Teaching Basic Commands (Sit, Stay, Come, Down)
Basic obedience commands are the foundation of communication between owner and dog. A dog that knows sit, stay, come, and down reliably is safer, easier to manage, and more confident. These are life skills, not tricks.
Why Dogs Do This
owner has not invested time in training
inconsistent signals from different family members
training sessions too long and aversive
rewards not motivating enough for the individual dog
distractions too high before the command is reliably trained in low-distraction environments
Step-by-Step Solutions
All basic commands should be taught with positive reinforcement — the dog learns that offering the behaviour results in something they want (treats, toys, praise). Start in a quiet environment, gradually add distractions as the dog succeeds.
Training Techniques
"Sit": Hold a treat above the dog's nose and slowly move it back over the head. As the dog's bottom lowers, say "Sit" and reward the moment they are seated.
"Down": From a sit, hold a treat to the dog's nose and lower it slowly to the floor between the front paws. As elbows touch the floor, say "Down" and reward.
"Stay": Ask for a sit or down, take one step back, return and reward. Build distance and duration very gradually — one step or one second at a time.
"Come (Recall)": Never chase the dog. Crouch down, open arms, use a happy voice: "Come!" Reward massively when they arrive. Never call the dog to punish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Repeating the command multiple times before the dog responds (teaches selective hearing)
Calling the dog to punish them (destroys recall reliability)
Training in too much distraction before the command is solid in quiet environments
Do's and Don'ts
keep training sessions to 3–5 minutes, 2–3 times daily
always end on success — finish with something the dog knows well
use the highest-value treats for new or difficult behaviours
train in quiet environments first, add distractions gradually
be consistent — same word, same hand signal, every time
repeat commands multiple times before the dog responds — this teaches them to ignore the first command
train when the dog is tired, hungry, or overstimulated
punish the dog for not responding to commands they haven't mastered yet
use the dog's name as a command — names get attention, then give the command
train for too long — short sessions are more effective than marathon sessions
Further Reading
Online Resources
Recommended Books
📚 Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor
📚 The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller
Training aids that help
Front-clip harnesses, training leashes, and enrichment toys