Basic obedience lays the groundwork for a well-behaved puppy. Learn how to teach essential commands like sit, stay, and come with this beginner-friendly guide. Start today and enjoy a stronger bond with your pup through simple, effective training techniques!
Why Obedience Matters
Commands keep your puppy safe and manageable in everyday situations. “Sit” prevents jumping on guests, “stay” stops them from running into danger, and “come” ensures they return when called. Early training builds communication and trust between you.
Step 1: Teach Sit
Hold a treat above your puppy’s nose, moving it back so they sit naturally to follow it. Say “sit” as their bum hits the ground, then reward with the treat and praise. Practice 5-10 times daily for quick mastery of this foundational command.
Step 2: Master Stay
Ask your puppy to sit, then say “stay” with an open palm signal. Step back one foot, wait a second, then return and reward if they hold position. Increase distance and time gradually—patience here ensures a solid “stay” response.
Step 3: Train Come
Start in a quiet area. Say “come” in a happy tone while crouching and holding a treat. Reward them when they reach you, adding praise. Practice with a leash outdoors to reinforce reliability, especially in distracting environments.
Keeping It Positive
Use treats, praise, or toys as rewards—never punishment, which can confuse them. Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) to maintain focus. If they struggle, break commands into smaller steps and build up slowly for success.
Tips for Success
Train daily, varying locations like home, yard, or park to generalize commands. Be consistent with words and gestures across the family. Pair training with play to keep it fun. Most puppies grasp basics by 4-6 months with regular effort.
Basic obedience sets your puppy up for a lifetime of good behavior. Master these commands, and you’ll have a polite, responsive companion. Check our other training guides for more ways to enhance your puppy’s skills!