10 Basic Dog Commands You Have to Try (Unless You Love Chaos)
Let’s be honest: if your dog runs your house, eats your socks, and only listens when you’re holding a treat—you’re not alone.
But here’s the deal. You don’t need to train your dog to backflip or open the fridge (though that would be cool). What you do need are the basics. The “please don’t embarrass me in public” level commands that make life smoother for you and less confusing for your dog.
These 10 dog commands are simple, essential, and yes—actually useful. Ready to train your furry little gremlin into a well-behaved angel? Let’s go.
1. Sit
Classic. Iconic. Overused? Maybe. But so necessary.
- Why it matters: “Sit” stops your dog from jumping, running, or generally being a menace.
- When to use it: Before crossing the street, when guests come over, or when you’re holding anything vaguely edible.
Pro tip: Say it once. Don’t turn it into “sit-sit-siiiiit-sit” unless you want to be ignored forever.
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Start Training Today! 🐾2. Stay
This one’s basically “Sit’s” cooler, more responsible sibling.
- Why it matters: It keeps your dog in one place while you do literally anything else.
- When to use it: When the doorbell rings, when you drop something dangerous, or when you’re carrying groceries and praying for balance.
Bonus: It makes you feel weirdly powerful.
3. Come
Because your dog pretending they “didn’t hear you” at the park is not a personality trait.
- Why it matters: It’s the recall command. It could save their life.
- When to use it: At the dog park, during off-leash hikes, or anytime they’re bolting toward a squirrel like it owes them money.
Use a happy voice. “COME!” doesn’t exactly sound inviting.
4. Leave it
Dogs will try to eat everything. Trash, socks, dead birds… whatever. This command? A lifesaver.
- Why it matters: It teaches them to leave stuff alone. Especially gross or dangerous stuff.
- When to use it: On walks, in the house, literally 24/7.
It also works on pizza crusts you didn’t mean to drop. Just saying.
5. Down
Not to be confused with “sit.” “Down” means “chill all the way out.”
- Why it matters: It’s great for calming your dog in overstimulating situations.
- When to use it: Vet visits, crowded spaces, or when your dog thinks it’s appropriate to stand on the table.
If your dog’s stubborn, be patient. You’re basically asking them to not be dramatic.
6. Drop it
Ever tried prying a half-chewed mystery object out of your dog’s mouth? Yeah, not fun.
- Why it matters: “Drop it” helps them release whatever horrifying thing they’ve picked up.
- When to use it: Tug-of-war games, stolen underwear situations, or mid-walk emergencies.
Reward like a maniac when they listen. You’re literally fighting instinct here.
7. Off
“Off” is not the same as “down,” and your couch will thank you for teaching it.
- Why it matters: It tells your dog to get off furniture, people, or anything else they’ve launched themselves onto.
- When to use it: When they jump on guests, climb into your bed uninvited, or treat the coffee table like a stage.
Saying “down” when you mean “off” just confuses everyone. Including your dog.
8. Heel
Okay, so you’re not going for military-level discipline. That’s fine. But “heel” is still super useful for leash manners.
- Why it matters: It keeps your dog walking nicely beside you instead of dragging you like a sled dog.
- When to use it: On busy sidewalks, training walks, or when you’re tired of looking like you’re water-skiing.
Spoiler alert: Dogs don’t come pre-installed with leash manners. Shocking, I know.
9. Wait
Different from “stay.” “Wait” means pause for a sec—not “freeze like a statue.”
- Why it matters: It’s great for temporary holds, like opening the car door or putting on a leash.
- When to use it: Before meals, at thresholds, or when you need a moment of sanity.
Your dog learns patience. You learn to not scream while putting on shoes.
10. Okay! (Release command)
Training isn’t just about stopping behaviors—it’s also about telling them when they’re done. That’s where the release word comes in.
- Why it matters: It clears confusion and gives your dog a “job complete” moment.
- When to use it: After “stay,” “wait,” or “leave it.” Basically anytime they’ve done something right and need permission to go back to being chaos.
Pick a word you don’t use often. “Okay” is classic, but “free,” “done,” or “go be weird” works too.
🧠 Bonus: Use Treats (But Don’t Be a Bribe Machine)
Dogs learn with food. It’s science. But if you’re shaking the treat bag every time you want them to sit, guess what? They’re training you.
Use treats to reward, not bribe. Give them after the behavior happens. And slowly reduce the treats once they get the hang of it.
Also, praise like they just won a gold medal. Because to them? They did.
🐾 Practice Makes Better (Not Perfect)
No dog is perfectly trained. Not even the ones on Instagram with little bow ties and choreographed routines.
Practice in short sessions. Stay calm. Keep it fun. And if your dog decides to ignore everything you taught them the second they see a butterfly… welcome to the club.
But the more you use these basic commands, the more confident and chill your dog becomes. And the less you’ll have to apologize to your neighbors for “that one time.”
TL;DR (Too Lazy; Dog Already Ate Your Notes)
- Sit, Stay, Come, Leave It – the holy grail of dog manners
- Down, Drop It, Off, Heel – control the chaos
- Wait + Release – pause + freedom = balance
- Use treats and praise, but don’t become a treat ATM
- Practice, mess up, repeat. It’s all part of the fun.
Now go grab some treats, give your dog the “sit” command, and feel the tiny thrill of finally being listened to. 😎🐕
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
