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What Are the 7 Commands to Train a Dog

By Pawform Editorial Team · Updated August 28, 2026 · 5 min read

What Are the 7 Commands to Train a Dog?

Training your dog involves essential commands that improve communication and foster good behavior. The seven commands to train a dog are: Sit, Stay, Come, Down, Heel, Off, and Leave it. Each command is foundational in building a solid training base that enhances your dog’s manners and obedience.

1. Sit

The Sit command is the first step toward training your dog. It’s simple and powerful.

How to Teach Sit:

1. Get your dog’s attention: Use a treat to grab your dog’s focus.
2. Position the treat: Hold the treat near your dog’s nose and slowly move it upward.
3. Encourage the action: As your dog follows the treat with their nose, their bottom should lower to the ground.
4. Say the command: Once they are sitting, say “Sit” and give them the treat immediately.
5. Repeat and practice: Do this several times in short, fun sessions and remember to praise them!

By mastering the Sit command, you can help your dog wait patiently for food or guests.

2. Stay

The Stay command is crucial for safety and can prevent your dog from darting into dangerous situations.

How to Teach Stay:

1. Start with Sit: Begin from a Sit position.
2. Use a hand signal: Open your palm outward towards your dog and say “Stay.”
3. Take a step back: If they stay, return and reward them. If not, gently guide them back into position.
4. Gradually increase distance: With practice, take more steps back before rewarding your dog.
5. Practice regularly: End each session on a positive note with praise.

Using Stay can help you manage situations like having guests enter your home without overwhelming your dog.

3. Come

A reliable recall can keep your dog safe when off-leash and can help you manage their behavior in various scenarios.

How to Teach Come:

1. Choose a command: Use a consistent word like “Come” or “Here.”
2. Use positive reinforcement: Call your dog’s name followed by your command when they’re a short distance away.
3. Encourage them to come: Get low and open your arms while using an enthusiastic tone.
4. Reward immediately: When they come to you, praise and reward them with treats.
5. Increase the challenge: Gradually increase the distance where you call your dog.

The Come command can save your dog from making risky choices when they’re curious about their surroundings.

4. Down

The Down command helps to instill calm behavior and is useful in various situations, including when you want your dog to settle.

How to Teach Down:

1. Start from Sit: Have your dog sitting in front of you.
2. Use a treat: Hold the treat near their nose and move it towards the floor.
3. Encourage the position: When your dog follows the treat, slide it forward so they lie down.
4. Command and reward: Once they’re in the Down position, say “Down” and reward them.
5. Practice often: Incorporate this command into play sessions and reward compliance.

The Down command can be a cue for relaxation, helping them manage excitement in busy environments.

5. Heel

Teaching your dog to walk nicely beside you is essential to enjoy walks together.

How to Teach Heel:

1. Choose a side: Decide whether you want your dog to walk on your left or right side.
2. Use treats: Hold a treat in the hand closest to your dog and say “Heel.”
3. Start walking: Begin to walk. Encourage your dog to stay next to you by using positive reinforcement.
4. Reward good behavior: If your dog stays at your side, reward them promptly.
5. Practice: Use the Heel command during daily walks, gradually introducing distractions.

By mastering this command, both you and your dog will enjoy peaceful walks together.

6. Off

The Off command is vital to manage your dog’s behavior, particularly if they tend to jump on furniture or people.

How to Teach Off:

1. Wait for the behavior: When your dog jumps, calmly say “Off.”
2. Encourage them down: Use a treat to entice them back to the ground.
3. Reward compliance: Once their paws are on the ground, reward immediately with praise or treats.
4. Be consistent: Use the same word and method each time they jump, reinforcing good behavior.
5. Practice prevention: Use preventive measures, like sitting when meeting guests and providing an alternative (like a toy) to occupy them.

This command helps maintaining boundaries that protect your furniture and guests’ comfort.

7. Leave It

The Leave It command is crucial for teaching dogs self-control to prevent them from picking up undesirable items.

How to Teach Leave It:

1. Show the item: Hold a treat in your hand and let your dog sniff it without giving it to them.
2. Say “Leave It”: When they try to grab the treat, close your hand and say “Leave It.”
3. Wait for compliance: As soon as they stop trying, reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
4. Practice regularly: Gradually work with more distractions and keep sessions short and engaging.
5. Reinforce the behavior: Use this command in daily situations, like when you see something inappropriate on walks.

This command can greatly enhance your dog’s safety and respect for items in your environment.

Conclusion

Mastering these seven commands is a significant step in developing a well-behaved and responsive dog. Training builds a solid bond through communication and understanding between you and your dog. For more tips on shaping your dog’s behavior and enhancing their training, visit our article on how to train your dog.