Come, Sit, Down and Stay Training Tips: Come, Sit, Down, Stand, and Stay Leashless training is essential for pet dogs, especially since most are off-leash indoors. Using lure-reward and reward-based techniques makes training basic dog obedience commands quick, easy, and enjoyable for both dogs and their owners. These methods focus on brain power, not force, making them suitable for all family members, including children. Prepare Your Dog’s Daily Kibble Weigh your dog’s daily kibble allotment and place it in a container. Use these pieces as both lures and rewards throughout the day. Each piece counts toward successful training sessions. Teaching “Come” For puppies, say “Puppy, come,” and do something playful to encourage them. Praise your puppy as they approach and give a food reward. For adult dogs, say “Doggy, come” and squat while wiggling a food lure in front of you. Multiple family members can practice recall in a yo-yo or round-robin style. For example, say, “Go to Jamie” and have the puppy run to Jamie for a reward. This teaches both recall and family member names. Teaching “Sit” Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and say “Sit.” Move the lure upward and slightly backward above their muzzle. The dog will sit as they follow the treat. If the dog jumps, the treat is too high. If the dog backs up, work in a corner. Praise the dog with “Good girl!” or “Good boy!” and offer a reward. Afterward, ask your dog to sit after every recall. Teaching “Down” Say “Down” and lower the treat between your dog’s forepaws. Encourage the dog to lie down while praising them. A downward hand motion (palm down) becomes the visual cue for lying down. Combine with other commands by asking your dog to come, sit, and lie down in sequence. Repeat to reinforce understanding. Teaching “Stand” The “Stand” command is useful for vet or grooming examinations. Say “Stand” and lure your dog to a standing position. Praise and reward immediately. Practice sequences of sit, down, and stand in random order to strengthen your dog’s response. Reward initially, then gradually require quicker responses before offering treats. Teaching “Stay” Start by rewarding your dog the moment they sit, lie down, or stand. Gradually increase the delay between command and reward. Progress from two seconds to one minute or more. Your dog will learn to remain in place reliably. Phasing Out Food Lures Initially, use kibble as lures and rewards. Later, substitute with other items, such as: Lure with a Kong, reward with a tennis ball Lure with kibble, reward with playtime or praise Eventually, rely on verbal commands and hand signals alone. Replace treats with meaningful life rewards: Sitting before a game of fetch Waiting before being allowed on the couch Performing commands before meals This approach reinforces good behavior without needing constant food rewards. Reward Training for Life By replacing food treats with life rewards, your dog will respond reliably to commands in everyday situations. Sit before supper, wait before off-leash play, and stay before cuddles. Your dog will thrive on structure, positive reinforcement, and consistent training.
