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First 5 Puppy Commands: Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Leave It

What are the first 5 commands to teach a puppy?

The first five commands to teach a puppy should be practical, easy to reinforce daily, and helpful for safety and manners. A strong starter set is: sit, down, stay, come, and leave it. These cues build impulse control and make common situations—greeting guests, walking near distractions, or handling doorways—much smoother.

1) Sit

“Sit” is often the quickest win and becomes a default polite behavior. Use a small treat to lure your puppy’s nose up and back; the moment the bottom touches the floor, mark and reward. Ask for “sit” before meals, leash clipping, and petting to make it a habit.

2) Down

“Down” helps calm excitement and supports settling skills. From a sit, lure the treat straight down to the floor and slightly forward. Reward when elbows hit the ground, and keep early sessions short so your puppy stays confident.

3) Stay

“Stay” teaches patience and prevents bolting. Start with one second and one step, then reward quickly. Gradually increase duration or distance (not both at once), and release with a consistent word like “okay.”

4) Come

“Come” is a safety command. Begin indoors with no distractions, reward generously, and avoid calling your puppy for things they dislike (like nail trims) so the cue stays positive. Practice frequently in short, fun bursts.

5) Leave it

“Leave it” can stop chewing, scavenging, or grabbing unsafe items. Offer a low-value item in a closed fist; when your puppy stops investigating, mark and reward with a different treat. Once solid, practice with dropped items and outdoor distractions.

For step-by-step training tips, troubleshooting, and timing suggestions, visit the complete guide on the first commands to teach a puppy.

For First 5 Puppy Commands: Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Leave It, the best answer depends on fit, material, care instructions, and how the product will be used day to day.

FAQ

How long should puppy training sessions be?

Most puppies learn best in 3–5 minute sessions, repeated a few times per day. Stop while your puppy is still engaged so training stays fun and effective.