Knowing the down command keeps your dog out of trouble and safe from harm especially when they are a short distance away from you. Teaching your dog down is also very useful if you have a dog who is fearful as when dogs lie down they are automatically more relaxed.
The Drop command is similar to the leave command but used when the dog has something in its mouth that you want them to immediately release. This command is especially important with puppies as they tend to pick up anything which can sometimes be hazardous or even potentially poisonous.
Teaching your dog the leave command is something you will naturally do, especially if you get a puppy. Puppies are inquisitive and pick up everything, sometimes nasty and potentially dangerous non-edibles or poisonous edibles, and often your prize belongings.
Once your puppy knows the stay command you can move onto teaching it wait. The wait command is useful to keep your dog from charging through doorways or across roads before you are ready for it to do so.
The stay command should be tackled after your dog already mastered and responds well to the come and sit command. You need to clearly differentiate between the stay and wait command, something that confused me when I was training my first puppy. Stay means exactly that - your dog must remain how and where you put him in a stay until you return to him and give another command or release him
When you give a command to your dog, you need to have a release word that you say to them so they know the exercise is finished. Choose your own release word and stick to it.
This is one of the first commands that most people teach their dogs, and the reason is not because it is the easiest but having your dog sit gives you more control over him so you can keep him from getting into mischief or even into danger.
Initially you have no or very little control over your dog who may be running freely at a distance. Therefore you need to be able to ensure that it will return to you immediately when you call it, before you will be able to give it the freedom to explore.
If your puppy isn't already named when it joins your home, or you are re-homing a dog whose name isn't known, you will need to decide upon a name and teach it to him.
Teaching your dog basic commands is essential for building a bond with your dog and making your life together more enjoyable. In some cases the basic training commands for a puppy could even save his life.
