Some dog training tips are optional. These aren’t.
Every puppy is different. Some are bold. Some are cautious. Some are naturally attentive, others... not so much. But no matter your puppy’s temperament, there are three commands that every dog should know before they reach adulthood:
Come. Drop it. Wait.
These aren’t for show. These are for the moments you can’t predict. The moments that could turn into panic, danger—or worse—if your dog doesn’t listen.
Why These Three (and Not Others)?
You might be wondering why "sit" or "stay" didn’t make the cut. It’s not that those aren’t useful—they absolutely are. But the commands we’ve included here are the ones most likely to prevent injury, avoid disaster, and protect your dog in unpredictable real-world situations.
"Sit" won’t help if your dog just grabbed a chicken wing off the sidewalk. "Heel" is great for control, but if your leash snaps, it’s recall that saves the day.
These three are non-negotiables—the skills that buy you time, bring your dog back to safety, and give you control when it matters most.
1. Come (a.k.a. Recall)
Scenario: You’re in your front yard. The mail carrier opens the gate without latching it. Your puppy sees a squirrel and bolts. You yell, “Come!”
Do they freeze? Do they turn and sprint back? Or do they chase the squirrel across the street?
How to Start:
- Practice indoors or in a fenced area to build confidence
- Use a consistent, upbeat cue: “Come!” or “Here!”
- Never punish recall—only reward it
- Use high-value treats or toys as reinforcement
Pro Tip: Avoid using your recall command to call your pup for something the don't like (like leaving the park when they want to keep playing catch). Make “come” a cue that always leads to something good.
2. Drop It
Scenario: You’re at the park. Your puppy scoops up something strange. You can’t see what it is—but they’re chewing fast.
Could be food. Could be toxic. Could be dangerous.
“Drop it.”
How to Start:
- Trade for a high-value treat: say “Drop it!” → offer the treat → praise
- Practice with toys first, then move to real-world items like paper, wrappers, etc.
- Never yank objects out of their mouth—it can trigger possessiveness
Common Pitfall: Turning it into a game. If you chase your dog while yelling, they learn to run faster, not drop sooner. Stay calm, use your cue, and trade consistently.
Teaching this early could save you from emergency vet visits—or worse.
3. Wait
Scenario: You open the car door. Your puppy lunges to jump out, but a car is speeding by.
“Wait.”
They pause. You clip the leash. Crisis averted.
Wait is the calmest of the three commands — and one of the most powerful, and often overlooked. It teaches your dog to pause before acting. That moment of hesitation builds impulse control, prevents accidents, and gives you a critical second to assess or intervene.
How to Start:
- Use it at thresholds: doorways, stairs, food bowls, car doors
- Pair it with a consistent release cue like “Okay!”
- Keep your tone calm. This isn’t punishment—it’s communication.
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