Training is not about obedience for its own sake — it is about making daily life easier and deepening the bond between you. These four basics cover most of what you will actually use every day.

Sit

Sit is usually the first command a dog learns, and it is the gateway to everything else. Hold a treat near your dog’s nose and slowly lift it up and back; as the nose follows, the rear end naturally lowers. The moment your dog sits, mark it with a cheerful word and deliver the treat. Repeat in short bursts, and soon the word alone will do the job.

Stay

Stay is patience practice. Ask your dog to sit, say "stay," and take a single step back before returning to reward. Build distance one step at a time over many sessions. If your dog breaks the stay, no fuss — simply reset and make it easier. Short, successful repetitions beat long, wobbly ones.

Come

A reliable "come" is one of the most valuable things you can teach. Start in a quiet, enclosed space with no distractions, use a happy voice, and reward every arrival generously — even the slow ones. Coming to you should always be the best deal in the room, so never use "come" to end something fun or to start something unpleasant.

Loose-Leash Walking

Walking on a loose leash takes time and patience. Reward your dog whenever the leash is slack and they are beside you; when they pull, simply stop and wait for slack before moving again. Practice in familiar, low-distraction areas first, and keep treats handy for the calm moments you want more of.

Short Daily Sessions

Dogs learn best in short bursts. A few five-minute sessions scattered through the day beat one long drill — and always end on a success, so the last memory of training is a happy one.

One Cue at a Time

Teach one command until it is solid, then add the next. Introducing several cues at once muddies the waters and slows everything down. Mastery first, variety second.

Keeping Practice Positive

Treats, praise, and play are the fuel of good training. When practice stays fun, your dog learns faster and looks forward to the next session — and so will you.