What are the 7 commands to train a dog?

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Dog whisperer Cesar Millan has shared his secrets to training dogs in his book “The Art of Training Your Dog.” The seven commands he teaches are sit, stay, down, come, off, heel, and no. Millan advocates for a kind and playful approach to training, using positive reinforcement and avoiding punishment. Consistency and patience are key, with short and frequent training sessions. The dog’s comfort and relaxation during training are also important.

What are the 7 Commands to Train a Dog?

Training a dog can be a challenging task, especially if you are not familiar with the right commands to use. However, with the right approach and consistent training, you can teach your furry friend to be obedient and well-behaved. In his book, “The Art of Training Your Dog,” Cesar Millan explains the seven common commands he uses to train every dog. These commands are SIT, STAY, DOWN, COME, OFF, HEEL, and NO.

The Playful, Careful, and Kind Approach

According to Millan, the key to successful dog training is to use a playful, careful, and kind approach. This means that you should avoid using punishment or harsh methods to train your dog. Instead, you should use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior.

When training your dog, it is important to be patient and consistent. You should also keep training sessions short and frequent to avoid overwhelming your dog. Additionally, you should make sure that your dog is comfortable and relaxed during training.

The 7 Common Commands

SIT

The first command that Millan teaches every dog is SIT. This command is essential for controlling your dog’s behavior, especially in public places. To teach your dog to sit, hold a treat above their head and slowly move it back. Your dog will naturally lower their bottom to the ground, and you should say “sit” and give them the treat. Repeat this process until your dog can sit on command without the treat.

STAY

The second command is STAY, which is useful for keeping your dog in one place. To teach your dog to stay, ask them to sit, and then say “stay” while holding your hand up with your palm facing your dog. Step back a few steps, and then return to your dog and give them a treat. Gradually increase the distance and time that your dog stays in place.

DOWN

The third command is DOWN, which is useful for calming your dog and keeping them from jumping on people. To teach your dog to lie down, ask them to sit, and then say “down” while holding a treat in front of their nose. Slowly move the treat towards the ground, and your dog will naturally lower their body. Once they are lying down, say “good boy/girl” and give them the treat.

COME

The fourth command is COME, which is useful for calling your dog to you. To teach your dog to come, say “come” in a happy tone of voice and run away from your dog. When your dog catches up to you, say “good boy/girl” and give them a treat. Repeat this process until your dog comes to you on command.

OFF

The fifth command is OFF, which is useful for keeping your dog from jumping on people or furniture. To teach your dog to get off, say “off” in a firm tone of voice and gently push them down. Once they are off, say “good boy/girl” and give them a treat. Repeat this process until your dog gets off on command.

HEEL

The sixth command is HEEL, which is useful for walking your dog on a leash. To teach your dog to heel, hold a treat in your hand and say “heel” while walking. Keep the treat close to your leg, and your dog will naturally walk beside you. Say “good boy/girl” and give them the treat when they are walking correctly.

NO

The seventh command is NO, which is useful for stopping your dog from doing something they shouldn’t. To teach your dog to understand “no,” say “no” in a firm tone of voice when they are doing something wrong. You can also use a sharp clap or a spray of water to get their attention. Once they stop the behavior, say “good boy/girl” and give them a treat.

In Conclusion

Training your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. By using the playful, careful, and kind approach and teaching them the seven common commands, you can help your dog become a well-behaved and obedient companion. Remember to be patient, consistent, and always use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.