Basic Dog Commands: How to Teach Sit, Stay, Come and More

Every well-behaved dog starts with a handful of simple commands. They make daily life easier, keep your dog safe near roads and street dogs, and build a stronger bond between you. The best part is that you can teach all of them at home in short, fun sessions.

These basic dog commands are the foundation of a safe, well-mannered dog at home and outdoors, and they are taught with the same reward-based methods recommended in the Royal Kennel Club’s training advice. Most dogs can learn the basic dog commands below with a few weeks of short daily practice.

Here are the 7 basic dog commands every dog should know, and exactly how to teach each one using positive, reward-based training.

Before You Start: 5 Training Rules

1. Keep sessions short: 3–5 minutes, two or three times a day.
2. Use small, tasty treats: pea-sized pieces of boiled chicken, paneer or dog treats.
3. Train in a quiet room first, then gradually add distractions.
4. Say each cue once. Repeating "sit, sit, SIT" teaches your dog to wait for the third time.
5. Everyone at home uses the same words. Decide together whether it's "come" or "idhar aa".

A great tool for timing is a marker word like "yes!" Say it the instant your dog does the right thing, then give the treat.

1. Sit

The easiest first command, and the foundation for many others. Consistency matters more than the number of basic dog commands you teach.

1. Hold a treat at your dog's nose.
2. Slowly move it up and slightly back over their head.
3. As their head goes up, their bottom naturally goes down.
4. The moment they sit, say "yes!" and give the treat.
5. After a few successes, add the word "sit" just before you move your hand.

Use it every day: before meals, before opening the door and before putting on the leash.

2. Down

1. Ask your dog to sit.
2. Hold a treat at their nose and slowly lower it straight down to the floor, then slightly away from them.
3. When their elbows touch the floor, mark and reward.
4. Add the cue "down" once they follow the hand movement reliably.

If your dog stands up instead, try luring under your bent knee or a low stool.

3. Stay

Stay teaches self-control. Build it using the "three Ds": duration, distance and distraction, one at a time.

1. Ask for a sit or down.
2. Show a flat palm and say "stay."
3. Wait one second, mark and reward while your dog is still in position.
4. Slowly build to 5, 10, then 30 seconds.
5. Then add distance: one step back, return, reward.
6. Finally add small distractions, like a clap or a dropped toy.

Always return to your dog to reward, and use a release word such as "okay" or "free" to end the stay.

4. Come (Recall)

The most important safety command.

1. Start indoors, a few steps away.
2. Say your dog's name and "come" in a happy voice, and step backwards.
3. When they reach you, mark and give a high-value treat.
4. Gently touch their collar before rewarding, so being caught becomes pleasant.
5. Practise in different rooms, then on a long line outdoors.

Never call your dog to scold them, bathe them or end the fun every time. For a full plan, read our dog recall training guide.

5. Leave It

This can protect your dog from eating something harmful on Indian streets, like chicken bones or rubbish.

1. Hold a treat in a closed fist and let your dog sniff.
2. Wait. The moment they back away, mark and reward with a treat from your other hand.
3. Repeat until your dog backs off straight away, then add the cue "leave it."
4. Progress to a treat on the floor under your hand, then an uncovered treat, then items on walks.

6. Wait

Different from stay, "wait" means "pause for a moment." It's perfect at doors, lift entrances and car doors.

1. With your dog on a leash at a door, say "wait" and open the door a few centimetres.
2. If they move forward, close it gently.
3. When they hold back, mark, reward and release with "okay" to walk through.

This helps a lot in busy society lifts and at the main gate.

7. Drop It

1. Play with a toy your dog likes.
2. Hold a tasty treat near their nose and say "drop it."
3. When they release the toy, mark, give the treat and then give the toy back.
4. Returning the toy teaches your dog that dropping things isn't the end of the fun.

How to Make Commands Reliable

• Practise everywhere: living room, balcony, lift lobby, society park. Dogs don't automatically transfer learning to new places. Our guide on why your dog behaves differently at home explains why.
• Fade the lure: once your dog understands, use a hand signal without a treat in it, and reward from your pocket.
• Reduce treats gradually: reward every time at first, then every second or third time, mixing in praise and play.
• Add distractions slowly: a common mistake is jumping straight to the park.

Common Mistakes

• Long, boring sessions
• Getting frustrated or raising your voice
• Rewarding too late, after your dog has moved
• Using commands only when something needs fixing
• Everyone using different words and hand signals

At What Age Can You Start?

You can start with puppies from around 8 weeks old with sit, come and simple name games. Adult and senior dogs can learn too. Just keep sessions short and adjust for any joint issues. For young puppies, pair training with puppy socialization and house training.

How Long Does It Take?

Most dogs learn "sit" in a day or two. "Down," "come" and "leave it" usually take one to two weeks of daily practice. Making commands reliable around real-life distractions takes one to three months of consistent practice.

Final Thoughts

Practise these basic dog commands for a few minutes every day and your dog will respond reliably at home and outside.

Basic commands aren't about control. They're a shared language between you and your dog. Keep training short, positive and part of your everyday routine, and you'll have a calmer, safer and happier companion.

Want help teaching the basics? Book a trainer for a single session, or run a growth package over a few weeks. We offer at-home training across Noida, Gurgaon, Greater Noida and Faridabad. Book your pet's first visit: a free demo session, at your home, no card required.

Here are quick answers to common questions about basic dog commands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 7 basic dog commands?

Sit, down, stay, come, leave it, wait and drop it are the most useful everyday commands for any dog.

Which command should I teach first?

Start with "sit." It's easy to learn, builds confidence and is the foundation for "down," "stay" and "wait."

Can I use Hindi words for commands?

Yes. Dogs learn sounds, not languages. Just make sure everyone at home uses the same word for each command.

How many times a day should I train my dog?

Two or three short sessions of 3–5 minutes are more effective than one long session.

My dog only listens when I have treats. What should I do?

Start fading visible treats: use hand signals without food, reward from your pocket and mix treats with praise and play.

Related reading: Dog Leash Training · 5 Daily Habits That Improve Your Dog's Behaviour · How to Stop a Dog Jumping on People