7 Essential Dog Commands Every Pet Parent Should Teach
“Shake” (or “Paw”) is a fantastic foundational trick. Beyond being incredibly endearing to guests, it makes routine maintenance—like wiping muddy paws after a walk or trimming nails—much less stressful for your dog.
How to Train It:
- Step 1: Hold a piece of food or a treat securely inside your closed fist.
- Step 2: Hold your fist out near your dog’s chest height and wait patiently for them to instinctively paw at your hand to get the food.
- Step 3: The exact second their paw touches your hand, open your fist and reward them immediately.
5. Place
The “Place” command directs your dog to a specific boundary—like a designated mat, bed, or crate—and tells them to stay there until released. It is the perfect tool for keeping your dog calm when the doorbell rings or when you are prepping dinner.
How to Train It:
- Step 1: Stand near a designated mat or bed, and point directly to it.
- Step 2: Say “Place” clearly, using a treat to lure them onto the boundary if necessary.
- Step 3: Once all four paws are on the mat, reward them. Continuously reward them for staying there to build duration.
