The Day I Learned to Listen to My Pug: A Lesson Every Owner Should Know
June 15, 2025
It is both exciting and, let’s face it, a little messy to bring a new dog into your house. Training is your secret weapon to peace, safety, and sanity, regardless of whether you have an energetic puppy or an elderly dog who has never learned the fundamentals.
Don’t worry, this isn’t boot camp. This training program is realistic, flexible, and achievable enough to work around your schedule. No hours-long sessions or a professional trainer are required; just 15 to 20 minutes a day, consistency, and a supply of delicious treats will do.
Goal: Build communication, connection, and calm.
Why “Sit” is your bestie:
This command is like your “pause” button. It helps prevent jumping, bolting, and general chaos. Before dinner? Sit. At the door? Sit. Are you waiting to cross the road? What did you guess? Sit. It’s the first step in teaching your dog impulse control.
Why “Watch Me” changes the game:
Making eye contact is crucial to getting your dog to check in with you rather than obsessively focusing on the neighbor’s cat or the strange odor coming from beneath the couch. It builds focus and makes everything easier from here.
How to teach it:
Hold a treat near your dog’s nose.
Say “Sit” and give them a reward after slowly raising it above their head until their butt touches the ground.
For “Watch Me,” hold a treat near your eyes, say “Watch Me,” and reward the instant your dog makes eye contact.
Pro tip: Train when they’re a little hungry. Dogs work harder when their stomach is rumbling a bit.
Goal: Teach patience and impulse control.
“Stay” is the difference between chaos and control. It prevents your dog from running into an open door, tripping over your grandmother, or chasing a squirrel into the street.
How to teach it:
Start with your dog in a sit.
Say “Stay” while holding up your palm.
Take one step back. Step back and give them a reward if they remain motionless.
Gradually build time and distance.
Keep the energy calm. Don’t hurry; simply reset and try again if they break the stay.
Pro tip: Always release them with a word like “Okay” or “Free.” That teaches them that you, not them, decide when the stay is over.
Goal: Create a rock-solid recall (a life-saving skill).
This is the most important command your dog will ever learn. “Come” can save lives whether they’re ignoring you at the park, heading toward traffic, or another dog.
How to teach it:
Say “Come” in a joyful voice, get down low, and spread your arms wide.
Reward them like it’s a party when they approach you.
“Come” should never be used for something they detest, such as bath time. You want this command to always feel good.
Pro tip: Make it a game. Hide in the house and call them. Reward them when they find you. Use the chase; dogs love it.
Goal: Teach calm, controlled behavior.
“Down” helps your dog relax, both physically and mentally. It works well for overstimulation, social situations, or simply teaching etiquette at home.
How to teach it:
Start from a “Sit.”
Move a treat from their nose down to the floor, slowly pulling it forward like a lure.
When elbows hit the ground, say “Down” and reward.
Don’t push them down; patience is the key. Let them figure it out with gentle encouragement.
Pro tip: Once they’re lying down, reward them for staying there. You’re creating relaxed vibes in addition to teaching.
Goal: Prevent eating or touching dangerous stuff.
“Leave it” can literally save your life, whether it’s a chocolate bar, trash on the sidewalk, or your favorite shoes.
How to teach it:
Put a treat in one hand and close your fist.
“Leave it” after displaying the closed hand.
Wait until your dog backs off, then reward from the other hand.
NEVER give them the “leave it” item. That’s cheating.
Expert advice: Make use of this daily. Leave it before picking up dropped food. Leave it before approaching another dog. It builds serious respect and focus.
Goal: Set boundaries (without being a buzzkill).
Your dog will learn to “wait” before acting, such as running out the door or devouring food.
“Off” is for when they’re on the couch, your lap, or jumping on guests.
How to teach “Wait”:
At a door or before placing their bowl, ask your dog to sit.
Say “Wait” and slowly begin to open the door or lower the bowl.
If they move, close the door or lift the bowl. Try again.
How to teach “Off”:
When they jump, say “Off” calmly and turn away.
Reward the moment all four paws are on the floor.
Pro tip: Don’t confuse “down” (lie down) with “off” (get off). Keep the language clear and consistent.
Goal: Reinforce, celebrate, and keep things fun.
You made it! Now it’s time to loop back and review everything in a relaxed, playful way. Mix commands together. Practice in different rooms or even outside. Make it a game!
Ideas for today:
Play “Come” as a hide-and-seek game.
Mix up “Sit,” “Down,” and “Watch Me.”
Use “Stay” while you toss a toy and release with “Okay.”
The goal of this day is to strengthen your relationship and boost your self-esteem.
One week won’t turn your pup into a robot (and who wants that, anyway?), but it will build the foundation for a calmer, happier, and more responsive companion. These seven days are only the start of a lifetime relationship based on love, trust, and communication.
Continue to practice. Continue to show up. And never forget that the magic of raising a great dog includes every “sit,” every “stay,” and every silly moment.
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