Training your puppy requires a lot of time and patience. Your puppy might get the hang of the training on the first try….or they might need a few tries before they master a command. If you put in just enough effort and patience, you can form a wonderful friendship with your new puppy! Now, along with teaching them their name, the best lesson to teach your puppy are the 5 basic commands. These commands are “come”, “lay down”, “sit”, “stay”, and “leave it.” These commands teach your puppy obedience and self-control at an early age. This allows you to take them outside on adventures and bring guests into your home.
Here’s how you can teach your puppy the 5 basic commands.
1. Come
The command “come” or “come here!” is one of the most important commands to teach your cuddly friend! Teaching your puppy to come to you on command makes it easier to take them outside, either on walks or to the dog park. To teach the puppy this command, you will need to put a collar and leash on your puppy. Guide your puppy to you with the leash and say “come” when your pup approaches you. Reward your puppy with treats and love whenever they respond to you. Repeat this a few times, making sure to give them the treat after they respond to your command correctly. Once your puppy gets the hang of it, take off the leash and continue the lesson.
2. Down
A harder command to teach your pup is getting them to stay down. Puppies, and dogs in general, love to express their joy and appreciation for us by jumping on our laps. However, with the right methods, you can teach your puppy this trick in a matter of hours. Just pick a yummy treat that they love and hold it out in your hand. Let your puppy sniff your hand so they know you have a treat with you. Move your hand to the floor, and make sure that your puppy follows along. Slide your hand on the ground until your pup lowers their body to the floor. When your puppy lies completely down, say “down” and give them the treat. This command may take awhile for your puppy to learn. Remember to be patient in every step of training.
3. Sit
Unlike teaching your pup to stay down, “sit” is the easiest command to teach your furry friend. To teach your puppy this trick, make sure to follow the next steps carefully:
- Kneel in front of your puppy with a treat in your hand.
- Move your hand with the treat so your puppy follows it.
- IF your puppy is standing, place your hand on his backside and encourage them to sit down.
- When your puppy sits, say “sit”.
- Reward them with the treat.
Although it’s a relatively easy command for your puppy to learn, make sure to practice this a few times a day. Your puppy will likely learn this within a few hours if you keep at it.
4. Stay
When your dog knows how to “sit,” it’s easier to teach them to “stay.” Start by asking your dog to sit. Hold up your palm to their face and say “stay.” Give them a treat when they obey the command. Of course, you can always make this training a lot more challenging. Just increase the distance between you and your puppy. Give your puppy a reward every time they stay as you increase your steps. Along with obedience, this command also teaches your puppy how to be patient and control themselves.
5. Leave It
Have a curious puppy? Teaching them the command “leave it” is perfect for them! Just hold out a yummy treat between your index finger and thumb. Show the treat to your puppy but don’t give it to them. Say the command “leave it” and close your hand. IF your puppy starts trying to get the treat in your hand, ignore it. Once he stops and sits down, give him the treat. Continue practicing this until your puppy stops when you say “leave it.” You can make the training harder if you place the treats on the floor.
It doesn’t matter what commands you teach your puppy. As long as you remain patient, calm, and consistent, your furry friend is bound to learn it. Give your puppy a reward every time they do a command. This helps them associate each command with positive reinforcement, so they’ll be more likely to repeat the behavior. Of course, you can also use belly rubs and loving praises in place!
