Teaching Your Dog Basic Commands: Sit, Stay, Come

Teaching sit, stay, and come is the foundation of good manners and real-world safety—especially in Canada, where icy sidewalks, busy urban streets, and leash laws in most municipalities make reliable obedience essential. The good news: you don’t need fancy gear. With 5–10 minutes a day, consistent cues, and rewards, most dogs make fast progress.

Before you start: use pea-sized treats, a calm space, and a cheerful voice. End sessions while your dog is still winning.

How to Teach “Sit” and “Stay” (Step-by-Step)

Sit is your go-to “default” behaviour for greetings, doorways, and calming excitement.

Lure: Hold a treat to your dog’s nose, then move it slowly up and back. When their butt hits the floor, say “Sit,” then reward.
Fade the lure: After a few reps, use the hand motion without the treat, then reward from the other hand.
Add real life: Ask for “Sit” before meals, leash clipping, and getting in the car.

Stay prevents bolting at doors and helps with impulse control.

Build duration first: Ask for “Sit,” say “Stay,” show an open palm, count “one,” reward. Gradually increase to 3–10 seconds.
Then distance: Take one step back, return, reward. If they break, reduce difficulty.
Add a release word: Use “Okay” or “Free” so your dog learns when the stay ends.

How to Teach “Come” (Recall) Safely

A reliable come can prevent disaster at the park or cottage.

Start indoors: Say “Come!” once, then reward with high-value treats and praise.
Use a long line outdoors: In fields or quiet parks, practice on a 10–15 m line (common and legal in many areas). Reward big.
Never punish after “come”: Even if they were slow—make returning to you always pay.

Conclusion: Keep cues consistent, reward what you like, and practise in gradually harder locations. In a few weeks, “sit, stay, come” can become dependable habits that make daily life safer and calmer—for you and your dog.