Real-world examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques that actually work

Let’s skip theory and start with what you probably care about most: what it actually looks like to teach your dog basic commands in your living room, on your sidewalk, and at the park.

Here are some real examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques you can copy today:

• You teach sit at the door before every walk so your dog stops rocketing outside.
• You use stay while you open the fridge or answer the door.
• You practice come in the hallway, then in your yard, then in a quiet park.
• You teach down on a mat so your dog settles during family movie night.
• You use leave it to stop counter surfing or grabbing dropped food.
• You use drop it to trade for toys, socks, or that mysterious thing from under the couch.

Each of these is an example of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques that blend into your normal routine instead of requiring a fancy training setup.

Sit and stay: examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques at the front door

The front door is where many dogs turn into chaos machines. Which makes it the perfect place to work on sit and stay.

Example: Teaching “sit” before every walk

Picture this: leash in hand, dog spinning like a tornado. Here’s how you turn that into a calm sit.

• Step 1 – Lure the sit: Hold a treat right at your dog’s nose, then slowly move it up and slightly back over their head. As their nose follows the treat, their rear usually drops.
• The instant their butt hits the floor, say “Yes!” (or click if you use a clicker) and give the treat.
• Add the word “Sit” right before you move the treat. Repeat in short sessions.

Now use this as one of your best examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques in context:

• Walk to the door with the leash.
• Ask for “Sit.”
• Only clip the leash on and open the door after the sit happens.

Your dog quickly learns that sitting makes the door open. Pulling and bouncing do not.

Example: Teaching “stay” while you open the door

Once sit is solid, layer in stay.

• Ask for “Sit” by the door.
• Say “Stay” in a calm, firm voice.
• Take one small step back, then return and reward.
• Gradually add more steps, then a hand on the doorknob, then cracking the door open.

If your dog pops up, no scolding. Just quietly close the door, reset, and try again with a shorter distance or shorter time.

This is a classic example of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques that prevent door dashing and keep your dog safe from traffic.

Come when called: examples include hallway games, long lines, and real rewards

Recall ("come") is where many owners struggle, especially once distractions show up. The trick is to build it in layers and make coming to you the best party in town.

Example: The hallway recall game

Start inside where distractions are low.

• Stand a few feet away from your dog in a hallway.
• Say your dog’s name, then “Come!” in a happy voice.
• As they turn toward you, crouch slightly, open your arms, and cheer them in.
• When they reach you, jackpot: several tiny treats, praise, maybe a quick game of tug.

This simple hallway practice is one of the best examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques that build a strong foundation without overwhelming your dog.

Example: Using a long line at the park

Once your dog is doing well indoors, move to your yard or a quiet park. Use a long line (a 15–30 foot leash) so your dog can wander safely.

• Let your dog sniff and explore.
• Call “Name… Come!” in a bright tone.
• If they hesitate, gently reel in the line while encouraging them.
• Reward heavily when they reach you.

Over time, your dog learns that coming to you predicts good things, not the end of all fun. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that reward-based training is linked to better welfare and fewer behavior problems than punishment-heavy methods (avma.org). That’s exactly what you’re doing here.

Down and settle: real examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques for calmer evenings

If your dog turns into a furry tornado during family time, down and settle are your best friends.

Example: Teaching “down” from a sit

• Ask your dog to “Sit.”
• Hold a treat at their nose, then slowly move it down between their front paws.
• As they follow the treat, move it slightly forward. Many dogs will slide into a down.
• The instant elbows hit the floor, mark with “Yes!” and reward.
• Add the word “Down” right before you move the treat.

Practice on different surfaces: rug, mat, even a folded blanket. This variety gives you more examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques that work in any room of your house.

Example: Teaching “settle” on a mat during TV time

Choose a mat or bed and make it your dog’s “chill zone.”

• Toss a treat onto the mat. When your dog steps on it, say “Yes!”
• Gradually wait for them to sit or lie down on the mat before rewarding.
• Add a cue like “Mat” or “Settle.”
• During TV time, cue “Mat,” reward for lying down, then occasionally drop a treat between their paws while they relax.

Over days and weeks, your dog learns that calm behavior on the mat pays off. This is one of the most practical examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques that directly reduce chaos in your daily life.

Leave it and drop it: examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques that prevent disasters

These two commands protect your dog from eating dangerous items and save your shoes, socks, and sanity.

The ASPCA and many veterinary behaviorists strongly encourage reward-based training for these safety behaviors because it reduces fear and improves cooperation (aspca.org).

Example: Teaching “leave it” with treats in your hand

• Hold a treat in your closed fist.
• Present your fist to your dog. They will lick, paw, and nose at it.
• The moment they back off or look away, calmly say “Yes” and give a different treat from your other hand.
• Add the cue “Leave it” just before you present your closed fist.

You’re teaching: ignoring the thing they want makes something even better appear.

Next, place a treat on the floor and cover it with your hand. Use the same process, gradually uncovering the treat once your dog understands. This is a classic example of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques that prevent counter surfing and sidewalk snacking.

Example: Teaching “drop it” with toy trades

Never pry something from your dog’s mouth unless it’s an emergency. That can create guarding and conflict. Instead, think “trade, don’t take.”

• Offer your dog a toy they like.
• Once they’re holding it, present a higher-value treat right at their nose.
• As they drop the toy to eat the treat, calmly say “Drop it.”
• Give the treat, then often give the toy back.

This pattern teaches your dog that dropping things when you say “Drop it” doesn’t mean losing everything fun. This is one of the best examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques that build trust instead of conflict.

Using real-life routines as examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques that stick

You do not need hour-long formal sessions. Instead, attach commands to things you already do every day.

Here are a few everyday examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques woven into your routine:

• Before meals: Ask for “Sit” and “Wait” before you set the bowl down. Release with “OK!”
• Before getting out of the car: Ask for “Wait” while you open the door, then release.
• While cooking: Use “Go to mat” or “Settle” to keep your dog out from underfoot.
• When guests arrive: Ask for “Sit” or “Down” before greetings.
• On walks: Use “Sit” at curbs, “Leave it” for trash, “Come” on a long line in safe areas.

Each of these is an example of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques that turn normal life into mini training sessions instead of adding more to your to-do list.

2024–2025 trends: how people are teaching basic commands now

Dog training in 2024–2025 is heavily leaning toward positive reinforcement, fear-free methods, and better understanding of dog body language.

A few trends that shape modern examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques you’ll see recommended by trainers:

• Less punishment, more rewards. Research over the last decade has linked harsh methods and shock collars with increased stress and behavior issues. Organizations like the AVMA and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists favor reward-based approaches.
• Short, frequent sessions. Many trainers now recommend multiple 3–5 minute sessions sprinkled through the day rather than long, exhausting drills.
• Using food, play, and real-life rewards. Treats are great, but so are opening the door, tossing a ball, or letting your dog greet a friend.
• Online training support. Many owners now combine in-person classes with reputable online courses, webinars, and videos from certified trainers.

The core idea: dogs learn best when they feel safe, motivated, and understood. Your examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques should always reflect that.

For more on positive training and dog behavior, check out the American Veterinary Medical Association’s resources on dog training and welfare (avma.org) and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (dacvb.org).

Fixing common problems: when examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques don’t go as planned

If you’re struggling, you are very normal. Here are a few frequent issues and how to adjust.

“My dog only listens inside, not outside.”

This usually means your dog hasn’t generalized the command yet.

• Go back a step: practice in your yard or hallway with mild distractions.
• Use better rewards outside than inside (think chicken or cheese instead of kibble).
• Lower your expectations temporarily: ask for a shorter stay or a closer recall.

“My dog ignores me if I don’t have treats.”

Fade treats gradually instead of all at once.

• Start by rewarding every correct response.
• Then reward every other response.
• Then reward randomly, but still often.
• Keep using real-life rewards like going for a walk or tossing a ball.

“My dog gets too excited and can’t focus.”

• Train when your dog is a little calmer (after a short walk, not right after a nap or when you first get home).
• Use shorter sessions and easier tasks.
• Practice calm behaviors like mat work and settle more often.

If you’re seeing aggression, severe fear, or behaviors that feel unsafe, reach out to a veterinary behaviorist or a certified professional dog trainer. The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists has a directory of qualified experts (dacvb.org).

FAQ: real examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques people ask about

Q: What are some simple examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques for busy owners?
Short, daily routines work well. Ask for “Sit” before putting the food bowl down, “Wait” at doors, and “Come” in the hallway a few times a day. Use small treats or kibble and keep sessions under five minutes. These tiny repetitions add up quickly.

Q: Can you give an example of teaching “stay” to a very wiggly puppy?
Start with just one second of stillness. Ask for “Sit,” say “Stay,” count to one, then reward. Gradually add time and a small step back. If your puppy pops up, reduce the time or distance and try again. Think of it as building a muscle, not a test they pass or fail.

Q: Do I always need treats when using these examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques?
Treats are incredibly helpful at the beginning because they speed up learning. Over time, you can mix in other rewards like toys, praise, or access to fun activities (like going outside). You don’t have to use treats forever, but they’re very useful while your dog is still learning.

Q: How many basic commands should I teach first?
Most trainers recommend starting with sit, stay, come, down, leave it, and drop it. These cover safety, manners, and everyday life. Once those are going well, you can add things like heel, go to mat, or fun tricks.

Q: My rescue dog seems nervous. Are these same techniques okay?
Yes, as long as you keep everything gentle, patient, and reward-based. Nervous dogs often need slower progress and extra encouragement. Avoid yelling, leash jerks, or anything that startles them. If your dog is very fearful, a consultation with a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist can help rule out medical issues and guide training plans. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and related organizations have ongoing research on the impact of stress on animals, which supports calm, positive methods (nih.gov).

Teaching your dog basic commands doesn’t require perfection, just consistency, kindness, and a little creativity. Use these real examples of teaching basic commands to your dog: techniques as a starting point, then adjust for your dog’s personality. Celebrate small wins, keep sessions short, and remember: every sit, stay, and come is one more step toward a dog who can actually live comfortably in your real, sometimes messy, everyday life.