Basic Commands

Basic Puppy Commands: The First 10 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. The good news? Teaching a few basic puppy commands early on can make a world of difference. 

Simple commands like sit, stay, and come not only keep your puppy safe but also make everyday life smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, training builds a stronger bond between you and your furry friend. 

In this guide, we’ll walk through the top beginner-friendly commands every puppy should learn, step-by-step teaching tips, and some helpful tricks to make the process fun for both you and your pup.

Why Teaching Puppy Commands Matters

Training your puppy may feel like a big task, but starting early with simple puppy training commands sets the tone for a happy and well-behaved dog. 

Commands are more than cute tricks — they’re the foundation of safety, good manners, and a stronger bond between you and your pup. Let’s break down five big reasons why teaching commands matters, especially for first-time puppy parents.

1. Safety Comes First

Commands like “stay” or “come” can literally save your puppy’s life. Imagine your pup bolting toward a busy street — having a reliable recall command makes all the difference. 

Basic instructions keep your dog safe in everyday situations, whether you’re at home, in the yard, or out for a walk.

2. Prevents Bad Habits Early

Just like children, puppies learn quickly, and bad habits can stick if not guided. Teaching commands helps prevent unwanted behaviors, such as jumping on guests, chewing furniture, or running out the door. 

The earlier you start with puppy training commands, the easier it is to set good habits that last a lifetime.

3. Builds a Strong Bond

Training isn’t just about discipline — it’s about communication. Each command is a way for your puppy to understand you better, and for you to understand them. 

When your pup learns to follow your cues, it strengthens trust and builds a stronger emotional connection between you both.

4. Makes Everyday Life Easier

From getting your puppy to sit calmly before mealtime to teaching them to wait at the door, commands bring structure to daily routines. 

They help turn chaos into calm, which is especially helpful for first-time owners who may feel a little overwhelmed at the start.

5. Sets the Stage for Future Training

Learning the basics is the first step toward more advanced skills. Once your pup understands a few simple commands, it becomes easier to teach them fun tricks and useful behaviors later on.

Just like potty training, puppy commands take patience and consistency, but they pay off in the long run.

By starting with simple, beginner-friendly commands, you’re not just teaching obedience — you’re building a safer, happier, and more connected life with your dog.

When to Start Teaching Puppy Commands

Black labrador puppy looking at the camera innocently while learning basic puppy commands

Many new owners wonder when it’s the “right time” to start training. The answer might surprise you — puppies are ready to begin learning simple instructions as early as 8 weeks old. 

At this age, they’re curious, full of energy, and eager to connect with you. Starting early with basic puppy training commands helps set the foundation for a well-mannered dog.

Why Early Training Works

Puppies learn quickly during their first few months, and it’s much easier to teach good habits before bad ones take hold. 

Waiting too long can make training more challenging, since older puppies may already be used to doing things their own way. 

By beginning early, you’re not only teaching commands but also showing your puppy how to focus on you and listen to your voice.

Training Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

You don’t need long, formal sessions to make progress. In fact, short and fun lessons are more effective. Aim for just 5 to 10 minutes a few times a day. 

Always use positive reinforcement — reward your puppy with tiny treats, toys, or plenty of praise when they get it right.

Keep It Fun

Think of training as a game rather than a chore. Keep your voice upbeat, celebrate small wins, and end each session on a positive note. This way, your puppy will look forward to learning with you.

The bottom line: the sooner you start teaching your puppy simple commands, the smoother your training journey will be. It’s about building good habits early, not waiting until problems appear.

How to Teach Puppy Commands – Step by Step

Training a puppy isn’t about being strict or harsh; it’s about clear communication, patience, and a lot of consistency. Think of it like teaching a child: repetition, encouragement, and small wins go a long way. 

By using positive reinforcement, you’ll help your puppy understand what you expect while also making training fun. Let’s break down the step-by-step approach that works for most new dog owners.

Step 1: Gather the Right Tools

Before you start, make sure you have a few basics on hand.

  • Small treats: Soft, bite-sized snacks are best because they keep your puppy motivated without filling them up too quickly.
  • Clicker (optional): A clicker can mark the exact moment your puppy does something right, making it easier for them to connect the action with the reward.
  • Leash and collar: Especially for outdoor practice, these help you keep control and focus.
  • Quiet training space: Puppies are easily distracted. A calm area with few interruptions makes it easier for them to focus on you.

These simple tools set the stage for successful training sessions.

Step 2: Use Positive Reinforcement

Dogs repeat behaviors that get rewarded. Positive reinforcement means you immediately reward your puppy when they do something right. 

For example, if you ask your puppy to sit and they lower their bottom, give them a treat and lots of praise right away. Timing is everything. The faster you reward the action, the easier it is for your puppy to connect the dots.

Punishment or yelling doesn’t work in the long run. It only confuses your puppy and may make them fearful. Stick to rewards, consistency, and patience; you’ll be amazed at how quickly your pup learns.

Step 3: Combine Verbal and Hand Signals

Four cute puppies peeking from a door while starting puppy training commands

Some owners rely only on spoken commands, but dogs don’t understand human language the way we do. That’s why adding hand commands for dogs makes training much clearer. 

For example, when teaching “sit,” you can hold a treat above your puppy’s head and slowly raise your hand upward. Over time, your puppy will connect the hand movement with the action.

Using both verbal and hand signals gives your dog two ways to understand what you want. This becomes especially useful if your puppy can’t hear you clearly in a noisy place, or as they get older and may lose some hearing.

Step 4: Keep Sessions Short and Fun

Puppies have very short attention spans. Expecting them to sit through a 30-minute training session will only lead to frustration. Instead, aim for 5–10 minute sessions a few times a day. 

Keep your tone upbeat, use lots of praise, and celebrate even small improvements. End each session while your puppy is still engaged; that way, they’ll look forward to the next one.

Step 5: Practice Consistently

Consistency is key. Use the same words and signals every time. If one family member says “down” for lying down and another says “lay,” your puppy will get confused. 

Make sure everyone in the household uses the same commands, gestures, and rewards. This keeps training clear and helps your puppy learn faster.

Common Struggles (and How to Handle Them)

  • Puppy gets distracted easily: Go back to a quiet space or use higher-value treats.
  • Doesn’t listen after a few tries: Break it down into smaller steps. Reward even partial progress and build from there.
  • Forgets a command later: Totally normal! Puppies need refreshers. Go back to basics and repeat until they get it again.
  • Excitement overload: Some puppies get too hyper during training. In these cases, short breaks help. You can also use calming exercises like stay or crate training to help reset.

Step 6: Gradually Increase Difficulty

Once your puppy understands a command at home, it’s time to test it in new environments. Practice in the yard, on walks, or around distractions like other people and dogs. 

Start small and build up. This ensures your puppy doesn’t just obey at home, but truly understands the command in real-world situations.

By using patience, positive reinforcement, and a mix of verbal and hand signals, you’ll make training sessions effective and enjoyable. 

Remember: puppies learn best when training feels like a game, not a chore. Stick with it, stay consistent, and celebrate progress along the way.

Training Success: What to Do (and What to Avoid)

When it comes to teaching your puppy, the little things make a big difference. New dog owners often get caught up in what command to teach next, but how you teach matters just as much. 

To help you stay on track, here are some simple dos and don’ts for puppy training.

Do’s

  • Keep sessions short: Puppies learn best in small bursts. Aim for 5–10 minutes, a few times a day.
  • Reward quickly: Give treats or praise the second your puppy gets it right so they connect the action with the reward.
  • Stay consistent: Use the same words and hand signals every time. Consistency helps your pup learn faster.
  • Make it fun: Treat training like a game, not a chore. Puppies are more motivated when learning feels exciting.
  • Be patient: Progress can be slow at first, but every little success builds a strong foundation.

Don’ts

  • Don’t punish mistakes: Yelling or scolding doesn’t teach your puppy what to do — it just confuses them. Focus on rewarding the right behavior instead.
  • Don’t train when tired or hungry (for you or your pup): Frustration makes it harder for both of you to stay positive.
  • Don’t overwhelm them: Teaching too many commands at once can backfire. Start with a few basic puppy training commands like sit, stay, and come.
  • Don’t use inconsistent cues: If one person says “down” and another says “lie down,” your pup won’t know which to follow.
  • Don’t forget to celebrate: Even small wins deserve a treat, praise, or playtime.

By keeping these do’s and don’ts in mind, you’ll avoid common beginner mistakes and make training sessions more enjoyable and effective for both you and your puppy.

The 10 Basic Puppy Commands Every Owner Should Teach

Golden retriever puppy lying on a mat after practicing basic puppy training commands

Here are some of the common and easy puppy commands every new dog owner needs to know: 

1. Sit Command

If you’re wondering “how do you train your puppy to sit?”, you’re not alone. It’s often the very first command new owners teach, and for good reason. 

Learning how to teach a puppy to sit gives you a simple way to control your pup in everyday situations, whether you’re at the vet, greeting guests, or waiting to cross the street.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Hold a small treat close to your puppy’s nose.
  2. Slowly move the treat upward, guiding their nose up while their bottom naturally lowers.
  3. The moment your puppy’s bottom touches the ground, say “Sit” clearly.
  4. Immediately reward with the treat and lots of praise.
  5. Repeat several times in short, fun sessions.

Hand signal:

Raise your hand palm up (like holding a treat) and then slightly lift it. Over time, your puppy will learn the hand command even without food.

Benefits of teaching sit:

  • Helps prevent jumping on guests
  • Builds impulse control and patience
  • Prepares your puppy for advanced training (stay, wait, heel)
  • Makes vet visits and grooming easier
  • Strengthens communication and bonding

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Pushing your puppy’s back end down (which confuses and frustrates them)
  • Relying only on treats instead of mixing in praise
  • Training in long, boring sessions instead of short bursts
  • Failing to practice in new environments (home vs. outside)

Variation tip: 

Once your pup masters the sit indoors, practice during daily routines like before meals or at the door. This makes the command second nature in real-life situations.

2. Stay Command

Teaching your puppy the Stay command is all about patience and safety. 

It is one of the most valuable skills because it helps you control your pup in risky situations, such as waiting at the door before running outside, sitting calmly before you clip on a leash, or staying put when cars are nearby. 

For new owners, learning basic puppy training commands like Stay can bring peace of mind and prevent accidents.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Ask your puppy to sit first. It is easier to teach Stay from a stable position.
  2. Hold your hand up like a stop sign and say “Stay” in a calm, firm voice.
  3. Take one small step back. If your puppy remains in place, reward with praise and a treat.
  4. Gradually increase the distance and time before rewarding.
  5. Always release with a cue like “Okay!” so your pup knows the command has ended.

Benefits of teaching stay:

  • Prevents door-dashing and unsafe running into roads
  • Encourages calmness and impulse control
  • Makes leash walking, grooming, and mealtimes smoother
  • Builds trust and strengthens communication
  • Prepares your dog for advanced off-leash training

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Moving too far, too quickly, instead of starting small
  • Repeating the word “Stay” multiple times (say it once, then reinforce with a reward)
  • Forgetting to use a release word, leaving your pup confused
  • Rewarding even when the puppy breaks the stay early

Hand signal: 

Use an open palm held out toward your dog, just like signaling “stop.” Over time, many dogs respond to this silent cue even without the verbal command.

Variation tip: 

Once your puppy understands Stay indoors, practice at slightly more distracting places, such as your backyard or a quiet park. Slowly increase the level of distraction so your pup learns to stay calm in real-world scenarios.

3. Come Command (Recall)

Adorable puppy wearing a Santa hat and looking playful

Learning how to teach a puppy to come when called is one of the most important skills. This command keeps your puppy safe, especially if they run toward a road or into danger. A strong recall also helps during play, walks, or off-leash training.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Start indoors in a quiet space with no distractions.
  2. Crouch down to your puppy’s level and say “Come!” clearly.
  3. Use a happy tone to encourage your puppy to move toward you.
  4. Reward immediately with treats and praise once your puppy reaches you.
  5. Practice short sessions until your puppy responds quickly every time.

The benefits of teaching come:

  • Prevents your puppy from running into unsafe areas
  • Builds confidence when exploring outdoors
  • Strengthens trust and bond with your dog
  • Makes off-leash training safer and easier
  • Helps redirect your puppy during distractions

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Calling your puppy only for negative experiences
  • Chasing your puppy when they do not respond
  • Using the command repeatedly without follow-through
  • Training in noisy areas too soon

Hand signal: 

Extend your arm out and then sweep it inward toward your chest. Many puppies respond well to this gesture.

Variation tip: 

Practice recall in different environments, such as the backyard or park. Start with short distances before moving farther away.

4. Down Command (Lie Down)

The Down command is perfect for calming a hyper puppy. It teaches relaxation and control in exciting situations. Puppies who learn this command settle more easily at home or in public.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Start with your puppy in a sitting position.
  2. Hold a treat close to their nose.
  3. Slowly lower the treat straight to the floor.
  4. Move the treat forward so your puppy stretches out.
  5. Once they lie down, say “Down” and reward quickly.

Benefits of teaching down:

  • Helps calm a hyper or restless puppy
  • Useful during mealtime or when guests visit
  • Encourages patience and better self-control
  • Prepares your puppy for advanced training
  • Builds strong communication between you and your dog

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Forcing your puppy into position by pushing them
  • Training when they are too excited or distracted
  • Skipping praise and relying only on food rewards
  • Expecting long holds too early in training

Hand signal: 

Hold your hand flat, palm down, and move it slowly toward the ground. This visual cue helps puppies understand.

Variation tip: 

Practice Down during daily routines like before meals or playtime. It helps your puppy learn calmness in real life.

5. Heel Command

Learning the Heel command for dogs is essential for leash manners and safe walks. It helps prevent pulling and keeps your puppy focused. Heel also builds discipline and makes walks more enjoyable for both of you.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Hold the leash in your left hand with treats in your right.
  2. Position your puppy at your left side.
  3. Say “Heel” and start walking slowly forward.
  4. Reward your puppy when they walk beside you without pulling.
  5. Stop and reset if your puppy pulls ahead or lags behind.

Benefits of teaching heel:

  • Improves leash manners for smoother walks
  • Prevents unsafe pulling near traffic or other dogs
  • Builds focus and attention on you during outings
  • Makes walks calmer and less stressful
  • Encourages long-term obedience and self-control

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Allowing pulling sometimes and correcting other times
  • Using tight, constant leash tension instead of guiding gently
  • Training for too long during early sessions
  • Forgetting to reward the correct position regularly

Hand signal: 

Pat your left side or slightly move your hand forward. Puppies often follow the visual cue naturally.

Variation tip: 

Once your puppy learns Heel in a quiet area, practice in busier places, and gradually add distractions to strengthen the behavior.

6. Leave It Command

The Leave It command is one of the most important skills for keeping your puppy safe. Puppies explore the world with their mouths and can pick up dangerous items, like sharp objects, trash, or harmful foods. 

Teaching Leave It helps prevent accidents and redirects unwanted biting behaviors.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Hold a treat in your closed hand.
  2. Show it to your puppy, but do not let them take it.
  3. Say “Leave it” in a calm, firm voice.
  4. Wait until your puppy pulls back or looks away, then reward with a different treat from your other hand.
  5. Repeat until your puppy consistently leaves the treat alone.

Benefits of teaching leave:

  • Prevents your puppy from eating dangerous items
  • Redirects chewing and biting habits
  • Builds impulse control and patience
  • Helps in outdoor walks and around other dogs
  • Strengthens your communication and bond

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Letting your puppy grab the item occasionally, which confuses them
  • Using treats that are too exciting at first
  • Training for too long in one session
  • Forgetting to reward the desired behavior

Hand signal: 

Hold your palm toward your puppy while saying the command. This visual cue reinforces the verbal command.

Variation tip: 

Practice Leave It during walks or around toys and household items. If your puppy keeps biting everything, Leave It helps redirect their behavior. You can also check out our Puppy Biting Guide for more tips on managing nipping and mouthing.

7. Drop It Command

Two puppies sitting together on a grass field looking curious

The Drop It command is similar to Leave It, but it works in different situations. Leave It stops your puppy from picking something up. 

Drop It helps them release something already in their mouth. This is crucial for safety, especially if they grab a sharp or dangerous object.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Offer a low-value toy or item that your puppy has in their mouth.
  2. Hold a treat close to their nose and say “Drop it” in a calm voice.
  3. When your puppy releases the object, give the treat immediately.
  4. Praise your puppy with gentle encouragement.
  5. Repeat until your puppy reliably drops objects on command.

Benefits of teaching drop it:

  • Prevents injuries from sharp or harmful items
  • Teaches your puppy impulse control
  • Helps manage toy fights or resource guarding
  • Strengthens communication and trust
  • Complements other commands like Leave It and Come

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Yanking items from your puppy’s mouth can cause fear
  • Repeating the command too quickly without waiting for a response
  • Using high-value items too soon may confuse the puppy
  • Forgetting to reward successful attempts

Hand signal: 

Open your palm toward the object and slightly move it toward your puppy. The gesture encourages them to release the item.

Variation tip: 

Practice Drop It with a variety of items. Start with toys, then gradually use items your puppy might find outside. This ensures the command works in real-life situations.

8. Wait Command

The Wait command teaches your puppy to pause before moving forward. It is especially useful at doors, during feeding times, or when crossing roads. 

Puppies learn patience and self-control, which keeps them safe and well-behaved – and it’s a big part of your dog’s training.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Ask your puppy to sit at a door or before their food bowl.
  2. Hold your hand out and say “Wait” in a calm, firm voice.
  3. Take a small step back. If your puppy stays, reward immediately with praise or a treat.
  4. Gradually increase the time before giving the release cue.
  5. Always use a clear release word like “Okay” to signal they can move.

Benefits of teaching wait:

  • Prevents door-dashing and running into dangerous areas
  • Builds patience during feeding and playtime
  • Helps with impulse control around distractions
  • Supports safety during walks and outdoor activities
  • Strengthens trust and communication between you and your puppy

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Moving too quickly before your puppy learns the pause
  • Using inconsistent commands or gestures
  • Forgetting to reward the correct behavior consistently
  • Skipping practice in real-life scenarios

Hand signal: 

Hold your hand palm out in front of your puppy like a stop sign. This visual cue reinforces the verbal command.

Variation tip: 

Practice “Wait” in different situations, such as outside doors, before crossing streets, or during meal prep. Gradually increase time and distance to improve reliability.

9. No Jumping Command

Learning how to train a puppy not to jump is important for safety and manners. 

Jumping can be fun for puppies, but it often leads to scratches, knocked-over items, or accidents. A reliable No Jumping command helps your pup greet people politely and behave calmly.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Stand calmly in front of your puppy.
  2. If they jump, step back and fold your arms.
  3. Say “No Jump” in a firm but gentle voice.
  4. Wait until all four paws are on the ground.
  5. Reward with praise or a treat immediately.

Benefits of teaching No Jump:

  • Protects people and household items from scratches or damage
  • Encourages polite greetings and social behavior
  • Reduces frustration for first-time puppy owners
  • Builds impulse control and attention
  • Complements other commands like Sit and Stay

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Pushing your puppy down when they jump
  • Rewarding attention while they are jumping
  • Using inconsistent cues or tone of voice
  • Expecting immediate results without repetition

Hand signal: 

Hold your hand out like a stop sign. The visual cue helps your puppy recognize the command even without words.

Variation tip: 

Practice No Jump when guests arrive, during playtime, or when meeting other dogs. Consistency and patience ensure long-term success.

10. Shake / Shake Hands Command

How to teach a dog to shake hands is a fun and interactive command. It builds trust, improves coordination, and strengthens your bond with your puppy.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Have your puppy sit in front of you.
  2. Hold a treat in your hand and show it to your puppy.
  3. Say “Shake” and gently lift one of your puppy’s front paws.
  4. Reward immediately with the treat and praise.
  5. Repeat several times in short, positive sessions.

Benefits of teaching shake:

  • Provides mental stimulation and engagement
  • Encourages cooperation and focus
  • Strengthens trust and connection between you and your puppy
  • It can be a polite greeting for guests
  • Prepares your puppy for more advanced tricks

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Forcing the paw too roughly
  • Repeating the command without rewarding correct behavior
  • Training for too long in one session, which may tire your puppy
  • Using inconsistent cues or gestures

Hand signal: 

Extend your hand and open your palm toward your puppy. Many puppies respond well to this visual cue alongside the verbal command.

Variation tip for how to teach a dog to shake: 

Once your puppy masters the shake, try variations such as high five or both paws. Practicing in different environments helps reinforce the behavior.

Tips for Successful Puppy Training

Puppy lying on a pink and black carpet looking relaxed

Training a puppy can feel overwhelming, but small, consistent steps make a big difference. Using commands to teach a puppy correctly helps your dog learn faster and enjoy the process.

1. Keep sessions short

Puppies have short attention spans. Aim for 5–10 minute training sessions, a few times a day. Frequent, short practice is more effective than long, tiring sessions.

2. End on a positive note

Always finish each session while your puppy is successful. Praise or give a treat. Ending on a positive note keeps your puppy excited for the next session.

3. Be consistent

Use the same words and gestures every time. Consistency helps your puppy understand commands faster and reduces confusion. Make sure everyone in your household uses the same cues.

4. Involve the family

If multiple people interact with the puppy, everyone should follow the same training plan. This helps the puppy learn commands more reliably and avoids mixed signals.

5. Reward progress

Always reward good behavior immediately. Treats, praise, or playtime work well. This reinforces learning and motivates your puppy to repeat the behavior.

6. Troubleshooting when your puppy doesn’t respond

If your puppy ignores a command, stay calm. Take a step back and simplify the instruction. Reduce distractions and practice in a quiet space. Break down the command into smaller steps if needed. Never punish your puppy for not responding.

7. Vary the environment

Once your puppy understands a command indoors, practice outdoors or in new locations. This ensures your puppy obeys even with distractions. Gradually increase the difficulty to build reliability.

8. Make training fun

Use games and interactive activities to teach commands. Puppies respond better when training feels like playtime. This also strengthens your bond with your dog.

9. Be patient

Learning takes time. Some commands will be easier than others. Celebrate small successes and maintain a positive attitude throughout the process.

By following these tips, using commands to teach puppies, and staying consistent, you can train a happy, well-behaved, and confident dog.

Here’s a full FAQ section with 8 questions and answers, using your keyword naturally and keeping answers short and beginner-friendly:

Frequently Asked Questions

Two puppies playing together on a grass field having fun

1. How many commands should I teach my puppy at once?

Start with 2–3 commands. Focus on mastering them before adding more. This helps puppies learn faster.

2. Can older dogs learn basic commands, too?

Yes, older dogs can learn. Training may take longer, but consistency and patience work for all ages.

3. Do I need a trainer, or can I teach at home?

You can teach at home using treats, praise, and short sessions. Trainers are optional for guidance.

4. How long does it take to teach a command?

It usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks for a puppy to reliably follow a command.

5. What are the easiest commands for puppies?

Sit, Stay, Come, and Leave It are beginner-friendly commands for dogs and build a strong foundation.

6. How often should I practice commands for dogs?

Practice several short sessions each day. Frequent repetition helps your puppy retain commands better.

7. Can I teach multiple people to give commands?

Yes, consistency is key. All family members should use the same words and gestures for commands for dogs.

8. What if my puppy doesn’t respond?

Stay calm, reduce distractions, and practice in small steps. Avoid punishment, and reward progress.

9. Are hand signals important?

Yes, hand signals help your puppy understand commands for dogs, especially in noisy or outdoor environments.

10. Can I use treats for every command?

Treats work initially, but gradually mix in praise or play. This prevents dependency on food rewards.

Advanced Commands After Basics

Once your puppy has mastered basic commands, you can introduce more advanced tricks. Commands like roll over, fetch, or play dead are fun and mentally stimulating. 

They also help your puppy stay engaged and strengthen your bond.

Remember, advanced commands build on the foundation set by basic commands. 

If your puppy reliably follows sit, stay, come, and leave it, learning new tricks will be easier and faster. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement remain important.

Step-by-step approach for advanced commands:

  1. Break the trick into small, manageable steps.
  2. Reward each step with praise, treats, or play.
  3. Repeat in short sessions, keeping your puppy motivated.
  4. Practice in different environments to generalize the behavior.

Advanced commands are also a great way to challenge your puppy’s mind. 

Mental stimulation helps reduce boredom, which can prevent chewing, barking, or other unwanted behaviors. Always keep sessions fun, and celebrate small successes.

By combining basics with advanced tricks, you create a well-rounded, obedient, and happy puppy. 

Think of it as building a house; strong basics are the foundation, and advanced commands are the roof and finishing touches.

Conclusion

Basic puppy commands are essential for safety, good behavior, and a strong bond with your pup. Start small, be patient, and celebrate each success along the way. Consistent practice sets the stage for advanced commands and a well-behaved dog. For a complete puppy training journey, check out our related blogs. We’d love to hear about your puppy’s progress or favorite command, so share your stories in the comments below!