes the best move.
Start small. Ask your dog to sit, then give a palm out hand signal as you say “stay.” Count to three, release with a clear cue like “okay,” then reward. Gradually increase how long they stay and how far you step away. Walk a half step back, return, then praise. Tomorrow, take a full step. Build slowly this command depends on trust and clarity, not speed.
Energy matters. Staying calm and steady sets the tone. Don’t hype them up with loud praise too early. Wait until they’ve completed the task, then reward. Always use the same release word so they’re not guessing. Dogs need to know exactly when they can move.
Watch out for these common mistakes: Mixing up signals, like saying “stay” but backing up too fast. Swinging arms, nervous body language, or unclear hand signs can confuse them. And don’t rush the process adding distance before your dog is ready only sets you both back. Master the stillness first, then add the challenge.
Come Building Recall That Works Every Time
Recall isn’t just a trick it’s survival. Off leash in a park, near a roadside, or when something suddenly spooks your dog, a reliable “come” can mark the line between safe and sorry. This command saves lives when the unexpected hits.
To get solid recall, make it a game. Call your dog, then celebrate when they bolt toward you. Use a happy tone. Move backward as they run in. Bring energy. Keep some high value treats or a favorite toy on hand. The goal is simple: make returning to you more rewarding than anything else in the world.
Long leads are great for early training. They give your dog space to wander while you stay in control. Mix in surprise drills call your dog when they aren’t expecting it. If they respond, jackpot. If not, reset. Keep it light, fast, and consistent.
One rule: never call your dog to punish them. If you do, you poison the word. Next time you call, they might think twice. Recall is built on trust. Guard it. Your dog’s life may one day depend on that trust holding strong.
Leave It Teaching Boundaries Around Distractions
In today’s fast paced world, dogs encounter endless distractions food scraps on sidewalks, tempting toys, or even dangerous objects. Teaching “leave it” gives you a tool to redirect behavior before your dog makes a bad decision.
Why “Leave It” Matters in 2026
Helps prevent ingestion of harmful items like trash or sharp objects
Reinforces self control and attention to your command
Essential for public spaces, busy neighborhoods, or outdoor adventures
Two Part Teaching Method
1. Treat Cover Method (For Beginners)
Place a treat in a closed hand and let your dog sniff or paw at it.
Wait until they stop trying, then reward from the other hand.
Repeat until they pull back without being prompted then add the verbal cue “leave it.”
2. Real Life Practice (Advanced)
Place an item (e.g., a sock or low value treat) on the ground.
Approach slowly on leash; say “leave it” as your dog notices the object.
Reward immediately when they ignore the item or make eye contact with you.
Reinforce with Safe Alternatives
Not all “no’s” have to be negatives. Offering safe, dog approved alternatives keeps training positive:
Swap dropped chicken bones for beef flavored chew toys
Trade sidewalk snacks with high value treats from your pocket
Use praise when your dog approaches you after ignoring a distraction
Timing Is Everything
Say “leave it” before your dog makes contact with the item
Reward quickly the moment they disengage
Avoid mixed signals consistency helps the command stick
“Leave it” is less about obedience and more about setting safe boundaries. In a world full of distractions, this command keeps your dog focused, protected, and tuned into you.
Down Encouraging Calm in High Energy Dogs
“Down” is your go to command when your dog’s energy is off the charts or you just need the room to calm down. Unlike “sit,” which sets a pause, “down” tells your dog to unplug. It’s especially effective in chaotic environments think house guests arriving, a trip to the vet, or even when feeding time fuels too much excitement.
Teaching it can be simple with a bit of luring. Take a treat or toy and let your dog sniff it, then slowly lower your hand to the floor. As your dog follows it down, guide them into the lying position. The second elbows and hips touch the ground mark it and reward. Don’t rush. Some dogs take a beat to figure it out, especially if they’re naturally bouncy.
Once they’ve nailed the move, you’ll want to pair it with “stay” so you can extend those moments of calm. That’s when the magic happens your dog relaxes without being told every few seconds. Over time, that combo of “down” and “stay” becomes their default response in high energy situations.
Whether you’re running a multi pet household or just trying to outsmart daily distractions, the “down” command helps create space for peace and order. And if you’ve got cats in the mix too, you’ll want both species on some version of the same page. Related read: Litter Training Your Kitten Best Practices for Fast Results.
Final Tip: Practice Like It’s a Lifestyle
Training isn’t just about scheduled sessions it’s about repetition, consistency, and building habits that become second nature for both you and your dog. Here’s how to make every day a training opportunity:
Prioritize Consistency Over Length
Even five minute sessions, done regularly, can deliver noticeable results over time. Dogs learn best through brief, positive interactions rather than long, drawn out lessons.
Aim for 2 3 short sessions per day
Keep energy upbeat and end on a success
Use these moments to strengthen both learning and your relationship
Integrate Commands Into Daily Life
The key to lasting obedience is repetition in real world settings. Make training feel natural by embedding commands into common routines:
Ask for “sit” before feeding or opening the door
Use “stay” while putting on your shoes or carrying groceries
Reinforce “leave it” on walks when passing distractions
It’s Not Just How Often It’s How You Do It
Your tone, body language, and timing all play a role. Dogs are highly responsive to cues beyond words, so being mindful of how you deliver commands matters:
Keep your tone confident but friendly
Praise immediately when your dog gets it right
Never punish mistakes use them as learning moments
Training isn’t about achieving perfection it’s about building trust and communication. When you view practice as a shared language rather than a task, both you and your dog grow closer and more confident together.