30 Basic Dog Commands You Must Know 

Welcoming a new furry friend into your life is an exciting journey filled with wagging tails, wet noses, and boundless love. But amidst all the cuddles and playtime, it’s crucial to establish clear communication with your dog. Basic dog commands not only help in fostering obedience but also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. 

30 Basic Dog Commands

Here are 30 essential and basic dog commands that will make your life and your dog’s much easier.

1. Sit 

Teach your dog to sit on command, a fundamental building block for obedience training.

2. Stand

Encourage your dog to stand on all fours, which is helpful for grooming or veterinary examinations.

3. Stay

Instill patience and self-control by teaching your dog to stay in place until released.

4. Come

Ensure your dog’s safety by teaching them to come when called.

5. Down

Teach your dog to lie down on command, helpful for calming excitable pups or managing unwanted behavior.

6. Heel

Train your dog to walk politely beside you without pulling on the leash.

7. Drop It

Encourage your dog to release whatever they have in their mouth, from toys to forbidden items.

8. Wait 

Teach your dog to pause and remain still, which is useful for controlling impulsive behavior.

9. Watch Me

Capture your dog’s attention and establish eye contact, essential for redirecting focus during training.

10. Sit Pretty

Impress your friends with this cute trick where your dog sits on its hind legs.

11. Shake

Teach your dog to offer their paw for a friendly shake, a classic crowd-pleaser.

12. Roll Over

Delight onlookers as your dog performs the playful roll-over trick.

13. Quiet

Control your dog’s barking behavior with commands to be quiet.

14. Eat

Teach your dog the ‘Eat’ command for mealtime manners and feeding routines.

15. Go to Bed

Establish a designated resting place for your dog and teach them to go there on command.

16. Guard

Teach your dog ‘Guard‘ commands as guard dogs are necessary for safety.

17. Wait at Doors

Teach your dog to wait at the doors before entering or exiting.

18. Find It

Engage your dog’s natural scenting abilities by hiding treats or toys for them to find.

19. Bring It

Teach your dog to pick up objects and bring them to you, a helpful skill for fetch.

20. Stay Close

Reinforce the importance of staying nearby, particularly in potentially dangerous situations.

21. Go Potty

Direct your dog to poop/pee in a specific location, making potty training a breeze.

22. Be Gentle

Teach your dog to interact softly with people, particularly children or smaller animals.

23. Look Away

This technique aids fearful, anxious, or frustrated dogs in managing reactions to specific triggers like other dogs, strangers, or noises.

24. Chin Rest

Train your dog to rest their chin in your hand, useful for grooming or administering medication.

25. Target

Encourage your dog to touch a specific object with their nose or paw, aiding in training and behavior modification.

26. Free

Release your dog from a command or restriction, signaling the end of an exercise or training session.

27. Jump

Teach your dog to act with the ‘Jump’ command for a playful and energetic training experience.

28. Hi-Fi

Boost your bond with your pup by teaching the ‘Hi-Fi’ command for a playful and rewarding interaction.

29. Left/ Right

Teach your dog Left/Right commands for precision in navigating obstacles or directions during walks or activities.

30. No

Establish boundaries and discourage unwanted behavior with “No” commands in your dog training regimen.

Hope these 30 basic dog commands lay the groundwork for a harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend. With time and dedication, you’ll not only have a well-behaved dog but also a lifelong friend who understands you.