Week 4: Basic Obedience – Sit, Stay, Leave It & Down
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 23
Basic Obedience – Sit, Stay, Leave It & Down
Now that your rescue dog is settling in, it’s time to introduce foundational obedience training. Teaching commands like sit, stay, leave it, and down not only improves behaviour but also strengthens your bond and builds trust.
Try basic commands one at a time. Start with the sit, get them understanding it, it can then be used to help with the others.
Zeus’s Progress
Zeus is making steady improvements! He is now responding well to basic training and learning important commands. Despite his recent setback at the park, we’re keeping training positive and consistent.
Key Commands This Week
🐾 Sit – One of the most useful commands, helping with calm behaviour and impulse control.
How to Teach It:
Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
Slowly move it up, encouraging them to follow it with their head.
As their head tilts up, their bottom should naturally lower. As soon as they sit, say “sit” and reward.
Repeat several times, adding the verbal cue before they sit.
🐾 Stay – Teaching patience and control in different situations.
How to Teach It:
Ask your dog to sit.
Hold your palm up and say “stay” in a firm but calm voice.
Take a small step back. If they remain in place, return and reward them.
Gradually increase the distance and duration, always rewarding calm, still behaviour.
🐾 Leave It – Crucial for impulse control, preventing them from picking up unwanted items.
How to Teach It:
Hold a treat in your closed hand and let your dog sniff it.
Say “leave it” and wait for them to stop trying to get the treat.
As soon as they pull back or look away, reward them with a different treat.
Progress to placing a treat on the floor, covering it with your hand, and repeating the process.
🐾 Down – A great command for relaxation and control, especially in busy environments.
How to Teach It:
Start with your dog in a sitting position.
Hold a treat in front of their nose and slowly lower it to the ground.
As they follow it down, say “down” and reward them once they lie down.
If they struggle, place the treat under your hand on the floor so they naturally lie down to get it.
Reward immediately and practice in short sessions.
Training Tips
✅ Short & Fun Sessions – 5-10 minutes at a time is enough to keep training engaging.
✅ Use High-Value Rewards – Find what motivates your dog most (treats, praise, or a favourite toy).
✅ Train in Different Environments – Start in a quiet area, then gradually add distractions.
✅ Patience is Key – Some dogs pick up commands quickly, while others take longer. Keep it positive!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Repeating the Command Too Much – Say it once, then wait for your dog to respond. If they don’t, reset and try again.🚫 Using the Wrong Rewards – If your dog isn’t interested, switch to a more exciting treat or toy.
🚫 Being Inconsistent – Make sure everyone in the household uses the same commands and rules.
🚫 Skipping Practice – Regular reinforcement is key to long-term success.
Final Thoughts
Basic obedience training lays the foundation for a well-behaved and happy dog. With consistency, patience, and lots of positive reinforcement, your rescue will gain confidence and understand what’s expected of them.
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