Teaching Your Dog Basic Commands: Sit, Stay, Come and More

Meta Description: Step-by-step guide to teaching your dog basic commands — sit, stay, come, down, and leave it — using positive reinforcement training methods for dogs of all ages.

A dog that knows basic commands is a safer, happier, and more enjoyable companion. Whether you’ve just brought home a puppy or you’re working with an adult dog who never had formal training, teaching the core commands is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your relationship with your dog.

The good news: dogs learn remarkably fast when training is fun, consistent, and reward-based. This guide walks you through the five essential commands every dog should know — with step-by-step instructions for each.

Before You Start: The Principles of Positive Training

Modern dog training is built on positive reinforcement — rewarding the behaviours you want to see, and redirecting or ignoring the ones you don’t. According to the American Kennel Club, positive reinforcement is far more effective than punishment-based methods and creates a dog that is eager to learn rather than fearful of making mistakes.

• Keep sessions short: 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times a day. Dogs lose focus quickly — short, frequent sessions beat long, infrequent ones.
• Always end on a success: Finish every session with something your dog knows well so they end on a positive note.
• Use high-value rewards: Small, soft treats that your dog loves work best. In Dubai’s heat, avoid leaving treats in the car — they spoil quickly.
• One command at a time: Master each command before adding another.
• Be consistent: Everyone in the household should use the same words and hand signals.

If you want professional support alongside home training, read our guide on how to choose a dog trainer in Dubai.

Command 1: Sit

“Sit” is usually the easiest command to teach and the natural starting point for all training.

1. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose
2. Slowly move your hand upward — as the treat rises, your dog’s head follows and their bottom naturally lowers
3. The moment their bottom touches the floor, say “sit” clearly, then immediately reward with the treat and praise
4. Repeat 5–10 times per session
5. Once they’re reliably sitting for the treat, start saying “sit” before luring — gradually phase out the lure over several sessions

Most dogs learn a reliable sit within 1–2 weeks of consistent practice. Once your dog sits reliably indoors, practise in different locations with mild distractions to generalise the behaviour.

Command 2: Down

“Down” (lie down) is the natural next step after “sit.” It’s particularly useful for settling your dog in public spaces, at dog-friendly cafes, or during longer periods of waiting.

1. Ask your dog to sit
2. Hold a treat in front of their nose, then slowly move it straight down toward the floor between their front paws
3. As the treat reaches the floor, your dog should lower their elbows and lie down to follow it
4. The moment they’re fully down, say “down,” reward, and praise
5. If they don’t follow the treat down, try luring them under your bent knee to encourage the lying position

Command 3: Stay

“Stay” is one of the most important safety commands — and one of the more challenging to teach, as it requires your dog to remain still when their instinct may be to follow you.

1. Ask your dog to sit
2. Open your palm toward them like a stop signal and say “stay”
3. Take one step back. If they hold position for even one second, immediately return, reward, and praise.
4. Gradually increase the distance and time before you return and reward — this is called building duration and distance
5. Add distractions only once they can stay reliably with distance and duration

Never call your dog to “come” immediately after “stay” — this makes the stay position feel like a trap. Instead, release with a consistent word like “OK” or “free” before they move.

Command 4: Come (Recall)

Recall is arguably the most important command of all — a reliable “come” can save your dog’s life. According to Best Friends Animal Society, recall should always be associated with something wonderful, so your dog is motivated to come to you every time.

1. Start in a small, distraction-free space with your dog on a long lead
2. Crouch down, open your arms wide, and call your dog’s name followed by “come” in an enthusiastic, happy voice
3. If they come immediately, reward hugely with treats and enthusiastic praise — make coming to you the best thing ever
4. If they don’t come, gently guide them with the lead while repeating the command
5. Gradually increase distance and introduce mild distractions as their reliability grows

Critical rule: Never call your dog for something unpleasant (nail trimming, a bath, putting them in a crate). If you need to do something they dislike, go and get them rather than calling them. Calling them for unpleasant things poisons the recall cue.

Command 5: Leave It

“Leave it” is a safety command that tells your dog to ignore something — whether it’s food on the pavement, a discarded item, or another animal. In Dubai, where pavements can have food waste, chicken bones, and other hazards, a solid “leave it” is genuinely lifesaving.

1. Hold a treat in your closed fist and let your dog sniff and paw at it
2. Wait patiently — the moment they back off or look away from your hand, say “leave it,” open your hand, and reward with a different treat from your other hand (not the one they left)
3. Progress to placing a treat on the floor, covering it with your hand, and rewarding for backing away from it
4. Eventually progress to dropping treats on the floor or the ground and rewarding for ignoring them on cue

Training in Dubai’s Climate

If you’re training outdoors in Dubai, be mindful of the heat. From June to September, avoid training outside in the middle of the day — heat affects both your dog’s ability to concentrate and their physical comfort. Early morning or indoor training sessions are best in summer. For keeping your dog mentally engaged indoors, see our guide on how to keep your dog mentally stimulated.

Training also complements your dog walking routine beautifully — practising commands during walks builds real-world reliability. Read our post on how to stop your dog pulling on the leash for loose-lead walking guidance that works alongside command training.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to teach a dog basic commands?

Most dogs can learn the basics (sit, down, stay, come, leave it) within 4–8 weeks of consistent daily training. Reliability in real-world situations with distractions takes longer — typically 3–6 months of practice in varied environments.

My dog is 3 years old — is it too late to start training?

Absolutely not. Dogs can learn new behaviours at any age — the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is a myth. Adult dogs often have better concentration than puppies, which can actually make training easier. Consistent positive reinforcement works at any age.

What treats should I use for training?

Use small, soft treats that your dog finds highly motivating. The treat should be pea-sized — you’ll be giving many during a session and you don’t want to overfeed. Commercial training treats, small pieces of cooked chicken, or cheese work well for most dogs.

Should I use a clicker for training?

A clicker is a useful tool that provides a precise, consistent marker for the exact moment your dog does the right thing. It can speed up learning, particularly for complex behaviours. However, it’s not essential — a consistent verbal marker like “yes!” works equally well for most dogs and most commands.

My dog is easily distracted — how do I keep their attention?

Start training in a low-distraction environment (inside your flat) and only add distractions gradually once your dog is reliable indoors. Use higher-value treats in more distracting environments. Keep sessions short — 5 minutes is enough. For high-distraction issues, structured puppy classes or private training sessions may help: see our guide on socialising your puppy in Dubai.

Author: Teef Team