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Writer's pictureLexi Briley

Top 10 Commands Every Dog Should Know

Hello and welcome to Expert Dog Training


First and foremost, all dogs are welcome here at Expert Dog Training. We take pride in training a wide variety of dogs to excel in obedience, tricks, agility, scent work, and even aggression.


We also specialize in training dogs to become emotional support animals because we love helping people through their most difficult seasons.


 


In today's blog, I’m going to give you the

top 10 commands every dog should know in basic training!


If you know these 10 commands, you never have to teach your dog another command. These will help you and your dog live a fulfilled life at home so that you can have the best relationship possible.


#1 - Come Command


“Come,” is a safety command. Whenever you tell your dog to come, it could be because there’s a car coming, a threat coming, whatever it is, they need to come to you immediately every single time they are called.


#2 - Off Limits Command


You should have a command teaching them everything in your house that is off limits for them. Once you teach them the concept, they'll understand that, “off limits,” or whatever word you choose to use, will teach them what they can't do. No jumping, no barking, no going after food, no chasing children, whatever it is, you can tell them, “off.”


#3 - Down Command


A “down” command is super helpful if you need your dog to be in a position where they are relaxed and not on guard. They should be able to stay in the down while you work, while you talk, whatever you're doing, and trust that your dog is going to stay there, not getting into something or wandering off.


#4 - Place Command


“Place,” is essentially a kennel without walls. Teach your dog to place on an object that is raised, has borders, whatever place it is that they can place on forever.


When you learn the rules of place, you can place your dog on something and build up the amount of time that they are able to stay there. Even if you don't have the duration built, place is still really important. What if the mailman comes to the door and the door happens to be open? I need my dog to hold a place while the mailman comes and leaves. What if you have guests enter? Your dog can hold a place command while you're eating or whatever your situation might be.


#5 - Release Command


This command can be “free,” “release,” “okay,” “break,” whatever you use to teach, a release word is so important. Not only are we teaching the dog obedience commands that keep them safe, but we're teaching them a command that says you're really proud of them and they did exactly what you asked. This is their reward for working so hard.


#6 - Heel Command


This command is so important! In teaching heel, you are ensuring that your dog isn't going to pull you or anyone else that is walking them down. Another reason is, if you have a dog that reacts to birds, squirrels, follows their nose, if they get uneasy or too excited to meet strangers or animals, “heel” is the command you want to know.


Expert Tip:

“Down” is not the command you want to use in these situations. With the heel command, they should be so focused on you that they're wondering what step you're going to take next, to the point where it consumes their mind and physical body. This is the command that wears them out the most, but also strengthens them the most mentally, emotionally, and physically. If they're so focused on you, they can't focus on whatever it is around them that's exciting or scaring them.


#7 - Speak or Bark Command


A lot of dogs are not protection trained. Even dogs you may think are protectors of your family are really just scared. You want to teach your dog to speak or bark, that way if an intruder comes, your dog will bark over and over again upon your command. That way, your dog is not barking out of fear. It's a proven statistic that intruders who hear dogs inside of homes are much less likely to break in or to attack someone in the home.


#8 - Front Command


“Front” is where your dog comes right in front of you and looks up to you in a sitting position. In situations where there are many distractions, their focus needs to be on you, for their safety and for yours.


#9 - Distance Down


Let's say we're at the park and there is a lady who falls to the ground. You really want to help her, but you're unsure of how your dog is going to respond to the situation. It could be because there's a hazard or maybe the lady tripped over glass. It's important that you can distance down your dog no matter where you are, and trust that they can hold this command. You want to assess the scene before you enter.


Another reason could be someone is approaching you and you know that they're not super fond of dogs. Then, you can have your dog distance down. There's so many reasons for this.


#10 - Duration Down


This command is so important if you have a puppy or a dog who is all over the place. If you want to enjoy a meal or a family gathering and not tuck your dog away in a kennel, you can have them hold in duration down for up to an hour. You can use this command for any situation you like. Not only are they working their mind while they hold that down, they're literally thinking every single second that they can't get up. It's a form of training you can use while you get ready for work in the morning instead of going out on a walk on a rainy day. You can train them with the down command and still give them that mental stimulation that they need.


 

I hope this has been a blessing to you!


We know this will be helpful for you and your dog and we look forward to testimonies of great communication in your relationship!


Before you go!


If you or someone you know is looking for a dog that is

⭐️ FULLY VETTED

⭐️ ALTERED (Spayed/Neutered)

⭐️ FULLY TRAINED

Check out our website www.ExpertTraining.org to see the amazing rescue dogs we currently have available for adoption. We love doing this because it gives these dogs a second chance at life and for you to have a companion of a lifetime!


Not only do we rescue and love dogs from unfavorable situations, we also feed homeless dogs. Financially, we cannot accomplish this on our own. So, we need YOUR help. Here's how you can support Expert Dog Training in giving these pups a second chance at life:


A one time donation OR you can

Become a monthly partner at www.ExpertTraining.org


Feel free to give us a call at (214)480-4806!


Thank you again for your time.

Be blessed!

~Brandi Cunningham



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