Teach Your Dog to Sit, Stay & Come (Beginner Guide)

Teaching your dog basic obedience commands isn’t just about good manners—it’s about safety, trust, and building a stronger bond between you and your furry friend. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy or want to refresh your older dog’s training, this beginner guide will help you teach sit, stay, and come the easy and positive way.

🦴 Why Basic Commands Matter

Basic training builds the foundation for everything else your dog will learn. It helps your dog understand what you expect, reduces frustration, and makes your daily life together smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, a well-trained dog is safer in public and more confident overall.

🐾 Step 1: Teaching Your Dog to “Sit”

“Sit” is one of the easiest and most important commands your dog can learn. It’s great for calming them down, preventing jumping, and teaching patience.

How to Do It:

Hold a small treat close to your dog’s nose.
Slowly raise the treat upward—your dog’s head will follow, and their bottom will naturally lower.
As soon as they sit, say “Sit!” and reward them with the treat and praise.

💡 Pro Tip: Practice in short sessions of 5–10 minutes a few times a day. Always end training on a positive note!

🐾 Step 2: Teaching Your Dog to “Stay”

“Stay” teaches self-control and patience. It’s perfect for preventing your dog from running out the door or jumping on guests.

How to Do It:

Ask your dog to sit.
Open your palm toward them and say, “Stay.”
Take one small step back. If they hold their position, reward them.
Gradually increase the distance and duration.

💡 Pro Tip: Always release your dog with a consistent word like “Okay!” so they know when it’s safe to move.

🐾 Step 3: Teaching Your Dog to “Come”

This is a lifesaver—literally. A strong recall can prevent your dog from running into danger.

How to Do It:

Start indoors or in a quiet, fenced area.
Crouch down, open your arms, and cheerfully say, “Come!”
Reward with a treat and lots of praise when they reach you.

💡 Pro Tip: Never punish your dog for coming to you—even if they were misbehaving before. You want “Come!” to always mean something good!

💬 Training Tips for Success

Keep training sessions short and positive—dogs learn best when they’re having fun.
Use treats, toys, and praise as rewards to make training exciting.
Be consistent with your words and tone so your dog doesn’t get confused.
End every session with love and playtime to keep your dog motivated.

🐕 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t repeat commands too often—say it once and wait.
Avoid yelling or showing frustration; dogs respond to calm confidence.
Don’t train when your dog is too tired or distracted—choose quiet times.

🩵 Final Thoughts

Teaching your dog the basics takes patience, but it’s so worth it. These commands create structure, strengthen your bond, and help your dog feel secure. Remember: every dog learns at their own pace, so stay kind and consistent!

✨ Helpful Tools for Pet Parents

📝 Free Puppy Checklist – make sure you have everything you need to start training your pup!
📔 Pawfect Little Life Pet Journal – track progress, note commands mastered, and celebrate every milestone!

🐾 FAQ

How long does it take to teach a dog basic commands like sit, stay, and come?

Most dogs can learn simple commands like “sit” in just a few days of short, consistent sessions. “Stay” and “come” may take a few weeks depending on your dog’s focus, age, and breed. Patience and repetition are key!

What’s the best age to start training my dog?

You can start training as early as 8 weeks old. Puppies have short attention spans, so keep sessions fun and brief—about 5–10 minutes at a time. Older dogs can learn too, it might just take a little extra patience.

How do I get my dog to actually listen when I say “come”?

Start indoors with no distractions. Say “come” in a cheerful tone, crouch down, and reward your dog immediately when they reach you. Gradually practice outside with more distractions as your dog improves.

My dog won’t stay still—what should I do?

Begin with very short “stay” commands, even just 2–3 seconds. Slowly increase the time and distance while always rewarding success. If your dog moves, calmly reset and try again instead of scolding.

What type of treats work best for training?

Soft, bite-sized treats that your dog can eat quickly work best. Choose something your dog really loves, like small pieces of chicken or training treats designed for positive reinforcement.

How often should I train my dog?

Train daily in short bursts—two to three 10-minute sessions are more effective than one long one. Always end on a positive note so your dog looks forward to training next time.

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