7 Basic Dog Commands Every Dog Should Know
When training your dog, there are seven commands every dog needs to learn. We call these Basic Obedience commands, and they’re always covered in Valor K9 Academy’s Basic Obedience Class, as well as our Private Lessons and Board and Train programs.
This guide is brought to you by Amy Pishner, founder of Valor K9 Academy, who has years of experience training dogs of all breeds and ages.
1. Name Recognition
All dogs should respond enthusiastically to their name, offering focus and eye contact. At Valor K9, under the guidance of Amy Pishner, we teach dogs their names through a simple exercise called The Name Game.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the how-to video to teach your dog at home! (Video: The Name Game!)
Learning The Name Game
2. Sit
“Sit” implies “stay.” Start by luring your dog into the position. Once they understand how to sit, add the verbal command and gradually remove the lure. Then, build your dog’s 3D’s: duration, distance, and distractions.
(Video: How to Teach Sit)
3. Down
Like Sit, “Down” also implies stay. There’s no need to say both “Down” and “Stay.” Teach Down, add the command, and progress through the 3D’s for a reliable response.
(Video: How to Teach Down)
4. Heel
Walking on a loose leash is essential for safety. Without proper training, your dog can drag you or even cause injuries.
Training Steps:
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Preheeling: Reward-based training to teach walking next to you.
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Collar Assistance: Use a Martingale, Starmark Pro-Training, or Herm Sprenger prong collar if needed.
End result: a dog who walks happily by your side and understands the rules.
(Video: Preheeling)
Loose leash heeling
5. Come
A solid recall can save your dog’s life. Start with foundation training using Recall Games and layer in a Remote E-collar for distractions and new environments.
💡 Pro Tip: Begin by holding food in your hand, saying “Come!” while backing up. Reward the dog for coming to you. Start on leash, then gradually remove it as the dog improves.
6. Place
Place training teaches your dog to go to a designated bed and remain calm until released—a “pause button” for your do
Training Steps:
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Lure the dog onto the bed and into a down.
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Reward for staying.
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Use Tethered Decompression for new dogs, attaching them safely to learn control.
Molly on Place
7. Leave It
Dogs must be able to avoid things they shouldn’t have—food, objects, or hazards. Teach Leave It with impulse control and avoidance techniques, including leash corrections if needed. A strong “Leave It” is non-negotiable for safety.
Summary of Basic Dog Commands
The seven basic dog commands every dog should know are:
Name Recognition, Sit, Down, Heel, Come, Place, and Leave It.
These commands form the foundation of obedience training, ensuring a safe, controlled, and happy dog.
For more guidance, contact our training team at info@valork9academy.com
Written by Amy Pishner
About the Author:
Amy Pishner is the Founder of Valor K9 Academy, a veteran-owned dog training company in Boise, Idaho. With over a decade of experience training thousands of dogs, Amy specializes in balanced dog training that builds trust, obedience, and lasting results.