Bringing home a puppy is an exciting adventure, but without proper training, it can quickly become overwhelming. Teaching your puppy essential commands not only ensures their safety but also strengthens your bond. In this guide, Lulu Spot will guide you through everything from basic to advanced puppy training commands, making learning fun and effective for both you and your furry friend. Whether you’re a first-time owner or levelling up, these commands will transform your pup into a well-behaved companion.
Quick Reference: Puppy Training Commands Table
Use this interactive table to reference all commands and training methods quickly!
| Command | Level | Purpose | How to Teach | Tips for Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sit | Beginner | Controls jumping, basic obedience | Lure head up with treat, say “sit”, reward | Reward immediately, practice daily |
| Come | Beginner | Recall/safety in emergencies | Cheerful call + treat indoors first | Never call for punishment, reward lavishly |
| Stay | Beginner | Impulse control, patience | Palm out from sit, increase time/distance | Use “okay” release, stay positive |
| Down | Beginner | Calming, submissive position | Lure nose to floor with treat | Be patient, don’t push down |
| Leave It | Beginner | Ignores dangerous items | Closed fist treat, reward stopping | High-value trade treats work best |
| Drop It | Intermediate | Releases objects safely | Trade for better treat | Never chase or force mouth open |
| Heel | Intermediate | Calm leash walking | Treats at side, reward position | Short sessions, gradual distance |
| Off | Intermediate | Stops jumping on people/furniture | Say “off” + reward 4 paws down | Turn away from jumping |
| Place | Intermediate | Go-to specific spot | Lure to mat/bed, reward staying | Build duration with distractions |
| Wait | Intermediate | Door/stair safety | Pause at thresholds, release with “okay” | Softer than stay, practical use |
| Speak | Advanced | Bark on cue | Encourage bark, mark with command | Pair with “quiet” training |
| Quiet | Advanced | Stops unwanted barking | Mark silence during bark, reward | Calm voice, ignore attention barking |
| Fetch | Advanced | Retrieves toys/objects | Throw + encourage return | Use favorites, build distance |
| Roll Over | Advanced | Fun trick, body awareness | Lure from down position over | Keep fun, multiple short reps |
| Back Up | Advanced | Tight spaces navigation | Lure backward with treat | Useful in kitchens/cars |
Pro Tip: Bookmark this table for quick training reference!
Beginner Commands: Building the Foundation (Weeks 1-4)
Start here when your puppy arrives home. These basic puppy commands establish rules and safety.
1. Sit – The Gateway Command
- Why it matters: Stops jumping greetings, calms excitement
- Step-by-step training:
- Hold the treat above the nose, move the hand back over the head
- Rear drops naturally – say “SIT” as butt hits ground
- Reward with a treat + praise within 1 second
- Fade treat lure over 1-2 weeks
- Common mistakes: Repeating the command endlessly, rewarding late
- Practice goal: 10 sits in a row without lure
Reader Challenge: How many sits can your puppy do today? Share in comments!
2. Come (Recall) – Your Safety Superpower
- Why critical: Emergency recall saves lives
- Training progression:
- Days 1-3: Indoors, 5-foot leash, happy voice
- Days 4-7: Add mild distractions (toys)
- Week 2+: Fenced yard practice
- Golden rule: 100% success rate before advancing difficulty
- Make it fun: Run backwards calling name + command!
3. Stay – Patience Builder
- Training ladder:
- Sit → Palm out → “Stay” → Count 1 → Reward
- Add steps back (1, then 3, then 5)
- Add duration (5 sec → 30 sec → 2 min)
- Add distractions (clap, toy squeak)
- Release cue: Always end with “Okay!” or “Free!”
4. Down – The Calming Command
- Two methods:
- Luring: Treat to nose → floor between paws
- Capturing: Wait for natural downs, mark with click/treat
- Pro tip: Practice before meals when hungry and motivated
5. Leave It – Danger Prevention
- Life-saving sequence:
- Closed fist with low-value treat
- Nose touches fist → ignore → “Leave it”
- Looks away → jackpot reward from the other hand
- Progress to dropped items on the floor
Intermediate Commands: Real-World Control (Weeks 5-12)
Once basics click, level up to these intermediate puppy commands for everyday management.
6. Drop It – Object Control Essential
- Trade-up method:
- Puppy has a toy → Show a better treat
- Mouth opens → “Drop it” → Reward
- Repeat until automatic release
- Never: Wrestle or pry mouth open
7. Heel – Polite Leash Walking
- Position training:
- Treat at left knee level
- Puppy nose targets treat = “Heel”
- Walk 3 steps → Treat → Repeat
- Fade treats to random rewards
- Troubleshooting: Stop walking when pulling
8. Off–Boundary Setting
- People jumping fix:
- Puppy jumps → Turn away completely
- 4 paws down → “Off” + treat shower
- Practice with friends/family
9. Place – Designated Chill Zone
- Setup:
- Use bed/mat/yoga mat as “place”
- Lure puppy on → Reward staying
- Build duration/distraction tolerance
- Daily use: Meals, visitors, TV time
Advanced Commands: Pro-Level Mastery (Months 3+)
Impress friends and handle any situation with these advanced dog commands.
10. Speak & Quiet – Bark Control
- Speak first: Doorbell → Excitement bark → “Speak” → Reward
- Quiet training: Bark → “Quiet” → Mark silence → Reward
11. Reliable Off-Leash Recall
- Long-line practice:
- 20-50 ft training leash
- High distractions (park, other dogs)
- Emergency recall whistle (different sound)
12. Fun Tricks (Fetch, Roll Over, Back Up)
- Fetch progression: Chase → Pick up → Return → Hold → Release
- Roll over: Down → Treat across chest → Full circle
- Back up: Kitchen navigation lifesaver
Essential Training Success Strategies
- Timing: Mark behaviour within 1 second (clicker or “Yes!”)
- Value: Match treat value to difficulty
- Sessions: 3-5 minutes, 3x daily
- Environment: Start easy, gradually add chaos
- Consistency: Everyone inthe household uses the same words
Interactive Challenge: Which command will you teach first? Vote in comments!
Puppy Training Timeline & Milestones
| Age | Focus Commands | Training Frequency | Expected Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | Sit, Down, Name | 5 min x 4/day | 80% reliability indoors |
| 3-4 months | Come, Stay, Leave It | 7 min x 3/day | Off-leash garden recall |
| 5-7 months | Heel, Place, Drop It | 10 min x 3/day | Restaurant/dinner manners |
| 8-12 months | Advanced tricks | 15 min x 2/day | Off-leash park reliability |
Common Puppy Training Roadblocks & Fixes
- Problem: Puppy ignores commands
- Fix: Lower criteria, higher value rewards
- Problem: Regression after progress
- Fix: Return to the last 100% success level
- Problem: Won’t generalise locations
- Fix: Train in 10+ different environments
Conclusion
Mastering puppy training commands from beginner to pro level transforms chaotic puppyhood into harmonious companionship. Consistency, patience, and positivity unlock your puppy’s potential. Celebrate every small win – that shaky sit becomes rock-solid reliability! Track progress with our table, share your breakthroughs in comments, and watch your puppy thrive.
Start today: Pick ONE beginner command and commit to 5-minute sessions 3x daily. Your future self (and neighbours) will thank you!
FAQs
1. How soon can I start training my puppy?
Start at 7-8 weeks with gentle basics like name recognition and sit. Keep sessions positive and short (3-5 minutes).
2. What if my puppy ignores commands completely?
Lower expectations – get closer, use higher value treats, ensure 100% success before advancing. Hunger helps motivation!
3. How many training sessions per day?
3-4 sessions of 5 minutes each work best. Puppies have short attention spans – quality over quantity.
4. Can I train without treats?
Treats accelerate learning 3x faster, but life rewards (walks, play, dinner) work once basics solidify.
5. When can the puppy go to training classes?
After the 2nd set of vaccines (12-16 weeks). Socialisation classes combine learning + puppy playtime.
6. My puppy bites during training – help!
End session immediately, hand withdraw, offer appropriate chew toy. Yelp loudly like a littermate.
7. Clicker vs. verbal marker?
Clicker is more precise for beginners. “Yes!” works great too. Consistency matters most.
8. How long until my puppy is fully trained?
Basic obedience: 3-6 months. Reliable recall: 1-2 years. Lifelong maintenance required!