Bringing a new furry friend is always is an exciting experience! If you are bringing home a puppy or an older dog, there are certain basic commands every dog should know.
1. Come - This command is used very frequently, and tells your dog to stop what they are doing and come back to you. This command is especially important if they have broken away from the leash, or ran out the door when company arrived. This command will help control the situation, and keep the dog out of harm's way.
2. Sit - This is a simple command every dog must know. Often, dogs get excited when they're about to go outside, or head out for a walk. Dogs also sometimes grow anxious waiting while their dinner is being fixed, or bark at everyone who walks by their house. By teaching your dog to sit and wait, this will help surpress their excitement. This way you can answer the door, or get their leash and collar put on them in a zen calm manner.
3. Stay - This is a harder command for some dogs to learn, but definitely worth the time to teach it. At times, dogs don't always comprehend there's a chance they are in danger. Stop can prevent them from running in front of a car, or grabbing something they shouldn't have. Stay, is often hard for a dog, especially when they see something they want, an example would be a cat or another dog in the yard across from your home. This command is a must the dog completely understands, for their safety and yours.
4. Wait - This command is often intertwined with stay, however it is a different command for different reasons. A more energetic dog my need to held in check for a short time. The wait command tells them they cannot go yet, and must stay still and where the are until you say they may move again.
5. No - No simply tells the dog to stop what they are doing, or they can't have something. No should be used to stop unwanted behavior like jumping up on people, chewing, or biting. This simple but essential command will make communication between the dog and you crystal clear.
6. Heel - Heel will help control the dog on a walk, and also when you are around other dogs or people. This command teaches the dog not to pull on their leash, and puts them next to you to have better control. If the dog has started moving faster, creating tension on the leash, this command will control the pace of the walk,
7. Off - While you might enjoy your dog greeting you at the door after a long day by jumping up on you, this is not how everyone feels. With the off command, you are telling the dog to stay down on the ground, and not jump up. It's a great command also for keeping the dog of the furniture. Like all commands, it's always important to use the same command for the desired behavior.
These seven basic command can help keep your dog out of danger and also give you a well mannered dog who listens and follows the commands given to them. With your dog understanding these 7 commands you will continue to create a positive, safe, and Zen environment for everyone involved!
Molly in complete control of our Zen dogs!
