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What Should I Train My Dog to Do: Essential Commands and Skills

By Pawform Editorial Team · Updated August 7, 2026 · 5 min read

What Should I Train My Dog to Do?

Deciding what to train your dog to do is crucial for both their safety and your peace of mind. Essential training commands and skills help create a harmonious home environment and strengthen your bond with your pup. Read on for practical advice on the key commands and activities you should focus on during training.

Essential Commands to Teach Your Dog

Focusing on basic commands not only fosters good behavior but also promotes safety. Here are the essential commands every dog should learn:

Sit

1. Get your dog’s attention: Hold a treat and get your dog’s focus.
2. Move the treat above their nose: Raise it slowly, drawing it back over their head. This movement encourages them to lower their bottom to the ground.
3. Say “Sit”: Once their bottom touches the floor, say “Sit” and reward them with the treat.
4. Repeat: Practice this a few times for reinforcement, gradually weaning off the treat as they understand the command.

Teaching “sit” serves as a starting point for many other commands and ensures your dog learns to be calm and attentive.

Stay

1. Start with your dog in a sit position: Ensure they’re calm and focused.
2. Open your palm and say “Stay” clearly: Before taking a step back.
3. Slowly back away: If they stay put, reward them.
4. Increase distance gradually: Work on extending how far you can go while they stay.

The “stay” command is particularly helpful in situations where you need your dog to be calm and patient, such as during vet visits or when meeting new people.

Come

1. Choose a safe space: Start in an enclosed area free of distractions.
2. Use a leash if necessary: To ensure safety.
3. Call your dog confidently: Say “Come” while showing them a treat.
4. Reward: When they come to you, be sure to reward them with praise or treats.

Teaching “come” is vital for your dog’s safety, especially in emergency situations. You can practice this command during walks or playtime.

Down

1. Start with your dog in a standing position: Get their focus with a treat.
2. Move the treat down to the ground: Encourage them to follow it while saying “Down.”
3. Reward: When they lay down, immediately reward them with praise.
4. Practice regularly: Gradually introduce the command in different environments.

The “down” command is useful for calming an excited dog and keeping them settled in different situations.

Advanced Commands and Tricks

After mastering the basics, consider adding more advanced commands and entertaining tricks to your dog’s repertoire:

Leave It

This command teaches your dog impulse control and can prevent them from grabbing potentially harmful items.

1. Place a treat in your hand: Close your fingers around it.
2. Say “Leave it”: When your dog tries to reach for the treat, wait for them to pull back or show disinterest.
3. Reward with a different treat: Provide them with a treat they can have instead.

Shake or Paw

1. Sit your dog: Start with your dog in a sitting position.
2. Lift their paw: If they don’t offer it, gently lift it while saying “Shake” or “Paw.”
3. Reward them: Praise them when they successfully offer their paw.

Roll Over

1. Get your dog to lie down: Start with a down position.
2. Guide their head: Using a treat to roll them over while saying “Roll over.”
3. Reward: When they complete the roll, reward them with treats and praise.

Socialization Skills

Training isn’t just about commands; teaching socialization skills is equally essential for your dog’s development. Here are some crucial social skills to practice:

Positive Exposure

Expose your dog to new experiences, people, pets, and environments gradually.

1. Start slowly: Choose a few new sights or sounds at a time.
2. Use treats: Offer rewards to create positive associations during these exposures.
3. Observe their comfort level: If they show signs of stress, step back and try again later.

Meet-and-Greet Etiquette

1. Introduce your dog to new people gently: Allow them to approach at their own pace.
2. Practice greetings: Teach them to sit before meeting someone new.
3. Reward calm behavior: This helps reinforce good manners when meeting others.

Fun Activities and Games

Training doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Incorporate fun games to keep your dog engaged:

Fetch

A classic game that helps burn energy:

1. Choose a favorite toy: Something your dog enjoys.
2. Throw the toy: Ensure there’s plenty of space.
3. Encourage them to return it: Use “Come” or “Bring it here” when they return.

Hide and Seek

This playful activity can also teach your dog recall:

1. Have someone hold your dog: While you hide somewhere nearby.
2. Call their name: Encourage them to find you.
3. Reward them when they find you: Add treats or praise for success.

Conclusion

Training your dog is an ongoing journey that requires patience and consistency. Start by focusing on essential commands like sit, stay, and come, and gradually introduce advanced skills and fun activities. Remember, every dog learns differently and at their own pace. Stay positive and enjoy the bonding experience that comes with training!

For more detailed guidance on how to train your dog effectively, visit our comprehensive training guide here.