Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting moments for any dog parent. Along with the cuddles and playtime comes an important responsibility: teaching your pup the basic skills that keep them safe in the real world.
While tricks are fun, commands are essential. The right training can prevent accidents, build confidence, and create a stronger bond between you and your dog. Here are some of the most important commands every puppy should learn, and why they can truly save their life.
Sit
“Sit” is often the very first command puppies learn, and for good reason. It teaches impulse control and helps your dog pause before acting.
Why it matters:
A dog who can sit on cue is easier to manage in exciting situations: greeting guests, waiting for food, crossing streets, or meeting other dogs. It gives you a calm reset button when things feel busy or overwhelming for your pup.
Stay
“Stay” builds on sit by teaching your dog to hold position until released.
Why it matters:
This command can prevent your dog from running into unsafe areas, approaching something dangerous, or bolting when distracted. Whether you’re opening your car door, answering the front door, or dropping a leash, “stay” helps keep your dog exactly where they need to be.
Door Control
Door control means your dog sits and waits calmly at an open door instead of rushing through it.
Why it matters:
Doors lead to parking lots, streets, and unfamiliar environments. Teaching your puppy to wait protects them from running into traffic, chasing distractions, or getting lost. It also reinforces patience and polite behaviour instead of excitement-based decisions.
Recall (Come)
Recall is teaching your dog to come back to you immediately when called.
Why it matters:
This is one of the most important safety commands your dog will ever learn. A reliable recall can stop your dog from running into danger, approaching an aggressive dog, or disappearing out of sight. It creates trust and gives you control even when your pup is excited or distracted.
Leave It
“Leave it” teaches your dog to ignore something tempting and focus back on you.
Why it matters:
Dogs explore with their mouths, and that can lead to trouble. “Leave it” helps prevent your puppy from eating harmful food, picking up sharp objects, bothering wildlife, or grabbing something unsafe during walks or playtime.
Building Confidence Through Consistency
Training isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Practising these commands daily helps your puppy understand boundaries, feel secure, and make better choices in new situations.
At The Modern Dog, these aren’t just words, they’re habits. We practice sit, stay, door control, recall, and leave it every single day in our daycare environment. Through structured play, guidance, and positive interactions, we help your pup build real-world skills that support safety, confidence, and great manners.
Because a well-trained dog isn’t just happier, they’re safer!