Introduction

Training your dog isn’t just about having a well-behaved companion—it’s one of the best ways to build trust, boost their confidence, and strengthen the bond between you. Whether you're bringing home a bouncy new puppy or working with an older rescue, teaching some basic commands can make everyday life smoother for you and your four-legged friend.

There’s a common saying that old dogs can’t learn new tricks. That’s rubbish. In our experience, all dogs love to learn when they’re given a fair chance. The real hurdle? It’s usually us humans being inconsistent, unclear, or—let’s be honest—just a bit lazy. But when we take the time to communicate clearly with our dogs, they listen. They want to listen.

Commands aren’t about barking orders or creating little robots. They're about giving your dog the tools to navigate our unpredictable human world. Whether it’s crossing a road safely, staying calm when visitors come over, or just sitting patiently before their dinner—clear commands help dogs feel more secure and relaxed. And the best part? Teaching them can be loads of fun.

So, if you're wondering where to start, here are the six core commands every dog should learn—with a little bonus one at the end just for fun.

    3. Down – The Chill Out Cue

Sometimes your dog needs to just relax. That’s where “Down” comes in handy. It’s a brilliant command for when you want your dog to settle calmly—like when guests pop by, or you’re working from home and need them to snooze, not supervise.

“Down” encourages a calm mindset and lowers their energy naturally. Plus, it’s perfect for grounding excitable puppies.

How to Teach “Down”:

1. Start with your dog in a “Sit” position.
2. Hold a treat at nose level, then slowly lower it to the ground between their front paws.
3. Move the treat slowly outwards along the floor—almost like you’re drawing a line away from them.
4. As their body lowers into the “Down” position, reward immediately.
5. Repeat several times before adding the verbal cue “Down.”
6. With practice, phase out the hand movement and treat.

Some dogs might try to paw or lunge for the treat at first. Just be patient and wait for the full “Down” before rewarding.

    4. Bed – Your Built-In Off Switch

Even the cuddliest, most affectionate dog can become a bit too much at times. That’s when the “Bed” command is worth its weight in gold. It's your dog's version of a “go chill over there” signal—not as a punishment, but as a safe and positive place to relax.

The goal here is to help your dog self-settle without needing constant attention from you. And trust us—it works wonders.

How to Teach “Bed”:

1. Choose the spot you want to be their “bed” (can be an actual bed, a rug, a blanket on the sofa).
2. With a treat in hand, guide them onto the bed area and wait for them to sit or lie down.
3. As soon as they do, say “Bed” and treat them.
4. Repeat this until they consistently follow you to the bed.
5. Begin adding distance—stand further away and point or say “Bed.”
6. Eventually, phase out the treat and rely on praise or a chew/toy to reward them for settling.

Use this when you’re cooking, eating, Zooming, or just need five minutes of peace.

    5. Paw – The Feel-Good Fun Command

Not every command has to serve a grand purpose. Sometimes, it’s just about having fun. “Paw” is one of those feel-good tricks that gives your dog a quick confidence boost and lets them earn praise without too much effort.

It’s also a great trick to impress friends and family—and dogs love the reaction they get when they nail it.

How to Teach “Paw”:

1. Ask your dog to sit.
2. Hold a treat in your closed fist and let them sniff.
3. Wait until they try to paw at your hand—reward immediately when they do.
4. Repeat until they offer their paw consistently.
5. Then add the word “Paw” just before offering your hand.
6. Eventually switch from a closed fist to an open hand.

Be careful not to overdo it, or your dog might start throwing their paw at everything to get a treat!

    6. Toilet – The Hidden Gem

Ever stood in the garden at 6am in your dressing gown waiting for your dog to wee? Us too. Teaching your dog to go to the toilet on command isn’t just a party trick—it’s a game-changer. Especially for rainy mornings, road trips, or last-minute outings.

How to Teach “Toilet”:

1. Wait for your dog to naturally go in the garden or on a walk.
2. As they begin, say “Toilet” in a cheerful voice.
3. Praise them as soon as they finish.
4. Repeat consistently every time they go.
5. Eventually, try saying “Toilet” before they go—and reward big if they follow through.

Over time, they’ll associate the word with the action. And you’ll save yourself some serious pacing around the garden.

Conclusion

These six commands are the bedrock of good communication with your dog. Not because they make your dog “obedient,” but because they help your dog feel calm, confident, and connected to you.

A quick note on generalising: Dogs don’t automatically apply what they’ve learned in one place to other settings. Just because your dog knows “Sit” in the kitchen doesn’t mean they’ll do it in the park. That’s why it’s vital to practice everywhere—indoors, outdoors, on walks, in new environments.

Consistency and patience are your best tools. Remember, this isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. You and your dog are a team, and every command you teach is another step toward a stronger bond.

Have we missed a command that you swear by? We’d love to hear from you—drop us a message at lola@lolashouse.co.uk and tell us what your dog does best.

Until next time—keep training, keep smiling, and give your dog a fuss from us.

To learn more about what we do at Lola's House, visit our homepage.