There are many opinions on how to raise the dogs, house them, train them, and treat them when it comes to living with them.
Every person has a different way of “parenting” their dogs, just like with children.
However, most agree that basic obedience training is important for all dogs, regardless of breed, size, and age.
Many even agree there are some basic commands all dogs should learn, and we’d like to share some of those with you in this article.
These commands are believed to be the foundation of all other obedience.
They make your dog a better citizen and housemate.
1. Their Name
Despite this doesn’t seem like a command or word to most people, it certainly is!
You can see how hard is with a new dog that doesn’t know its name yet.
For example, you can get their attention just with going over to them when see them get into something.
We take our dogs’ understanding their names for granted because it’s a natural thing for us to know.
But you should teach your dog his or her name.
This will help get their attention before you give a command.
Think about trying to call your dog in the house when he’s outside chasing a cat.
During the chase, yelling “Come!” might blow right through his ears since he isn’t paying attention to you.
But if you yell, “Chris, come!” you’re getting his attention by saying his name first.
We use their names to know who we’re talking to, the same way as we do with people.
2. Down
This is one of the most useful commands you’ll ever teach your dog!
That is because you can use it in different ways.
For example, if you’ve got a dog that wants to play when you’re working around the house, you can tell them to relax and lie down.
This is beneficial for your guests as well.
Teaching your dog to lie down and not bother them is extremely helpful.
Also, you might want to take your dog to dinner and have him lie beside you without begging for food from you or other diners.
This command allows the dog to be near his owner, but not bother.
3. Here/Come
This command could be a lifesaver, as our dogs want to chase many things.
A recall is one of the essential commands you need to teach your dog since even a trained dog can get distracted by some animal and want to chase them.
If your dog accidentally slips out of their collar and leash in the park or gets out of the house or yard, you’ll need a way to get them back before they run into dangerous traffic or simply run too far.
Whatever command you choose, having a reliable recall is most important.
4. Sit
A “sit” command is extremely helpful, just like the down.
Instead of jumping on everyone they meet, you need to teach your dog to sit before being greeted.
This gives them something appropriate to do whilst they wait for you.
Maybe you want to stop for a minute and chat with a neighbor while you’re walking your dog, so in this way, you could ask your dog to sit and relax.
Also, sitting while being examined by a veterinarian is helpful.
There are many ways when you can use a “sit” command, so it’s advisable to teach him right away.
5. Stay
With sit and down comes the stay command.
Most people find it simpler to teach the word “stay” as a command.
It doesn’t really make a difference either way, so long as your dog stays where he is until you ask them to move.
A stay command makes the dog wait in whatever area you place them.
You can ask your dog to lie down while you’re eating, but you might not want the dog right under your feet.
With teaching them this command, you can ask them to lie down and stay on the nearby bed or mat.
It’s your choice how you use these commands, but it’s important to understand how beneficial they are to your dog’s life, to your life, and the lives of people around you.