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10 Basic Dog Commands Every Dog Should Know | Nom Nom

Monday, March 03, 2025

By The Nom Nom Team

Training your dog to understand and follow certain commands isn’t about showing them who’s boss. Not only are commands a means of communication, they’re beneficial to a dog’s safety, happiness and overall well-being.

“Every command is a promise,” explains professional dog trainer and AKC Good Citizens evaluator Fred Zorn. “It demonstrates to a dog that behavior that is required and asked for will be rewarded, whether that’s a high-value treat after “sit,” praise after “come” or returning to the dog after you ask them to stay.”

“It’s not just about barking orders,” Zorn stresses. “It’s about establishing trust in your relationship.”

So whether you have a new puppy or an older dog, teaching them these basic dog commands will strengthen your bond and help them navigate the world confidently.

Here are the top 10 commands every dog (and parent) should know:

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1. Sit

Think of "sit" as a starter command. “Not only does it set the foundation for more complex moves—a dog needs to sit before they do “down,” for instance—it’s easy for them to master, which increases the dog’s confidence,” Zorn explains.

In other words, it makes them eager to try new and harder things…in order to reap rewards, like treats! Try practicing the sit command before you set down their bowls for meals (if you’re serving your dog something especially delicious, they’re bound to be extra excited), or to prevent your pup from jumping up during greetings.

Teach it: Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose, then move your hand upward, allowing their head to follow the treat. As their bottom touches the ground, say "sit" and reward them.

2. Stay

“Stay is one of the few commands where we’re looking for inaction,” says Zorn. “It’s important to demonstrate that being still can also be a rewarded behavior.” Understanding this basic dog command is an important safety measure, preventing your dog from darting into dangerous situations.

Teach it: Ask your dog to "sit," then hold your palm out and say "stay." Take a step back, and if they don’t move, reward them. Gradually increase the distance and duration.

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3. Wait

As opposed to stay, which is generally used to keep your dog in place for a longer period of time, "wait" is a short pause. Use it at doors, to get your dog to stall at intersections, or to take a break during mealtimes if they tend to gobble their food too quickly.

Teach it: Ask your dog to "wait" while holding up your hand. Open the door or set down their food bowl. Release them with a word like "okay" or "go."

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4. Place

The "place" command teaches your dog to go to a designated spot, such as a bed or mat.

“Many dogs thrive when given jobs, but that doesn’t need to mean police work or pulling sleds,” Zorn says. “Engaging in training and teaching commands like “place” allow dogs to feel useful, and perform actions that elicit a positive response.”

Teach it: Lead your dog to the spot and say "place" as they step onto it. Reward them for staying there. This command is useful during meal prep, when guests visit or in busy household moments. If you need them to remain in place for a longer period of time, don’t forget the “stay” command.

5. Come

This lifesaving command ensures your dog returns to you, no matter the distraction. Use it during off-leash activities or in emergencies.

Teach it: Start with a leash, crouch down to your dog’s level, and excitedly say "come" while gently pulling the leash. Reward them generously when they approach you. Transition to off-leash training once they’ve mastered it.

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6. Down

"Down" is a more advanced command that helps manage overexcited or anxious dogs. Avoid pushing your dog into position—patience and positive reinforcement work best.

Teach it: Hold a treat in your hand, move it to the ground between your dog’s front paws, and say "down" as they follow it. Reward when their entire body is on the floor.

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7. Leave It

“Leave it, drop it and off are the impulse control triumvirate, all involving body contact,” Zorn explains. For starters, the command “leave it” can prevent your dog from picking up harmful items.

The best way to keep a pup from gleefully grabbing something they really, really want (but really, really shouldn’t have?) Making the command and exchange worth their while.

“When trained in the wrong way, commands like ‘leave it’ teach the dog that they’re about to lose, which isn’t useful,” advises Zorn. “They need to learn that by listening, they’re actually getting more out of the situation than if they persisted in the behavior.”

Teach it: Place a treat in your hand and close your fist. Say "leave it" as they sniff or paw at your hand. The moment they back away, reward them with a different treat. Gradually introduce real-world scenarios, like dropped food or tempting objects.

8. Drop It

Similar to "leave it," this command is critical if your dog picks up something dangerous. And as with “leave it,” the key is making the words (and action) a reward instead of a punishment.

“If the words “drop it” become associated with punishment, they’re more likely to ignore them in the future,” Zorn says.

Teach it: When your dog has an object, offer a high-value treat and say "drop it." Exchange the treat for the item and praise them. With consistency, they’ll learn to release items on command.

9. Off

Use "off" to prevent your dog from jumping on people, furniture or counters. “For us, the word may mean ‘leave that thing alone,’” explains Zorn. “But for your dog, it should mean ‘pay attention to me.’”

How you earn that attention is up to you and what best motivates your dog, whether that’s attention, praise, freedom or tantalizing treats.

Teach it: When your dog jumps up, say "off" firmly and guide them to the floor. Reward them when all four paws are on the ground. Consistency is key to breaking jumping habits.

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10. Heel

"Heel" ensures your dog walks calmly at your side, making walks enjoyable and safe. “In a world full of distractions, it’s important that a dog learns how to focus on one very important thing, and that’s their person, disregarding all other things.”

Teach it: Hold a treat at your side and say "heel" as you begin walking. Reward your dog for staying close to you. Practice in low-distraction areas before taking it to busy streets or parks.

“Training commands is certainly a useful way to prevent precious things you own from being destroyed, like glasses or slippers. But a simple word like ‘drop,” can also save your dog’s life. It’s that simple,” says Zorn.

“Ultimately, understanding commands is essential for a dog’s safety, not just their body, but their mind and their trust of you.”