How to Teach a Puppy to Sit: Basic Command Training

Puppies arrive in the world eager to learn, with curious minds and boundless energy. Starting training immediately allows you to take advantage of that enthusiasm. Remember that pups learn by making mistakes, which can sometimes mean risky behavior, chewed shoes and raising your (or the other pets') stress levels. Command training not only helps prevent these mishaps but also guides early puppy development, building a foundation for safety and socialization during their most impressionable months.

This guide to puppy command training will show you how to teach a puppy to sit, fetch, drop it and more to get you started on the right foot.

Try lure training with a favorite treat to persuade your pup to sit.

1. Show your puppy a favorite treat. For pups that aren't keen on treats, try a favorite toy.

2. Hold it slightly above their nose.

3. Say, "King, sit," and move the lure forward up over their head. To keep their eyes on the reward, they'll need to sit to avoid falling over.

4. Once their tail hits the floor, give them the reward.

Eventually, your puppy won't need the lure to understand what the "sit" command means. Once they've mastered it, ask them to sit as a request for you to open the door or to set down their food, for example.

A note on training treats: To avoid overfeeding, treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy's daily calories. Alternatively, you can use their regular kibble as rewards and simply subtract that amount from their daily food portion.

"Wait" means "don't move forward." This helps prevent your pup from tripping you as they dash ahead or rushing into the yard while you make sure the coast is clear. In case of emergency, this command could save a puppy's life, such as when it stops them from rushing into traffic. Use a door to teach this essential command.

1. At the door, say, "King, wait."

2. Slowly open the door. If they move forward, close the door.

3. Repeat until your pup recognizes the cause and effect; the door only opens if they stay still.

4. After they remain in place for five seconds with the door open, give a release word, like "yes" or "OK," to communicate that it's OK to move.

Going out the door rewards your pup, so no treat is required here!

A "stay" command means your puppy doesn't move forward, backward or from their position until you release them. Don't expect a young pup to master this until they've learned all the other commands. Then, you can drill your pup on a "sit, stay" command, asking them to sit and slowly increasing the amount of time they hold the position.

Experiment with various toys — bouncy balls, squeaky rubber sticks, fleece stuffies — to see which appeals most to your pup. Then, use that to train.

1. Hold out the toy for your pup to sniff or mouth. Say "good King!" for any signs of interest, especially physical contact. If they take the toy in their mouth, say "good hold!," give them lots of praise and offer a treat. Practice having your pup touch, mouth or grasp the toy, labeling the action as "hold."

2. Once your puppy consistently holds the toy when asked, move on to "fetch." Start by setting the toy beside you where your pup can easily reach it, and say, "hold." When they pick it up, praise them and offer the reward. Practice this repeatedly, gradually moving the toy farther from you until your pup understands they can pick up and hold the toy from your hand, the floor or anywhere else.

3. Begin tossing the toy for your pup, and praise them when they pick it up. Since they've already learned that a treat follows your praise, most pups will happily return to you with the toy and release it.

4. As your puppy begins coming back to you, say "fetch." With repetition, your pup will understand that "fetch" means "run after the toy and bring it back for a treat."

Puppies naturally explore their world with their mouths. That curiosity can get them into trouble, or even danger, should they bite or mouth the wrong thing, like an electrical cord. Damaging your property can also strain the bond you're building. Teaching them to relinquish the treasure helps keep them safe and protect your property.

1. First, puppy-proof your home to keep forbidden items out of reach.

2. Keep your emotions in check. Do not yell at or chase your puppy. Many puppies quickly learn that stealing a shoe or your wallet gets you to chase them — what fun! Chasing can quickly become a favorite game and inadvertently rewards them. Instead, use a growly "no."

3. Call "come!" and run the other way, prompting your pup to chase you. Have a treat ready to reward them for coming to you. To eat it, they must drop the object. Prompt the action by saying "drop it."

4. You can also offer a trade, swapping the forbidden object with your puppy's favorite toy. Start playing with the toy yourself — squeaking it, tossing it from hand to hand, having a grand time — until they can't resist joining you. When they drop your item, give them the toy. Couple the swap with "drop it," praising as you make the trade.