What are seven basic dog commands and why should my dog learn them?

The old tale, ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ is certainly a saying that can be put to the test. Research shows that dogs, both young and old, can learn new tricks, it just takes a little time and dedication. So, what should you teach your dog and how should you do it? There are seven basic dog commands that every dog should learn, whether they’re a newborn puppy or an old-timer.

Not only will these commands help you build a stronger and better relationship with your pet, but they will also help in moments of crisis and keep your dog safe. Remember: It’s never too late to start training your dog. Let us guide you through the process, from understanding what to teach them, why and where you can get the best dog trainers for your beloved man’s best friend.  

The key dog commands 

The seven dog commands are as follows: 

1. Sit

2. Stay 

3. Come

4. Heel

5. Off 

6. No 

Your pet dog needs to get a grasp of these commands for both their physical and mental well being. The simple commands of no, sit and stay can also be beneficial in training your dog to avoid possible dangers such as busy roads, other dogs and other people.

It can take as little as a couple of weeks to teach your dog these key commands, especially if you are using a reputable dog trainer. Continuing to use these newly taught instructions away from dog training classes will only increase your dog’s obedience and also the relationship between you and your pets.

After your dog has learnt the seven basic commands, there may even be a chance to learn more in-depth commands that come under the list of ‘impressive dogs tricks’.

When to train your dog

While it is possible to teach older dogs new tricks, getting your puppy to dog training classes earlier on will be a huge benefit to the success of the classes. As your puppy gets to the seven to eight-week mark, they are old enough to begin simple tasks such as sitting or staying. Dogs right up to the six-month mark are at prime dog training age. 

Taking your younger dog to dog training classes is also an ideal time for them to learn crucial sociable skills. If your puppy fails to interact with other dogs before a certain age, they may develop antisocial traits further on in life, which could result in an aggressive incident.

Is it worth paying for your dogs to learn basic commands?

Although it may be possible to train your dog alone, without any professional help, you and your dog could be losing out. With dog training, your puppy will be in an environment where they can safely mix with other dogs, develop social skills and learn under a structured routine, making spending the money all the more worth it.

Dog trainers also have years of experience under their belt, having trained many different types of dogs. This experience is vital to the success of any pet training and is definitely worth paying for in the long run. A quick search can find you the best dog trainer in your area and have you and your pooch conquering the seven basic dog commands in no time.