The first few months with a puppy are critical for establishing lifelong behavior patterns. The good news: puppies are learning machines. Here are the 7 first commands every puppy should learn, plus the science-backed technique that makes training stick.
The Golden Rule: Positive Reinforcement Only
Modern dog training is built on one principle: reward what you want, redirect what you don't. Punishment-based methods create fearful, anxious dogs and damage the bond. Positive reinforcement — treats, praise, and play — builds a dog that wants to listen to you.
Keep training sessions to 5-10 minutes maximum. Puppies have short attention spans and learn better in short, frequent sessions than one long one.
Command 1: Sit
The foundation of all training. A dog that knows "sit" has a default behavior you can ask for in any situation.
How to teach it: Hold a treat at your puppy's nose, then slowly move it back over their head. As the nose goes up following the treat, the bottom naturally goes down. The moment their bottom hits the floor, say "Sit," give the treat, and praise. Repeat 5-10 times per session.
Command 2: Stay
Builds impulse control — one of the most valuable skills a dog can have.
How to teach it: Ask for a Sit. Say "Stay" with an open palm facing the dog. Take one step back, pause one second, step forward, treat. Gradually increase distance and duration over days and weeks. Never increase both at once.
Command 3: Come (Recall)
The most important safety command. A dog that comes when called can be saved from dangerous situations.
How to teach it: Crouch down, open your arms, say "Come!" in a happy, excited voice. When your puppy reaches you, give a jackpot of treats (5-6 small pieces) and enthusiastic praise. Never call your dog to come for something unpleasant (bath, nail trim) — always go get them instead.
Command 4: Leave It
Prevents your puppy from eating dangerous items on walks or at home.
How to teach it: Put a treat in your closed fist. Let the puppy sniff, lick, and paw at your hand. The moment they back off or look away, say "Leave it," open your hand and give a different treat from your other hand. Progress to treats on the floor covered by your foot.
Command 5: Down
A more submissive position than Sit — essential for calm behavior in public places.
How to teach it: From a Sit, hold a treat at the nose and slowly move it straight down to the floor between the paws, then drag it slightly forward along the floor. As the puppy follows, they'll fold into a Down. Say "Down" as they reach the position, treat immediately.
Command 6: Off
Teaches puppies not to jump on people — one of the most complained-about behaviors in dogs.
How to teach it: Turn your back completely when the puppy jumps. No eye contact, no words, no pushing (pushing is attention). The moment all four paws are on the floor, turn around, say "Off" (or "Four on the floor"), and give attention. Jumping = you disappear. Four paws = you appear.
Command 7: Place / Go to Bed
Teaches your puppy to go to a designated spot and stay — incredibly useful for mealtimes, when guests arrive, and when you need calm behavior.
How to teach it: Lure the puppy onto their bed with a treat. Say "Place" as all four paws are on the bed. Treat while they stay on the bed. Gradually increase the time before the treat. Release with an "Okay" or "Free."
Training Tools That Help
- Clicker — marks the exact moment of correct behavior (more precise than voice alone)
- Treat pouch — keeps treats accessible without fumbling in pockets
- Long line (15-30ft) — allows recall practice with safety before off-leash reliability
- Puppy-safe treats — small, soft, smelly (liver, chicken) works best for training
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