Why it matters: “Sit” stops a dog from jumping at guests, lunging at the front door, and wriggling at lead-putting-on time. It is the default starting position for virtually every other command.

1. Hold a treat at the dog’s nose level and let them smell it — don’t give it yet.
2. Slowly move your hand up and back over the dog’s head. Their nose follows; their bottom naturally lowers.
3. The moment they sit, say “Sit” clearly, give the treat immediately and praise warmly (“Yes!” or “Good!”).
4. Wait 3–5 seconds, then release with “OK” or “Free.”
5. Repeat 3–5 times. Always end the session on a successful repetition.

Why it matters: Prevents bolting through an open door, running off before the lead is unclipped at the park, and impulsive behaviour in high-traffic areas. Builds your dog’s capacity for self-control.

1. Ask for “Sit” first.
2. Hold an open palm flat toward the dog’s face — a “stop” hand signal — and say “Stay.”
3. Take one step back. Count 2 seconds. Return and reward.
4. Increase duration daily: 2 sec → 5 sec → 10 sec → 30 sec → 1 min.
5. If they move, calmly reset to the start without saying “No.” The absence of a reward is enough feedback.

Why it matters: A solid recall stops a dog heading into traffic, approaching a fight, or about to swallow something toxic. This command must never end in anything unpleasant for the dog.

1. Call the dog by name, then say “Come!” enthusiastically. Crouch down, open your arms.
2. When they arrive, celebrate with a big reward — treat + enthusiastic praise + physical affection. The recall reward should always be your biggest reward.
3. Start at 2–3 metres; increase distance every day.
4. Practise on a long line in the garden or an enclosed space before attempting off-lead.
5. Never follow “Come” with anything the dog dislikes — bath, nail trim, vet. Doing so kills the recall within a week.

Why it matters: The most relaxed waiting position — ideal for long waits at cafés, vet waiting rooms and family gatherings. A dog lying down is far less likely to react to passing distractions than one sitting or standing.

1. Start from “Sit.”
2. Hold a treat at the dog’s nose, then slowly lower it straight to the floor between their front paws.
3. As their head follows down and paws extend forward, say “Down” and reward the moment elbows touch the floor.
4. Elbows on the floor is the critical moment for the reward — don’t reward a nose-down-bottom-up position.
5. Hold for 3 seconds initially; increase over days. Release with “OK.”

Why it matters: For stopping a dog from consuming toxic food, litter or hazardous objects. Also prevents object-guarding conflicts between dogs.

1. Give the dog a low-value toy to hold in their mouth.
2. Hold a high-value treat near their nose. They will want to drop the toy for the treat.
3. The moment they drop the toy, say “Leave it” and give the treat.
4. Return the toy to the dog — this teaches that “leave it” does not mean permanent loss.
5. Progress to using the cue before they pick something up, and eventually without a treat as the lure.

Why it matters: Pulling on the lead risks neck and tracheal injury in the dog, and physical strain for the owner. A reliable heel makes every walk enjoyable for both.

1. Position the dog at your left side, treat in your left hand at your hip.
2. Say “Heel” and start walking.
3. While the dog stays at your side, reward every 3–4 steps with treat and verbal praise.
4. The moment the dog pulls ahead, stop dead — do not take another step. Resume only when they return to your side.
5. First week: alternate 2–3 minutes of “heel” with free-sniff breaks. Expecting heel for a whole walk is unreasonable at this stage.

Why it matters: An instant interrupt for active unwanted behaviour. But “no” said constantly loses all meaning — dogs begin selectively tuning it out within days of overuse.

1. Reserve “No” for active interruptions only: chewing something forbidden, entering an off-limits area, approaching danger.
2. Say it once, calmly, clearly — never repeated or shouted. Repetition and volume eliminate its impact.
3. As soon as the dog pauses, redirect immediately to an alternative: “Sit” or “Leave it.”
4. Reward the redirected behaviour — something positive must always follow “No.”
5. For ongoing issues (jumping up, barking, counter-surfing), teach the incompatible behaviour instead of repeating “No.”