Ten essential commands for your dog

Pop Culture is our Teacher

Personally I am convinced that we can learn almost everything from movies and/or TV Shows (sometimes theatrical plays, especially when written by moi). In particular Star Trek comes to mind. Kirk taught us how to fall, Picard how to stand, Sisko how to lead and Janeway everything else (and I will die on that hill or delta quadrant). I am pretty sure my love for coffee, black! and Star Trek and moral are inspired by The Jane Way. I'm including Archer, because he taught us how to beagle (like Bea!). Everything after Porthos is basically fan fiction.

And as learned dog persons we owe it to our friends with paws to pass on this knowledge, our wisdom, darmok. Today I will be helping you in doing this by giving you an internet-friendly numbered list about ten essential commands for your dog.

Young Ensign Bea has already perfectly mastered STOP.

The List

Since I'm known for getting straight to the point, here is the list of ten essential commands. Just two reminders before we start.

One: Read here how to teach your dog any new command or trick, I've made a handy list about this.

Two: Find a command/word/cue for releasing your dog. We're going with ok. Nice and simple, but of course you can choose any word that makes sense to you, like free, release, good dog, let's go, etc. I've managed to even incorporate a simple hand gesture to signal release.

1. Sit:

It doesn't get more fundamental than sit. This cue in combination with learning it will be an essential building block for other commands.

2. Stay:

Staying in one place until released is crucial for safety and impulse control as well as control in general.

3. Come (Recall):

Teach your dog to come when called. This is for safety and maintaining control in various situations.

4. STOP:

You need a cue to stop your dog from what they are doing. No matter what they are doing. We use stop with Bea. And that means, butt on the ground. No matter what, where or when.

5. Heel:

Walking calmly beside you on a loose leash is truly important for a million situations and reasons. Your dog has to be able to do that. EVERY dog!

6. Wait (or Stay):

Teach your dog to wait for permission before moving forward. Nice and simple.

7. Down (Lie Down):

Can be useful for relaxation (not with Bea), impulse control, and managing excitable behavior (very important with Bea). You can be lenient and use this just for lying down or have your dog actually putting their head on the ground.

8. Leave It:

Leaving or ignoring objects, food, or distractions when instructed, will improve impulse control especially when in crowded places like a city or a beach.

9. Drop It (Release):

Teach your dog to drop or release objects from their mouth on command. This is essential for safety, retrieving games, and preventing resource guarding. For some dogs it might be really hard to learn.

10. Watch Me (Look):

Making eye contact with you on command is hard to learn. Take your time! But it will foster attention, focus, and communication between you and your dog.

Bonus

11. Place (Go to Bed):

Your dog should be able to know when they're supposed to go to a designated spot or bed or box on command.

12. Quiet (or Speak):

That's what we're learning at the moment. I'm trying to teach Bea to bark/howl on command. But since she's naturally quiet, that is a bit tricky. But it can be really useful, especially if your dog likes to bark a lot.

That's it

These are my top commands and cues every dog must know. They will give you control and provide a safe and fun way of communicating with your dog. Did I miss something? Which commands does your dog already know? Tell me in the comments.