Sit: The Gateway Behavior
Sit is usually the easiest command to teach and the most useful in daily life. Hold a treat above your dog's nose and slowly move it back over their head. As their nose goes up, their rear goes down. Mark and reward the instant they sit. Practice everywhere until it becomes automatic.
Down: Building Calmness
From a sit position, lure a treat from your dog's nose straight down to the floor, then slowly pull it toward you along the ground. Most dogs will fold into a down to follow the treat. Mark and reward. Down is harder than sit because it puts dogs in a vulnerable position — be patient and keep the energy calm.
Stay: Impulse Control
Ask for a sit or down, then hold your hand up in a stop signal and say "stay." Wait 1 second, then reward. Gradually increase duration before distance. If your dog breaks the stay, simply reset without punishment. Build up to 30 seconds, then 1 minute, then add distance one step at a time.
Leave It and Drop It
Leave it means "do not touch that." Start with a treat in your closed fist. When your dog stops trying to get it, mark and reward from your other hand. Drop it means "release what is in your mouth." Trade for something better. These two commands prevent your dog from eating dangerous items on walks.
