Top 10 Basic Dog Commands to Teach First

#1: Sit (Universal)

“Sit” is the foundational command every dog should learn first. It’s the canine equivalent of saying “please” and can diffuse a variety of high-energy situations. A properly trained sit is often the first step to gaining control over a distracted or overly excited dog. When a dog sits, it mentally shifts into a more relaxed state, ready to listen. Interestingly, working dogs like Golden Retrievers and Border Collies can master “sit” in as little as one to two sessions when food-motivated rewards are involved. There are even stories of shelter dogs being adopted more quickly simply because they knew how to sit politely for visitors. According to data from the American Kennel Club, “sit” is the most commonly used obedience command in the U.S., and for good reason. It forms the baseline for more complex commands such as “stay,” “wait,” or even “shake.” Trainers note that teaching “sit” indoors before gradually adding distractions—like other pets, children, or even delivery people—can help solidify its effectiveness. What many don’t realize is that “sit” also has roots in traditional hunting dog training, where it was essential for dogs to wait silently at their handler’s side. This simple yet powerful command has saved countless lives in urban settings by preventing dogs from bolting into traffic or jumping on strangers. Whether you own a Chihuahua or a Great Dane, “sit” is universally applicable and easy to reinforce. It’s a go-to tool for managing behavior and encouraging good manners in any scenario, making it the perfect starting point for any dog’s training journey.

#2: Stay (Patience Practice)

“Stay” isn’t just a command—it’s a test of patience and impulse control. Teaching a dog to stay helps them learn to focus, remain calm, and wait for further direction, which is crucial for safety in unpredictable environments. A Labrador Retriever that stays put while the door is open is less likely to bolt onto a busy street. Interestingly, service dogs are trained extensively on the “stay” command early on, often working up to durations of 10–15 minutes in distracting environments. Some trainers refer to it as “doggy meditation,” since it builds mental endurance and calmness. A popular training technique is the “three D’s”: Duration, Distance, and Distraction. It’s also noteworthy that breeds with strong guarding instincts, such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers, sometimes struggle with staying still unless they are reassured by a confident leader. There’s a famous story of a military dog in Afghanistan that obeyed a “stay” command during gunfire, protecting both handler and troops by not exposing their position. This level of discipline doesn’t come overnight, but once taught, “stay” becomes one of the most powerful safety tools in a dog owner’s toolkit. The command is also used during grooming, veterinary visits, or when greeting guests calmly—making everyday life much more manageable. Though it might require more time and patience to teach than “sit,” the payoff is immense and long-lasting.

#3: Come (Recall Reliability)

Teaching “come” reliably can literally be a life-saver. Known as recall in dog training circles, this command ensures your dog returns to you immediately, whether they’ve slipped off-leash or are distracted in a dog park. Breeds like Australian Shepherds and Border Collies are naturally responsive to recall due to their herding instincts, but any dog can master it with consistency and positive reinforcement. A fun trick many trainers use is making the command a joyful event—never scolding a dog who comes late, but rewarding them every time they return. One little-known historical tidbit is that early sled dog handlers used versions of the recall command across miles of icy terrain using whistle cues, a practice still used in competitive mushing today. In rural areas, a well-trained recall is critical to prevent chasing livestock or wildlife. In one viral story, a Golden Retriever ran toward a frozen pond but stopped mid-sprint when its owner shouted “Come!”—proof of the command’s life-saving potential. Recall games like hide-and-seek or “come to me from another room” help strengthen the command in real-world scenarios. When taught consistently, this command fosters trust between pet and owner, especially off-leash. It’s more than a convenience—it’s a fundamental expression of safety and connection.

#4: Down (Full Body Control)

The “down” command is more than a trick—it’s a command that teaches full-body calm and submission in a positive, non-threatening way. Unlike “sit,” which is more temporary, “down” asks a dog to completely relax. This makes it essential in high-distraction situations such as public cafes, waiting rooms, or while meeting new people. Teaching “down” can be tricky, especially for stubborn or independent breeds like Huskies or Shiba Inus. However, it’s incredibly valuable once mastered. A well-taught “down” command is also a precursor to “settle” or “place,” which ask the dog to stay relaxed for longer periods. Guide dogs in training are often taught to lie quietly under chairs or on public transit as part of their service prep. Historically, hunting dogs were trained to “down” in fields to stay hidden or avoid startling prey. Many modern trainers recommend luring the dog into the down position with treats, slowly adding distractions and distance to build consistency. An interesting anecdote from a therapy dog handler mentions using “down” as a way to defuse anxious energy in hospital rooms—just seeing the dog calmly resting helped patients mirror that sense of peace. Ultimately, “down” is about trust and emotional regulation, making it a versatile and meaningful command for dogs of all sizes and temperaments.

#5: Leave It (Impulse Control)

“Leave it” is a must-know for any dog, as it’s directly tied to safety and decision-making. Whether it’s a chicken bone on the sidewalk, a toxic plant in the yard, or another animal’s food bowl, this command helps a dog make the right choice. While similar to “drop it,” which tells a dog to release something from their mouth, “leave it” prevents the item from being picked up in the first place. According to a national survey by the ASPCA, over 80% of dog owners reported that their pets attempted to eat something harmful at least once. “Leave it” is often taught using hand signals and treats, gradually replacing food with real-world distractions. Working dogs, like bomb-sniffing canines, are trained rigorously with “leave it” commands to ignore smells that don’t match target scents. A lesser-known application of the command is in dog reactivity training, where a dog learns to ignore triggering stimuli like bikes or joggers. One trainer recounted a rescue dog that overcame street scavenging behaviors using “leave it” combined with redirection games. This command empowers dogs to pause and look to their owner for direction, which strengthens your bond and reinforces that you are the source of all good decisions. It’s both preventative and empowering, and should be part of every new dog owner’s toolkit.

#6: Drop It (Safe Release)

If “leave it” is about prevention, “drop it” is about intervention. This command instructs your dog to release whatever is in their mouth—whether it’s a toy, shoe, sock, or something dangerous. Teaching “drop it” early prevents tug-of-war battles over prized items and protects dogs from swallowing objects that could cause choking or blockages. Veterinary clinics see hundreds of cases per year involving dogs ingesting items they shouldn’t, from corn cobs to pacifiers. A reliable “drop it” can mean the difference between a safe dog and an emergency vet bill. One clever way to train it is to trade up—offering your dog something more valuable in exchange for what they have. In working K9 units, “drop it” is used to ensure the dog quickly releases items once located. A trainer once shared the story of a Labrador who retrieved an engagement ring hidden in snow and dropped it gently on command, saving the day (and the proposal!). “Drop it” is about more than obedience—it’s about trust. When your dog willingly lets go, they’re showing that they trust you to manage the situation. Whether it’s playtime or a safety risk, this command is indispensable.

#7: Heel (Leash Manners)

“Heel” is all about structured walking and leash control, helping a dog walk calmly at your side rather than pulling ahead or lagging behind. This command reduces leash frustration, builds connection, and makes outdoor excursions enjoyable. Dogs that heel well tend to stay more focused, making it easier to pass distractions like squirrels, other dogs, or crowded sidewalks. Historically, “heel” originated in the fieldwork of sporting breeds, where precise control was needed during hunts. German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, both used in police and military work, are known for their tight heel work during drills. Teaching this command usually begins with short distances and high rewards, eventually adding in movement, turns, and varied pace. An interesting twist is that “heel” doesn’t always mean rigid positioning—some modern trainers use it as a loose-leash walk cue to maintain calm engagement rather than robotic foot placement. A memorable story involves a young boy and his golden retriever navigating a crowded 4th of July parade—thanks to “heel,” the dog moved confidently alongside without tugging or becoming overwhelmed. This command can transform a frustrating walk into a peaceful bonding moment.

#8: Wait (Pause and Observe)

Often confused with “stay,” “wait” is a distinct command that tells your dog to pause until released—but without requiring a fixed position. This makes it especially useful at doors, curbs, crosswalks, or car exits. It’s about temporary control, not endurance. Many trainers recommend teaching “wait” as a real-world safety measure, especially for high-traffic areas. For example, a Dachshund might be taught to “wait” before hopping out of the car, even if they’re off-leash in a safe area. The command also works wonders when feeding multiple dogs—telling one to “wait” their turn reinforces patience and hierarchy. In professional settings, agility dogs use “wait” to pause before launching into action, building anticipation and timing. A fun anecdote comes from a trainer who used “wait” to hold a Labrador still long enough to pose for a family holiday photo—complete with a Santa hat and antlers. Teaching “wait” is relatively simple but builds a huge amount of situational control into your dog’s mindset. It bridges the gap between freedom and obedience, making your dog more thoughtful and less impulsive.

#9: Off (Polite Boundaries)

“Off” is the command for getting a dog down from something—be it furniture, people, or counters. It’s not to be confused with “down,” which tells a dog to lie flat. This command helps reinforce polite boundaries and can prevent dogs from jumping on guests or stealing food from counters. Jumping behavior is common in puppies and excitable breeds, but teaching “off” early on promotes respectful interactions. Interestingly, in some working environments—like therapy dog visits to hospitals—the “off” command is used to keep dogs from getting up on beds uninvited. Many trainers advocate for pairing “off” with praise when the dog’s paws hit the ground, reinforcing that keeping four feet on the floor gets rewards. In one memorable case, a shelter Pit Bull named Bella was overlooked for weeks until volunteers taught her “off” to reduce her jumping. She was adopted shortly after. “Off” is about respecting space, which is something every dog needs to learn in a shared environment.

#10: Watch Me (Engagement Cue)

“Watch me” is one of the most underutilized but powerful commands. It directs your dog’s gaze to your eyes, instantly improving focus and communication. This is especially useful for reactive dogs, dogs learning commands in distracting places, or puppies still getting used to their environment. “Watch me” is often trained with treats near the face or clicker reinforcement, helping dogs understand that eye contact equals good things. Military and agility handlers use this command before giving a new instruction, ensuring their dogs are locked in. One surprising historical detail: in ancient dog handling traditions, eye contact was discouraged to avoid dominance displays—but today’s trainers use it as a bond-strengthening tool. A woman in Ohio taught her deaf rescue dog “watch me” with hand signals, which became their foundation for learning all other commands. This command fosters trust and builds responsiveness like no other. It reminds your dog that no matter the distraction, you are the one worth paying attention to.