The Day I Learned to Listen to My Pug: A Lesson Every Owner Should Know
June 15, 2025
Because a well-trained dog exudes a whole vibe rather than just being impressive.
Bringing a dog into your life is like inviting chaos wrapped in fur to move in permanently. One minute they’re cuddling beside you like little angels, and the next, they’re tearing through the living room like they’re in a high-speed chase with an imaginary squirrel. And honestly? That contrast is what makes them so lovable.
But let’s be real. Raising a dog without training is like trying to live in a house with no rules, no structure, and zero chill. That’s why these 16 basic dog commands are straight-up life-changing. They are about connection rather than just control. About respect. About keeping your sanity while turning your dog into a polite, confident, joyful little beast.
Whether you’re starting fresh with a new pup or trying to untrain some questionable habits your older dog picked up (yeah, we see you, couch-jumping Bandit), these commands are your secret weapon.
So grab a treat pouch, bring your best patient self, and let’s get into it.
Ah, the classic “sit.” It’s the first command for a reason. Teaching your dog to sit is like giving them a pause button. It tells them, “Hold up, take a second, and ground yourself.” When you’re trying to regain control during high-energy situations, such as before meals, when visitors arrive, or anytime your dog’s excitement goes from zero to chaos in 1.5 seconds, this is especially beneficial.
When they do it on cue, it also makes you look like a complete dog whisperer, let’s face it. This basic move serves as both a foundation that says, “Hey, we’ve got a language here,” and a springboard for more complex training.
“Stay” is not just a command. For you both, it’s a test of patience and trust. When your dog masters this, it’s like they’re saying, “I’ve got enough faith in you to hang tight.” Whether it’s preventing a dash out the front door or keeping them safe during a busy moment, “stay” creates boundaries. And boundaries = peace.
It takes time to build this one, especially with puppies who think standing still is a personal attack. But once they get it? Oh, it’s golden. Like, sipping-coffee-while-your-dog-stays-on-their-bed kind of golden.
If your dog only ever masters one command in their entire life, let it be “come.” This is the lifeline, so it’s not an option. Whether you’re calling them away from an open gate, a speeding car, or a food scrap that might be dangerous, “come” can save their life.
And let’s be honest, there’s something deeply emotional about calling your dog and having them race back to you with their ears flapping and eyes locked on yours. That’s pure loyalty right there. Teaching “come” builds trust like nothing else. “No matter what, I’m here and I’ve got you,” it states.
“Down” is that deep-breath, slow-exhale command. It’s perfect for those overstimulated moments when your dog needs to chill. Like when the doorbell rings and they morph into a barking, spinning tornado. Or when you just want to cuddle, but they think it’s playtime.
Getting your dog to lie down on cue teaches patience, respect, and emotional control. Like a toddler settling down for a nap after a sugar rush, it makes them feel secure and at ease. And from your side? It’s just refreshing to have a break from all that movement.
Imagine a walk where your arm isn’t getting yanked out of its socket. Glorious, right? That’s what “heel” is for. It tells your dog, “We’re walking together, not auditioning for a sled team.” It’s especially useful for large or strong dogs who love to lead the charge like they’ve got somewhere urgent to be.
Teaching heel transforms your walks from stressful sprints into bonding experiences. You’ll go from “dragged through the neighborhood” to “two buddies casually exploring the world.” And that feeling? Priceless.
Dogs are basically toddlers with teeth. They want to sniff, taste, and explore everything. Nothing is off limits, not even your AirPods or moldy pizza on the sidewalk. That’s where “leave it” comes in like a superhero.
This command is all about impulse control. It teaches your dog that you’re not just being a buzzkill when you say “not that,” but that you’re actually protecting them. And once they get it? You’ll breathe easier on every walk, knowing your pup won’t lunge at every mystery object they find.
What should you do now that your dog didn’t leave it? Input: “drop it.” Whether it’s your favorite sock or a half-eaten chicken bone, “drop it” tells your dog, “Give that up, right now.” And trust? This one is clutch.
It’s not just about saving your stuff (although yes, that too). It’s about safety, especially when your dog picks up something toxic or sharp. Bonus? When taught well, this command builds a sense of calm surrender. Like, “Okay, I’ll give it back. No drama.”
This one’s the unsung hero of the dog training world. “Wait” refers to a brief pause, as opposed to “stay.” For example, “Wait before you leave the car,” or “Ask me before touching that treat.”
It’s a way of creating micro-moments of control in everyday chaos. You’ll find a hundred uses for it once your dog learns it, whether it’s for loading into the car, preparing for a walk, or feeding time. It’s a command that says, “Slow down, buddy. Let me go first.”
Do you ever want to just lock eyes with your dog and say, “Focus, bro”? That’s “watch me.” It’s a cue for attention. A way to say, “Look at me, not the squirrel.”
This command is especially helpful for reactive or distracted dogs. It builds your connection and re-centers their energy on you. And that eye contact? Pure magic. It’s the heartbeat of every good training session.
We love our dogs, but not every surface is a playground. “Off” is how you teach your pup to respect personal space. Whether it’s the couch, the kitchen counter, or your lap when you’re holding a hot drink, “off” means step away gently.
It’s clarity, not reprimands. And dogs love clarity more than we give them credit for. With “off,” you’re creating a respectful co-living situation. And your furniture will thank you.
Simple, strong, and sometimes the only word you can get out in a moment of panic. “No” stops behavior right now. Don’t use it excessively, though, or it will lose its effectiveness. Save it for moments that really matter, like chewing cords or lunging at other dogs.
And don’t forget to follow it up with guidance. Because after “no,” your dog needs to hear what to do. Redirecting is more important than simply stopping.
Your dog wants to make you proud. “Yes” is your way of saying, “You crushed it, buddy!” Use it with excitement and joy. It marks the exact moment they get it right, and it builds their confidence like crazy.
Say it with love, with energy, with that proud-parent tone. Because dogs can feel your vibe, and a strong “yes” feels like winning the lottery in dog world.
Your dog waited. They stayed. They were patient. Now? “Okay” sets them free. It’s the all-clear, the green light, the cue that says, “Go live your best life now.”
Having a release word gives your training structure and boundaries. It signals to your dog when the task is finished and when it’s time to resume being a dog.
Alright, this command may seem a little strange at first, but believe me when I say that it is crucial to house training. When you consistently pair the act with a phrase, you’re creating a clear signal.
Eventually, you won’t have to guess if they need to go. They’ll get to work after you say, “Go potty.” It saves time, stress, and so many unnecessary walks.
It’s okay if some dogs have a lot to say! But there are moments when you just need a little peace. “Quiet” is how you help your dog understand that it’s time to lower the volume.
It’s especially helpful for dogs that bark at everything from the doorbell to a leaf blowing by. It teaches them that barking is okay sometimes, but silence is also golden.
In spite of its elegant appearance, this one is incredibly useful. “Back up” makes room. Whether you’re carrying groceries, trying to get through a doorway, or training your dog to respect boundaries, it’s a total game-changer.
It’s similar to training your dog to be mindful of their body and environment and to move appropriately when necessary. Plus, it just looks cool.
Let’s wrap it up, human to human. These commands? They aren’t about turning your dog into a robot. They’re about creating a rhythm. A shared language. A mutual respect.
Training is one of the most intimate things you’ll ever do with your dog. It’s a dialogue as much as discipline. And when you take the time to teach these commands with kindness and consistency, your bond with your dog becomes unbreakable.
You are raising your best friend, not just a dog. A family member. A ride-or-die.
So grab your treats, dig deep for that patience, and start today. Your future self (and your couch cushions) will thank you.
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