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Basic Commands to Teach Your Puppy

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If you're a new puppy parent, one of the best things you can do is start training early. Teaching your pup a few basic commands makes daily life easier, keeps them safe, and builds a strong bond between you.

The most important first commands to teach your puppy are their name, sit, come, stay, down, and leave it. These form the foundation for everything else down the road. Below, we'll walk through why each one matters, how to teach it step by step, and a few tips to set your pup up for success.

When to Start Training Your Puppy

You can start training your puppy the day you bring them home, usually around 8 weeks old. Puppies are little sponges at this age, and simple cues like their name and the "sit" command are perfect starting points. The key is to keep sessions short and fun, about 5 to 10 minutes at a time, since young pups have short attention spans. A few quick sessions a day work far better than one long one.

The First Commands to Teach Your Puppy, and How

Name Recognition

Before any other command, your puppy needs to know their name; it's how you'll get their attention for everything else. Say your puppy's name in a happy, upbeat voice. The moment they look at you, praise them and give a treat. Repeat this throughout the day, and soon your pup will turn to you every time they hear their name.

Sit

Sit is usually the easiest command to start with, and it's the building block for many others.

Here's how to teach it:

  1. Hold a treat close to your puppy's nose.
  2. Slowly move the treat up and back over their head, so their nose follows it and their bottom lowers to the floor.
  3. The moment they sit, say "sit," give the treat, and praise them.
  4. Repeat a few times a day until they've got it.

Come

The "come" command, also called recall, is one of the most important for your puppy's safety, since it brings them back to you in any situation.

Here's how to teach it:

  1. Start somewhere quiet with few distractions.
  2. Crouch down, say your puppy's name and "come" in a happy, excited voice.
  3. When they come to you, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.
  4. Always make coming to you a positive experience, so never call them over for something they dislike.

Stay

Teaching "stay" helps your pup learn patience and stay put even when something exciting is happening.

Here's how to teach it:

  1. Ask your puppy to sit.
  2. Hold your palm out toward them and say "stay."
  3. Take one step back, then return and reward them for staying put.
  4. Slowly add more distance and time as they get the hang of it.

Stay takes patience, so build up gradually and keep it positive.

Down

"Down" (lying all the way down) helps your pup settle and relax, which is handy in busy or stressful moments.

Here's how to teach it:

  1. Start with your puppy in a sit.
  2. Hold a treat at their nose, then slowly lower it to the floor in front of them.
  3. As they follow the treat down and lie flat, say "down" and reward them.
  4. Some pups take a little longer with this one, so be patient.

Leave It

"Leave it" is a safety essential that teaches your pup to ignore something they shouldn't grab, whether it's food on the sidewalk or something unsafe around the house.

Here's how to teach it:

  1. Hold a treat in a closed fist and let your puppy sniff and paw at it.
  2. The moment they stop and pull away, say "leave it," then reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
  3. Repeat until they back off as soon as they hear the cue.

Puppy Training Tips

Here are a few simple things to make training go more smoothly:

  • Use positive reinforcement: Reward the behavior you want with treats and praise rather than punishing mistakes. It builds trust and makes training something your pup looks forward to.
  • Keep sessions short and upbeat: Five to 10 minutes a few times a day beats one long session.
  • Use short, clear cues: Stick to one simple word per command, and make sure everyone in the house uses the same words.
  • End on a win: Finish each session with a command your pup knows well, so they end on a high note.
  • Be patient and consistent: Every puppy learns at their own pace, so celebrate small wins and keep at it.

Set Your Puppy Up for Success at Camp Bow Wow®

Training takes time, patience, and a little help, and that's where we come in. Camp Bow Wow® provides dog training programs, from group classes to private sessions, that build on the basics you're teaching at home, all guided by trained professionals who make learning fun. You can even add in-Camp training to your pup's daycare or boarding stay, so they learn while they play.

Find your local Camp Bow Wow® and schedule their visit today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Command Should You Teach a Puppy First?

Start with name recognition, since your puppy needs to respond to their name before anything else. After that, sit is usually the easiest command to teach and a great confidence builder for both of you.

How Long Does It Take to Train a Puppy?

Every pup is different. Many puppies pick up basic commands within a few weeks of consistent practice, but mastering them and holding them around distractions can take months. Short, regular sessions and patience are what get you there.

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