Teach ‘Sit’, ‘Stay’ & ‘Come’ 2025: Vet-Approved Puppy Basics 🔄🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

🎓 Introduction: Start Smart, Start Simple

Teaching your puppy their first commands sets the tone for lifelong training. Done right, it builds trust, communication, and impulse control. 🐾

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✅ The ideal age to start training
🐶 How to teach each command with step-by-step instructions
🧠 Vet-approved advice to avoid common mistakes

1. 🕐 When Can You Start Training?

You can begin basic training at just 7–8 weeks old. Yes, that early! Puppies have amazing learning potential during their early weeks—think of their brain like a sponge soaking up every experience.

At this age, focus on:

• 💡 Short (5–10 minute) sessions

• 🎉 Positive reinforcement (treats, toys, praise)

• 👂 Gentle consistency (use the same words/tone each time)

🐾 Vet Tip: “Keep it playful! Training should feel like a game, not a chore. End each session on a win—even a small one.”

2. 🌟 Teaching ‘Sit’, ‘Stay’, and ‘Come’ Step-by-Step

✅ ‘Sit’ – The Foundation Command

Teaching ‘sit’ helps your pup learn to focus and control impulses.

Steps:

1. Hold a small treat near your pup’s nose.

2. Slowly raise the treat upward and slightly back toward their tail.

3. As they naturally lower their rear to the ground, say “Sit”.

4. The moment they sit, reward with the treat and praise warmly: “Good sit!”

Repeat: 3–5 times per session, 2–3 sessions daily.

💬 Pro Tip: Avoid physically forcing your puppy to sit. Let them figure it out on their own—it builds faster learning!

✅ ‘Stay’ – Teaching Patience & Control

Once your puppy knows ‘sit’, you can start layering in ‘stay’.

Steps:

1. Ask your puppy to “Sit”.

2. Hold your palm toward them (like a stop sign) and say “Stay”.

3. Take one step back.

4. Wait 1–2 seconds. If they don’t move, step forward and reward.

5. Gradually increase distance and duration, always returning to reward.

Practice daily, building up from 1-second stays to 30+ seconds over time.

🧠 Vet Tip: “If they break the stay, don’t punish. Just reset and shorten the time. Patience is key.”

✅ ‘Come’ – A Life-Saving Command

This is one of the most important cues for safety and off-leash fun.

Steps:

1. Start in a quiet, enclosed space (like a hallway or fenced yard).

2. Crouch down, open your arms, and call your puppy with a happy voice: “Come!”

3. Reward generously when they reach you—treats, cuddles, excitement!

4. Add short distances and low distractions first, then increase difficulty.

🦴 Game Idea: Try “puppy ping pong”—have two people take turns calling the puppy and rewarding when they come. It’s fun and reinforcing!

3. ❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good intentions, there are a few common traps new puppy parents fall into:

⚠️ Repeating Commands

Saying “Sit, sit, sit, sit…” teaches your dog that multiple repetitions are normal. Instead, say it once clearly, then wait.

🚫 Using ‘Come’ to End Fun

Calling your pup to you only when it’s time to leave the park or go inside? They’ll start ignoring the word. Mix it up: call them, reward, and let them go play again sometimes!

❌ Punishment-Based Training

Yelling or using harsh corrections can break trust and cause fear. Stick with positive reinforcement—it works better and builds a stronger bond.

4. 🧩 Bonus Tips for Faster Learning

Here are a few extra ways to speed up your pup’s progress:

• 🎯 Use high-value rewards (tiny bits of chicken or cheese for tough situations)

• 🕵️♂️ Train in different environments to generalize commands

• 🗓️ Be consistent—everyone in the family should use the same cues

• 📱 Record progress with videos or notes to track improvement

5. 👩⚕️ Final Thoughts from Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

“The first commands you teach aren’t just about obedience—they lay the groundwork for a calm, confident dog who feels safe in your world. Be kind, be consistent, and remember: every puppy learns at their own pace. Some will catch on fast, others will take a little longer—and that’s okay.”

Your patience, love, and positive energy today will shape the adult dog you’ll live with for years to come. So grab those treats, get on the floor, and make training the highlight of your puppy’s day. 🐕💛