Mastering Basic Dog Commands: Sit, Down, Stay & Come Explained

Written by Kimyoungsang

Mastering Basic Dog Commands

Sit · Down · Stay · Come — A Complete Training Guide

Teaching your dog basic commands is not about control.
It is about communication, trust, and safety.

Whether you have a young puppy or a newly adopted dog, mastering a few core commands will make daily life calmer, safer, and more enjoyable for both of you.

In this guide, we cover the four essential commands every dog should learn:
Sit, Down, Stay, and Come — explained step by step, with practical tips and common mistakes to avoid.

Before You Start: 3 Training Principles That Matter

1. Keep sessions short and positive

3–5 minutes per session
2–3 times a day
Always end on a success

2. Timing is everything

Reward immediately after the correct behavior
Delayed rewards confuse dogs

3. Never use punishment

Training is communication, not domination
Fear-based methods damage trust and slow learning

1. Sit — The Foundation of All Training

Why “Sit” matters

Helps calm excitement
Used before meals, walks, or greetings
Builds impulse control

How to teach “Sit”

Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose
Slowly move it upward over the head
As the dog naturally sits, say “Sit”
Reward immediately

Common mistakes

Pushing the dog’s hips down
Repeating the command multiple times

2. Down — Teaching Calm and Self-Control

When “Down” is useful

Reducing overexcitement
Greeting guests politely
Preparing for “Stay”

How to teach “Down”

Start with your dog in a Sit position
Move the treat slowly down to the floor
Guide it forward until the body lowers
Say “Down” and reward

Tip

Down often takes longer to learn than Sit.
Patience is key.

3. Stay — A Critical Safety Command

Why “Stay” is essential

Prevents door-dashing
Improves focus
Keeps your dog safe in public spaces

How to teach “Stay”

Ask your dog to Sit or Down
Show your palm and say “Stay”
Start with 1–2 seconds
Reward, then gradually increase duration

Important reminder

Increase time slowly
If your dog fails, calmly reset and try again

4. Come — The Most Important Command of All

Why “Come” can save lives

Emergency situations
Off-leash safety
Preventing dangerous encounters

How to teach “Come”

Start at a short distance
Use a happy, inviting tone
Say “Come!”
Reward generously every time

Never do this

Never punish after your dog comes
Never make “Come” mean the end of fun

Your dog should believe that coming to you is always a good decision.

When Training Doesn’t Go Well — Check This First

Is your dog tired or overstimulated?
Is the environment too distracting?
Are rewards exciting enough?
Are commands consistent?

Most training issues are environmental — not behavioral.

What Basic Commands Really Give You

A calmer, more confident dog
Clear communication
Safer walks and travel
A stronger bond built on trust

Basic commands are not tricks.
They are a shared language between you and your dog.

Final Thoughts

Your dog does not need to be perfect.
What matters is consistency, patience, and kindness.

Even a few minutes of practice each day can change everything.

Basic training is not about obedience —
it is about building a safe, happy life together.

We don’t just help you welcome your puppy —
we continue to support you even after your puppy joins your family.

From basic training guidance to daily adjustment tips,
we stay in touch and walk alongside you every step of the way.

✨ Ready to welcome your first puppy?

For personalized guidance,
📲 please feel free to contact us or reach out via
💚 WhatsApp: +82 10 8691 2094

We’re here to help you make the best choice for your family.
If you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact us at any time 💬