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Foundation · 10 min read
7 Basic Dog Commands: Your Blueprint to a Harmonious Relationship
The foundational vocabulary every well-behaved dog needs — and how to teach each one in under a week.
Read →Topic · Dog Training
Dog Training
From the first sit at 8 weeks to fixing the leash-pulling adolescent — every training article we’ve written, organized so you can find what you need fast.
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12
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2026
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If you only buy one book
Lucky Dog Lessons by Brandon McMillan
If you're going to invest in one dog training book this year, make it this one. McMillan's 7-day method covers every foundational command and works on dogs other trainers have given up on. It's the book we hand to every new dog owner we know.
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All training articles
7 Basic Dog Commands: Your Blueprint to a Harmonious Relationship
Sit, stay, come, down, heel, leave it, drop it — the foundation every dog needs in a week.
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How to Teach a Dog to Sit
Step-by-step with troubleshooting tips for stubborn pups, distracted dogs, and senior rescues.
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How to Train a Dog to Stay
The duration-distance-distraction framework that actually works — even with high-energy dogs.
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How to Get Your Dog to Come to You
Build a recall they actually listen to — even at the dog park, even with a squirrel involved.
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How to Crate Train a Puppy at Night
The first 14 nights are the hardest. Here’s the gentle method that gets you both sleeping.
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Step 1: Trust and Leadership
Before you teach a single command, build the relationship that makes training stick.
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Step 2: Structured Training Sessions
Why 5-minute sessions beat 30-minute ones, and what to do in each one.
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Step 3: Socialization and Mental Stimulation
The often-skipped third pillar. Why a tired dog is a good dog — but only when tired the right way.
Read more →Common training questions
How early can you start training a puppy?
You can start basic socialization and name recognition the day you bring them home — typically 8 weeks. Formal command training is most effective starting around 10–12 weeks once their attention span has developed.
How long should training sessions be?
For puppies, 5–10 minutes maximum, several times a day. For adult dogs, 15–20 minutes is the sweet spot. Short and frequent beats long and occasional every time.
Are treats required for training?
Treats accelerate learning, but you can also use praise, play, or anything your dog values. The key is rewarding the behavior you want — quickly and consistently.
What if my dog seems "stubborn"?
Most "stubborn" dogs are actually confused or distracted. Try smaller steps, higher-value rewards, and a quieter environment. If it still isn't working, your dog probably hasn't fully learned the previous step yet.
Should I use punishment when my dog does something wrong?
Modern training is built on rewarding what you want, not punishing what you don't. Punishment-based methods often produce fearful dogs and damage your relationship. Redirect, then reward the alternative.
How long does it take to fully train a dog?
Foundation commands: 1–2 weeks of focused work. Reliable behavior in distracting environments: 3–6 months. Lifelong refinement and new skills: forever — and that's the fun part.
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Dog Behavior
Why dogs do what they do — and how to read the signals.
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