Top Five Most Important Commands to Teach Your Dog

Top Five Most Important Commands to Teach Your Dog

Learning tricks with your dog is so much fun—who doesn’t love a pup that can give a high five or play dead? Tricks are a great way to bond and show off your dog’s personality. But beyond the entertainment value, are these tricks actually useful in everyday life? If you’re thinking about which commands to prioritize, what should you teach your dog?

At Service Dogs Alabama, our dogs learn over 70 commands to support their handlers, from waking someone up during a nightmare to retrieving items or even detecting seizures. These commands are life-changing, tailored to assist people in everyday challenges. As a pet owner, you probably don’t have the time, patience, or need to teach your dog that many commands. So, which essential commands should you focus on to have a well-behaved and responsive dog?

Here are the top five:

1. Dog’s Name

Your dog’s name is more than just a way to identify them—it’s also a command! Teaching your dog to respond reliably to their name is the foundation of all training. It helps in getting their attention, recalling them, or redirecting their focus away from distractions. A strong name recall can serve as a valuable tool in various situations, from preventing them from wandering off to stopping unwanted behavior.

2. Leave It

"Leave it" is one of the most crucial commands you can teach your dog. This command prevents your dog from picking up or eating something potentially harmful, like discarded food, toxic substances, or dangerous objects. It teaches impulse control and helps keep your dog safe in situations where their curiosity could lead them to trouble. A well-trained "leave it" command ensures your dog knows when to disengage from a tempting situation.

3. Heel or Loose Leash Walking

Walking your dog should be an enjoyable experience for both of you, not a constant battle against pulling and lunging. Teaching "heel" or practicing loose leash walking helps your dog learn to walk calmly beside you. This command is essential for maintaining control in busy or distracting environments, ensuring safety for both you and your dog. It also helps create a more positive and stress-free walking experience.

4. Sit

"Sit" is one of the first commands most dogs learn and for a good reason. It is incredibly versatile and serves as a foundational behavior for good manners. Teaching your dog to sit on command can prevent jumping, encourage patience, and help manage their behavior in public spaces. A reliable "sit" command can also be a great way to redirect a dog’s energy and calm them in high-stress situations.

5. Stay

The "stay" command is vital for your dog’s safety and self-control. Teaching "stay" helps keep your dog in a specific location until you release them, which is particularly useful in potentially dangerous situations—like stopping them from running into traffic or preventing them from approaching another dog uninvited. "Stay" builds reliability and focus, ensuring your dog remains where you need them to, no matter the distractions.

Why These Commands Matter

These five essential commands lay the groundwork for a well-behaved dog that’s easy to manage and a joy to be around. While it’s always fun to teach your dog new tricks, these foundational commands are the key to ensuring safety, good manners, and a harmonious relationship with your four-legged friend. At Service Dogs Alabama, we know the difference well-trained dogs make in people’s lives, and starting with these foundational commands can set your dog up for success, too.

If you're inspired by the impact our service dogs make and want to learn more or get involved, visit our website or consider volunteering with us. Help us continue training life-changing dogs and making a difference in our community! 🐾