Dog Training at Home for Beginners: 12 Commands

When I first started training my own dog at home, I’ll be honest—I was nervous and a little overwhelmed. But what I quickly discovered is that dog training at home for beginners doesn’t have to be complicated. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can transform your dog’s behavior while building an amazing bond.

“Dog training at home for beginners is less about perfection and more about patience and consistency.”

In this guide, I’ll share the 12 essential commands I used to train my dog, broken down for both puppies and adult dogs. These commands cover everything from basic obedience to fun tricks, and they’re perfect if you’re just starting your dog training journey.

Understanding Your Dog

Suggested 12 Training Commands

I’ve divided these into Basic, Intermediate, and Fun/Advanced categories. For each, I’ll explain how I trained both puppies and adult dogs.

A. Basic Commands (5)

1.Sit

“A well-trained dog sitting on the grass, attentively watching its owner’s hand signal during a training session—showcasing obedience, focus, and the strong bond between pet and parent.”

• Puppy: Start with a treat close to their nose and slowly move it upwards—when they sit, reward immediately.
• Adult: Consistency matters; add verbal praise along with treats for reinforcement.

2.Stay

“A Labrador sitting calmly on the grass, holding its position while following the owner’s stay command during training—showcasing obedience, patience, and the unspoken understanding between them.”

“Teaching your dog to stay isn’t just about obedience—it’s about patience and control.”

• Puppy: Begin with just 2–3 seconds, then gradually increase.
• Adult: Add distractions, like stepping back or using toys, to build reliability.

3.Come

• Puppy: Use an excited, happy tone. Reward every single time they come to you.
• Adult: Practice indoors first, then move outdoors with a long leash for safety.

4.Down

“A cheerful dog on the grass, attentively responding to its owner’s down command during training—showcasing obedience, focus, and the joyful bond built through practice.”

• Puppy: Use a treat as a lure, slowly moving it down to the floor. Reward instantly when they lie down.
• Adult: Focus on calmness; use this command to reduce overexcitement.

5.Leave it / Drop it

“A playful Labrador holding a tug toy during training, practicing the drop it command to release on cue—showcasing obedience, self-control, and the importance of safe play between dog and owner.”

• Puppy: Practice with a favorite toy. Reward when they release on command.
• Adult: Slowly introduce more tempting objects (like food on the floor) to strengthen control.

B. Intermediate Commands (4)

6.Wait

“A Labrador calmly waiting at the doorway, practicing the wait command with patience and focus—showcasing discipline, self-control, and the trust built through training.”

• Puppy: Practice before meals—make them sit and wait for a few seconds before placing the bowl down.
• Adult: Extend the waiting period, especially at doors or crosswalks for safety.

7.Heel

“A Beagle on a leash outdoors, staying close to its owner’s side while practicing the heel command—showcasing discipline, focus, and the joy of walking in sync together.”

• Puppy: Start with very short walks, rewarding for staying by your side.
• Adult: Use a consistent pace and gentle leash control to build discipline.

8.Off

“A Labrador sitting calmly in the grass, practicing the off command to avoid jumping up—showcasing discipline, self-control, and the importance of polite behavior during training.”

• Puppy: Redirect with a toy if they jump up on furniture or people.
• Adult: Use a firm “Off” and reward when they keep all four paws on the ground.

9.Watch Me / Focus

“A German Shepherd standing alert on the grass, practicing the watch me command to keep steady eye contact with its owner—showcasing focus, attentiveness, and the importance of engagement during training.”

via GIPHY

• Puppy: Reward for even 2 seconds of eye contact.
• Adult: Increase distractions and gradually build up focus time.

C. Fun / Advanced Commands (3)

10.Shake / Paw

“A playful puppy learning the shake command, gently placing its paw in the owner’s hand—showcasing obedience, trust, and the adorable bond built through training.”

• Puppy: Hold a treat in your hand, wait for them to paw at it, and reward instantly.
• Adult: Add a verbal cue like “Shake” and phase out the treat over time.

11.Roll Over

“A cheerful Golden Retriever lying on the grass, happily practicing the roll over command during training—showcasing playfulness, obedience, and the joy of learning fun tricks.”

• Puppy: Break it into steps—first lie down, then lure gently to one side.
• Adult: Practice in a calm environment and reward each stage until they complete the roll.

12.Go to Bed / Place

“A Golden Retriever calmly resting on its elevated bed, practicing the place command to stay in position—showcasing patience, relaxation, and the importance of having a designated spot during training.”

• Puppy: Introduce a crate, mat, or bed. Reward them for stepping onto it.
• Adult: Use for calming—reward them for staying in “place” for longer periods.

Conclusion

Dog training at home for beginners isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being patient, consistent, and positive. Every dog learns at their own pace, but with these 12 essential commands, you’ll see huge progress in obedience, safety, and bonding.

So, grab some treats, keep your training sessions short and fun, and most importantly—enjoy the journey with your furry best friend.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on personal experience and general dog training practices. Every dog learns differently—be patient and consult a professional trainer if needed.