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If you’re looking for the absolute essential and most basic dog training tips for beginners, you’re in the right place.

Consider this your crash course for totally brand-new dog owners!

Below, we’ll go over some of the most important things to keep in mind as you begin your training journey.

We’ll also talk about what to teach your dog first, so let’s get started!

 Basic Dog Training Tips for Beginners

“Why does your dog sit when you tell him to and mine doesn’t?”

“How can your dog heel to you like that?”

 “Wow! He comes when you tell him to, I wish my dog would do that!”

 Sound familiar?

If it does, you need to invest some time into a little bit of basic dog training.

Starting to train your dog from a young age is crucial.

Remember, the first few months of his life is when you will have the greatest influence on him.

This is where he is shaped into the dog he is going to be when he is all grown up.

Let’s start by looking at some basic commands to teach your dog.

Basic dog training commands

The most basic and essential commands to teach your dog are to sit and come.

If he can master those, everything else becomes much easier.

Why? Well, they are the cornerstones and foundations for pretty much every other command.

After all, he needs to sit before he can lay down or roll over, and he needs to come before he can sit!

Teaching your dog to come

To teach your dog how to come requires only the most basic of techniques but a lot of repetition.

The simplest way to get him to come is have a toy in one hand and a treat in the other.

Hold out the toy so he can see it and say, “come.” When he comes to you, give him the treat. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

Once he gets that down, throw the toy, then call out the “come” command and entice him to return to you by showing him the treat.

Doing this several times a day is a great way to teach him.

Remember, though, to keep training sessions short. Any longer than about 20 minutes and he’ll get bored.

A bored dog is an unfocused dog.  

Teaching your dog to sit

Getting him to sit is a smidge tougher, but overall it still only requires basic dog training.

Again, start with a treat in your hand. Call your dog over and reward him for coming.

Then, show him the treat in your other hand. Raise it up over his head.

As he looks up, his backside naturally goes down. Keep raising it until he’s in a sitting position. Give him the treat.

Repeat, each time saying “sit.” It may take a few tries, but he’ll quickly grasp the idea!

DO NOT push down on your dog’s rear or force him to sit. It’s not only potentially painful for your dog, but counterproductive.

The key is to get him to understand the command, not associate “sit” with your hand pressing him bottom to the ground.

Basic dog training is simple and very effective.

It should also be fun for you and your dog; it doesn’t have to be hours and hours each day.

Don’t forget to reward your dog and yourself for all the hard work though!!

8 more Basic Commands All Dogs Should Know

While sit and come are the most basic commands to start with, they’re not the only important commands.

• Wait
• Stay
• Lie Down
• Leave it
• Drop it
• Heel
• Look (or watch me)
• Crate up (or “bed” if you’re using a crate alternative)

Take a look at the video below for tips on how to teach basic dog commands.

Consistency is key

Basic dog training methods are taught by repeating with the same commands, pointing out the desired action, and reinforcing the good behavior.

It’s super important to choose a command and stick to it.

In other words, if you want your dog to sit, say sit. Don’t throw extra words in there. Don’t say “sit down,” for example, especially if you’re using “down” to teach him to lay down.

You’ll also want to use a happy and excited used to encourage good behavior and a firm voice for incorrect behavior.

Training sessions with your dog should be short and fun to hold his interest.

Always praise and reward your dog the moment he responds to your commands.

With a little patience and love, basic dog training isn’t all that hard. Just remember to reward your dog, keep sessions short, and have fun!

Do you have any questions about basic dog training? Share below.

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