The 5 Most Important Commands Every Dog Should Know
You don't need an obedience champion. But these five commands make your dog genuinely safer and easier to live with.
1. Recall
The most important of all. A reliable recall can save your dog's life. Build it in a private secure field before taking it public. Reward generously every single time ā a return to you should always be the best decision your dog makes.
2. Sit
Lure with a treat held above the nose and moved slightly back. The moment the bottom touches the floor, reward. Most dogs learn this in minutes.
3. Stay
Ask for sit, say "stay", wait one second, reward. Gradually increase duration before adding distance. Never rush ā a solid 5-second stay beats a broken 30-second one.
4. Down
From sit, lure the treat slowly forward and down toward the floor. When elbows hit the ground, reward. More comfortable than sitting for longer durations.
5. Leave It
Put a treat in a closed fist. When your dog stops trying and looks away, reward from your other hand. Progress to items on the floor.
ā ļø For dogs with specific challenges, consult a qualified force-free trainer. SnoopPaws does not provide training advice.
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