5 (Or 6) commands your dog must know!

4 Finished

This tells the dog she can now get up. Note that you MUST have some release word to go along with the Down above, or it will not be effective. Down is intended as quite possibly a long-term action, so keep everything here distinct.

This distinguishes it from “Sit”, which is usually short-term. I also use a release word there, too: “OK”. Don’t confuse the dog by mixing the two release words!!

5th Come

This is a little difficult to teach a rambunctious dog, but just have patience and give a lot of praise and love, and it will happen.

Some people prefer to say “Molly, Come”, or just “Come”, or just “Molly”. Personally I prefer the last. Ever notice how your dog ALWAYS turns its head when it hears its name? “Just sayin`”

6. Heel

To me this one is absolutely necessary, because I walk my dogs daily at least. You want your dogs by your knee at all times, not pulling ahead or to the side to sniff!! This is fairly easy for most dogs to learn. Another thing I work in here is “Sit”, when I come to a stop for any reason. Soon your dog will be automatically sitting by your side when you stop

There of course are many other useful, good commands. Some that quickly come to mind are “out”, “go potty”, “crate”, and “Bedtime”.

But if you begin with and master these basic 5 or 6, you’ll be on your way to a well-adjusted, happy, and safe dog faster than you think.