A well-behaved dog is one that has been well-trained. You can achieve just about any desired behavior by following the techniques used for command training.
What treats to use
For command training, use a lifestage-appropriate treat, such as a kibble of your puppy's current food or a treat formulated for puppies. Only 10 percent of your pet's daily caloric intake should come from treats. A good way to do this is to break down the kibble or treats into smaller pieces because your puppy is responding to the giving of a treat and not the treat's size.
Sit on command
Getting your puppy in the habit of sitting before getting what he wants will help remind him that you are in control.
Step One
Have a treat available. With your puppy in a standing position, hold the food in front of his nose. Avoid holding the food too high or he will stand up instead of sit.
Step Two
In a steady, slow motion, move the food over your puppy's head. Your puppy's nose will point up and the rear end will ease down to the floor, taking him into the sit position.
Step Three
Say "Sit" as your puppy's rear end touches the floor, and give the food. Say "good dog" as your puppy takes the food from your hand.
Step Four
Before long, you'll notice your puppy will go into the sit position when you sweep your hand in an upward movement, even without food. Gradually phase the food out, but continue to say "good dog" when your puppy sits.
This command will come in handy when you need to quickly subdue your puppy.
Tasty Tips
Lie down on command
Step One
Ask your puppy to sit using a few puppy food kibbles or a tasty puppy treat.
Step Two
As soon as your puppy sits, move the food from in front of your puppy's nose to the floor next to his front paws.
Step Three
Say "down" as your puppy's front end touches the floor, and give the food. Say "good dog" as your puppy takes the food from your hand.
Step Four
Gradually phase the food out, but continue to say "good dog" when your puppy lies down. In no time at all, you'll find that just a downward sweep of your hand will have your puppy sliding into the down position.
This command ends with your puppy sitting quietly in front of you. It should be practiced with many different people so your puppy learns that the proper way to approach a person is to run up to them and then sit.
Come when called
Step One
Stand about 3 feet away from your puppy. Say your puppy's name so he turns and makes eye contact with you.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Can Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight with Joint Support Large Breed Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Large Breed Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a large bite size.
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Small & Mini Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Low calories for less active small & mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious large bite size for large breed dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Related articles
Do Dogs Have Periods?
Learn more about if female dogs can have periods, when they can happen and a lot more about their estrus cycle.
Is Pineapple Safe for Dogs?
It's a tasty treat, but is pineapple safe for dogs? Discover the pros and cons of feeding your dog pineapple and how to do it safely.
What are the signs of food allergies?
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of pet food allergies and food intolerance in dogs and the affect on your pet's health and well-being.
Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog
Adopting a senior dog from a rescue shelter might seem like more work than reward, but it actually lets you better choose a dog for your lifestyle.
Is My Dog Really Watching TV?
Discover if your dog is actually interested in watching TV, how to pick something you'll both like and the science behind some dogs' TV preferences.
Side Effects of Rabies Vaccine in Dogs
Learn about common side effects of rabies vaccine in dogs, as well as less common reactions that indicate you should bring your dog to the veterinarian.
Bronchitis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Learn helpful info about bronchitis in dogs, including what causes this condition, typical symptoms, why it can become chronic and treatment options.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Command Training Your Puppy
If you're interested in training your new puppy to sit, stay, lie down, fetch and more, then read these help command training tips from Hill's.
Dogs and Ticks: Protecting Your Pup
Everything you need to know about dogs & ticks: identifying different types of ticks, what diseases they can cause and how to prevent future tick bites.
25 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails & Tips for Hiking With Your Dog
Discover twenty-five dog-friendly hiking trails across the United States, and helpful tips for safe & fun hiking with dogs no matter where you two end up.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
How to Talk to Dogs (and Know if They Understand You!)
Discover how to talk to dogs in a way they can understand and learn common physical responses you may notice when talking to a dog.
Managing Your Dog's Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies can affect dogs just like humans, but with a few preventative measures & testing or medicine, you can get these issues under control.
Odd Behaviors of Dogs: Running in Their Sleep and More
Learn all about your dog's odd sleep behaviors, including snoring, twitching, running in his sleep, and what they all mean.
Preventing Growth Disorders in Dogs
Reduce the chances of your puppy developing a growth disorder by discovering the issues that cause this dog disease and taking steps to combat it.
My Dog Is Bullying Other Dogs: What Should I Do?
Learn how to spot bullying behavior in dogs, including signs like being pushy, aggressive and stealing other dogs' food, and tips for putting a stop to it.
The Challenges of Walking Your Dog in Winter
Wondering whether walking your dog in winter weather is a good idea? Discover some safety tips to keep your pup safe in the colder winter conditions.
Change a Bored Dog into a Playful Dog with These 6 Games
Are you worried you may have a bored dog? Learn about five common signs of boredom in dogs and games you can play to help beat the bored blues.
A Quick and Easy Guide to Cleaning Dog Toys
Discover tips for cleaning your dog's favorite toys (both plush & chew toys) and why keeping them clean can be important for their health.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Watermelon is usually a healthy treat for dogs, but learn the tips about its safety, which parts are OK to feed your dog, and how much is a healthy amount.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.