Training your dog has many benefits. Not only is it neat to show off their cool tricks, training your dog is a good way to help exercise their bodies and their brains. It can also keep them safe and prevent accidents. But where to start? What should you teach your dog to do? Our veterinarians share the top five commands to teach your dog.
Benefits of Training Your Dog
- Training provides exercise. Not only does it exercise their bodies, training also exercises a dog’s brain.
- You can train them into or out of behaviors. Things like jumping on you when you walk in the door can be trained away, and some people even train their dogs to open doors.
- Training can help you maintain control over your dog if there is an altercation with another animal or person. This can be especially helpful if you frequent off-leash areas like dog parks.
- Certain actions can help with medical care. Some commands can help your veterinarian get a better look at your pet during exams.
- Training builds a bond between handler and dog. The more your pet trusts you, the more likely they will be to listen to you in times of stress or chaos.
Our Top 5 Commands and What Makes Them Important
1: “Stay”
Objective: Make your dog freeze, or stop moving.
Why you need it: A stay command can keep your dog safe by stopping them in their tracks. This command is particularly useful if they run out of a door or approach a wild animal. It can also help them stay still at the vet while they are on a scale or the observation table.
2: “Paw”
Objective: Place their paw in your hand.
Why you need it: Teaching your dog to give up each paw on command is not only cute but also helpful. Sidewalks and paths often contain debris that can get stuck in a dog’s paws. Things like glass, thorns, or even grass seeds, can cause pain and infections if not removed and treated. This command will make your dog used to having their paws touched, which can also help during nail trims!
3: “Roll Over”
Objective: Have your dog roll onto their back from a reclined position.
Why you need it: This command can help you with grooming, and help your veterinarian examine their stomach. It can also be a good indicator of their range of motion. Older dogs might not be able to roll all the way over, and that is okay. Just exposing their belly from the side can be helpful.
4: “Come”
Objective: Have your dog come to your side immediately.
Why you need it: Recall is an important skill that all dogs should learn. It is especially important if your dog is ever off-leash when they’re not on your property. While your dog might be friendly, not all animals or people are. Proper recall skills mean your dog will come to you no matter what. This command can be important even on leashed walks and hikes.
5: “Drop It”
Objective: Your dog will drop whatever is in their mouth right away.
Why you need it: Dogs might not understand that certain objects are dangerous, or belong to your child. Not only does this command make a game of fetch easier, it might even save their life. A solid drop it command can save them from swallowing something dangerous, like trash or toxic houseplants. This command can also keep the friendship between your toddler and your dog intact, because they let go of the special toy bunny.
Highly Trained Veterinary Care in Gilbert
Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we understand the importance of solid training. Our amazing veterinarians and technical staff know just how to care for your pet and make them feel comfortable at the vet. From yearly exams to emergency care, we have you covered. If your dog is due for a checkup, contact us today to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (4/20/25). Photo by Justin Veenema on Unsplash