Six Essential Training Skills for Dogs

Training your dog sets a foundation for your life together—not only so they can learn how to live in a very human world, but also so the two of you can solidify your bond. You can start that process, and a lifetime of clear communication and harmonious coexistence, through some very basic cues.

Below is a list of essential skills that every domestic dog should know. “Essential” is a loose term here, and some trainers may have a different sense of which cues should get the label. But the six skills we’ve identified are one or more of the following: easy for you to teach and most dogs to learn, useful for day-to-day life with your dog, and necessary in emergency situations.

Ready to teach your dog the basics? For most of these, all you need is a quiet place to start and your dog’s favorite reward. Now, click through to each skill for a step-by-step guide.

“Sit”: Take a Seat

“Place”: Go Over There

Recall (“Come” or “Touch”): Come Over Here

“Leave It”: Don’t Go Over There

“Drop It”: Let Go of Whatever’s In Your Mouth

“Wait”: … Wait