7 Essential Dog Commands Every Pet Parent Should Teach
From a stray chicken bone on the sidewalk to your favorite pair of shoes, dogs love to pick up things they shouldn’t. The “Drop It” command is a literal lifesaver that prevents your dog from swallowing dangerous objects.
How to Train It:
- Step 1: Offer your dog a low-value toy to play with or hold in their mouth.
- Step 2: Present a high-value treat near their nose and say “Drop it” calmly.
- Step 3: The moment they release the item to grab the tastier treat, reward them immediately.
3. Roll Over
While it may seem like just a fun parlor trick, “Roll Over” is excellent for building your dog’s body awareness and flexibility. It also builds confidence in dogs that might be slightly anxious about being in a vulnerable position.
How to Train It:
- Step 1: Start by asking your dog to lie down on a comfortable surface.
- Step 2: Hold a treat near their nose, then slowly move your hand in a wide circle around and near their head, coaxing them to follow it with their nose.
- Step 3: As their body follows their head and rolls onto their side and over, say “Roll over” and reward them after the full rotation is complete.
