Teach Your Dog Basic Commands: Sit, Stay, Come

Teaching sit, stay, and come is the fastest way to build a well-mannered, safer dog. These cues improve leash walks, reduce jumping, and can prevent dangerous situations—especially around Canadian parks, cottages, and winter roads. Keep sessions 5–10 minutes, use high-value treats, and aim for calm, repeatable wins.

How to Train “Sit” and “Stay”

Sit is your foundation. Hold a treat at your dog’s nose, then slowly move it up and back. As the head follows, the bum naturally drops. The moment they sit, say “Yes!” (or click) and reward. Add the word “Sit” only after you’re getting the behaviour reliably.

Stay is about duration, distance, and distractions—train them one at a time. Ask for sit, show an open palm, say “Stay,” then pause for 1 second, mark, and reward. Release with a clear word like “Okay”.

Increase time in tiny steps: 1s, 2s, 3s—don’t jump to 30 seconds.
If your dog breaks, reset calmly; don’t scold. You moved too fast.
Practice indoors first, then in the yard, then on walks (add distractions last).

How to Train a Reliable “Come” (Recall)

A strong recall can save your dog from wildlife, off-leash conflicts, or icy streets. Start on a long line in a quiet area. Say “Come!” in a happy voice, then move backward to encourage chasing you. When they arrive, reward heavily—treats plus praise—and release them back to fun.

Never call your dog to punish or end all fun; it weakens recall.
Use “Come” only when you can enforce it (long line helps).
Make it worth it: special treats, tug, or a quick game.

Conclusion: Train daily, keep it positive, and progress gradually. With consistent practice, sit, stay, and come become reliable tools you can count on—at home, on trails, and everywhere your Canadian adventures take you.