Top 16 'Puppy-Pandemonium-Proofing' Commands to train in Your First 30 Days Together - Goh Ling Yong
Congratulations on the newest, furriest member of your family! The house is filled with the pitter-patter of tiny paws, the scent of puppy breath, and… a delightful dose of utter chaos. This whirlwind of needle-sharp teeth, boundless energy, and questionable potty habits is what we affectionately call "Puppy Pandemonium." It’s a magical, messy, and momentous time.
The first 30 days with your new puppy are a critical window for bonding and building a foundation for a lifetime of good behavior. While you might be focused on surviving the night and cleaning up puddles, this is the perfect time to start teaching the basic language you’ll share with your dog. Training isn't about creating a furry robot; it's about establishing clear communication, building trust, and ensuring your puppy's safety.
Don't feel overwhelmed! We've compiled the ultimate starter pack of 16 essential commands to focus on during your first month together. By tackling these building blocks with patience and positivity, you'll transform that adorable pandemonium into a well-mannered partnership, setting the stage for a wonderful life with your new best friend.
1. Their Name: The Sound of Good Things
Before you can teach anything else, your puppy needs to learn that their name is the most wonderful sound in the world. Their name shouldn't be a warning or a precursor to a scolding. It should mean, "Pay attention! Something amazing is about to happen!" This simple association is the bedrock of all future training and your recall.
Start in a quiet space without distractions. Say your puppy’s name in a happy, upbeat tone. The second their head turns towards you or they make eye contact, say "Yes!" and immediately give them a high-value treat. Keep these sessions short and sweet—just a few repetitions at a time, several times a day.
A crucial tip: Never, ever use their name to punish them. You don't want them to hear their name and think, "Oh no, what did I do?" You want them to hear it and think, "My favorite person wants me! I wonder what fun we're about to have!" This positive association is non-negotiable.
2. Sit: The Original Obedience Command
"Sit" is the quintessential dog command for a reason. It's easy for most puppies to learn and serves as an excellent foundation for more complex behaviors. It's a polite way for your puppy to ask for things (like their dinner or a toy) and a great tool for managing excitement when guests arrive or when you're putting on their leash.
To teach "Sit," hold a small, tasty treat near your puppy's nose. Slowly move the treat up and back over their head. As their nose follows the treat up, their bottom will naturally go down into a sit position. The moment their rear hits the floor, say "Yes!" and give them the treat and lots of praise.
Avoid pushing on your puppy's back to force them into a sit, as this can be uncomfortable and confusing. Keep practice sessions short (1-2 minutes) and positive. Soon, you can start adding the verbal cue "Sit" just before you lure them with the treat. With consistency, they'll be sitting on command in no time.
3. Come: The Lifesaving Recall
If you only teach one command, make it this one. A reliable "Come" or recall is paramount for your puppy's safety. It can prevent them from running into a busy street, getting into a dangerous situation at the park, or simply getting lost. A strong recall is the ultimate expression of trust between you and your dog.
Start inside in a low-distraction environment. With a partner, sit on the floor a few feet apart. One person holds the puppy while the other calls their name followed by "Come!" in an excited voice. As the puppy runs to the caller, shower them with praise and a jackpot of treats. Repeat back and forth, gradually increasing the distance.
The golden rule of recall is to never punish your puppy for coming to you, no matter how long it took or what they were doing before. You must be the best thing in the world to come back to. Use an enthusiastic tone, open arms, and high-value rewards to make returning to you the best decision they could possibly make.
4. Leave It: The Ultimate Impulse Control
"Leave It" is your verbal superpower to stop your puppy from ingesting something dangerous. From dropped medication to a chicken bone on the sidewalk, this command teaches impulse control and can literally save their life. It tells your dog, "Do not touch that thing with your mouth, no matter how tempting it is."
Start with two different treats: a boring, low-value one (kibble) and an exciting, high-value one (cheese or chicken). Close your fist around the boring treat and present it to your pup. They will likely sniff, lick, and paw at your hand. Ignore this. The very instant they pull their head away, say "Yes!" and reward them with the high-value treat from your other hand.
This method teaches them that ignoring one thing leads to an even better reward from you. Once they master this, you can place the boring treat on the floor under your hand, then eventually uncovered. "Leave It" is a non-negotiable safety cue that builds a puppy's ability to resist temptation.
5. Drop It: The "Release the Hostage" Cue
While "Leave It" is for things they haven't picked up yet, "Drop It" is for when the forbidden item is already in their mouth. It’s the essential follow-up command for when their scavenger instincts are faster than your "Leave It." This cue is crucial for retrieving stolen socks, dangerous objects, or anything you don't want them chewing.
The easiest way to teach "Drop It" is through a trade. When your puppy has a toy in their mouth, present a super high-value treat right in front of their nose. To eat the treat, they will have to drop the toy. The moment they do, say "Drop It!" and give them the treat. Then, immediately give the toy back to them.
This shows them that "Drop It" doesn't mean they lose their prize forever; it often means they get a delicious snack and their toy back. This makes them much more willing to release items in the future. Avoid a tug-of-war or prying their mouth open, which can encourage resource guarding.
6. Watch Me: The Attention-Getter
In a world full of exciting sights, sounds, and smells, getting your puppy's attention can feel impossible. "Watch Me" (or "Look") is a command that teaches your puppy to make eye contact with you and focus, cutting through distractions. It's invaluable on walks, in training classes, or anytime you need to reconnect.
Hold a treat near your puppy's nose, then slowly bring it up to your face, right between your eyes. The moment their eyes meet yours, say "Yes!" and give them the treat. Repeat this process, gradually extending the duration of the eye contact by a second or two before rewarding.
Once they understand the game, add the cue "Watch Me" right before you start the lure. This command is a powerful way to redirect your puppy's focus from a squirrel or another dog back to you, reinforcing that you are the center of their world.
7. Down: The Relaxation Station
The "Down" command (or "Lie Down") is more than just a trick; it's a calming position. Asking a dog to lie down can help de-escalate an over-excited state and is a fantastic building block for teaching them to settle. It's an essential skill for relaxing at a café, waiting at the vet, or just chilling at home.
The easiest way to teach "Down" from a "Sit" is with a treat lure. With your puppy in a sit, hold a treat at their nose and slowly lower it straight down to the floor between their paws. Their head will follow the treat, and they should naturally lie down. The moment their elbows touch the ground, say "Yes!" and give them the treat.
If they pop back up, try luring the treat slightly forward along the floor once their nose reaches it. Be patient; this position can feel vulnerable to some puppies. As with all training, keep it positive and rewarding.
8. Stay: The Safety Pause
"Stay" teaches your dog to hold a position (like sit or down) until you release them. This is a crucial safety command that can prevent them from bolting out an open door, running to greet a stranger, or getting underfoot in the kitchen. It's an exercise in impulse control and patience.
Start small. Ask your puppy to "Sit." Then say "Stay" with a flat-hand gesture. Take just one tiny step back. If they hold their position, immediately step back to them, praise them calmly, and give them a treat. Then, use a release word like "Okay!" or "Free!" in an upbeat tone to let them know they can move.
The three 'D's' of teaching "Stay" are Duration, Distance, and Distraction. Increase only one at a time. Start by increasing the duration by a few seconds, then work on adding distance (a few steps), and finally, introduce minor distractions. Always return to your puppy to reward them before releasing them, so they don't learn that breaking the stay is what gets them the reward.
9. Crate / Bed: Creating a Safe Haven
Teaching your puppy to go to their crate or bed on command gives them a safe, comfortable space that is all their own. This is not a punishment area but a den where they can relax and feel secure. It's incredibly helpful for house training, managing their behavior when you have guests, and preventing separation anxiety.
Make the crate the best place on earth. Toss high-value treats inside and let your puppy go in to get them. Feed their meals in the crate. Give them special "crate-only" toys. Once they are comfortable going in, add a verbal cue like "Crate" or "Go to your bed" as you toss the treat inside.
Never force your puppy into their crate. The goal is for them to choose to go there because it's a place of wonderful things. Short, positive sessions will build a lifelong love for their personal den.
10. Touch: The Versatile Target
"Touch" (or "Target") is a fun and surprisingly versatile command. You teach your puppy to touch their nose to your hand. This simple action can be used to redirect their attention, move them from one place to another without pulling them, build confidence in shy dogs, and serve as a foundation for more complex tricks.
Hold your hand out, palm or knuckles open, a few inches from your puppy’s nose. Most puppies will naturally sniff your hand. The moment their nose makes contact, say "Yes!" and give them a treat from your other hand. Pull your target hand away and repeat.
Once they get the hang of it, add the verbal cue "Touch" just before you present your hand. You can then start moving your hand to different positions—low, high, to the side—to guide their movement. It's a fantastic way to engage their brain and body.
11. Potty / Go Potty: The House-Training Hero
Assigning a verbal cue to urination and defecation can be a lifesaver on cold, rainy nights or when you're in a hurry. By teaching a "Go Potty" command, you can encourage your puppy to do their business promptly when you take them to their designated spot.
This one is all about capturing the behavior. When you take your puppy out and you see them starting to squat or circle, begin repeating your chosen cue ("Go Potty," "Hurry Up") in a calm, steady voice. The moment they finish, praise them lavishly and give them a very special treat that they only get for successful potty breaks.
Consistency is key. By pairing the cue with the action every single time, your puppy will quickly learn what the phrase means. This helps streamline the house-training process and makes potty breaks much more efficient.
12. Off: The Four-on-the-Floor Rule
Puppies love to jump up to greet people, but this cute habit can become a real problem as they grow. The "Off" command teaches them to keep all four paws on the floor, whether they're jumping on people, furniture, or the kitchen counters.
The best way to teach "Off" is to manage the situation so they learn that jumping gets them nothing. When your puppy jumps on you, turn your back and ignore them completely. The moment their four paws are back on the ground, turn back around and reward them with calm praise and a treat.
If they jump on furniture, use the "Off" cue and lure them down with a treat. Reward them as soon as their paws hit the floor. This teaches a simple lesson: good things (attention, treats) happen when you're on the floor, and the fun stops when you jump up.
13. Wait: The Polite Pause
"Wait" is a softer, more temporary version of "Stay." It's an impulse-control exercise for everyday situations. You can use it to stop your puppy from bolting out of their crate, rushing through an open door, or diving into their food bowl before you've even set it down.
To teach "Wait" with a food bowl, hold the bowl and ask your puppy to sit. Start to lower the bowl. If they lunge for it, lift it back up. Repeat until you can place the bowl all the way on the floor without them moving. Then, give your release cue ("Okay!") and let them eat.
For doorways, ask them to sit and "Wait" before opening the door. Only open it a crack. If they try to push through, close it. Repeat until they remain seated while the door opens. Then, release them with "Okay!" to go through. "Wait" teaches patience and respect for thresholds.
14. Let's Go: The Loose-Leash Signal
Leash training can be a major challenge. The "Let's Go" cue is your signal for "we're moving now, and you should walk nicely with me." It helps you get your puppy’s attention back when they get distracted on a walk and encourages them to move in your direction.
Start in your house or yard. With your puppy on a leash, say "Let's Go!" in an enthusiastic voice and start walking. Every few steps that they walk with you on a loose leash, reward them with a treat and praise. If they pull or get distracted, simply stop walking.
The moment the leash goes slack and they look back at you, say "Yes!" and reward them. Then, give the "Let's Go!" cue again to resume walking. This teaches them that a loose leash means we move forward and get rewarded, while a tight leash means all the fun stops.
15. Quiet: The Bark Buster
While barking is a natural dog behavior, incessant barking can be disruptive. The "Quiet" command helps you manage your puppy's vocalizations. It’s not about stopping them from ever barking, but about teaching them to stop when you ask. As Goh Ling Yong often emphasizes, the goal isn't a silent robot, but a responsive partner who can regulate their own behavior.
The best way to teach "Quiet" is to first teach "Speak." Capture a bark by getting your puppy excited. When they bark, say "Speak!" and reward them. Once they can bark on cue, you're ready for "Quiet." Ask them to "Speak," and after one or two barks, present a very smelly, delicious treat in front of their nose. They'll have to stop barking to sniff it. The moment they are quiet, say "Quiet" and give them the treat.
Practice this back and forth, gradually increasing the duration of the quiet before they get the reward. This gives you a clear and positive way to communicate when it's time to stop the noise.
16. Settle: The Off-Switch
Perhaps the most underrated command of all is "Settle." This teaches your hyperactive puppy that there is an "off-switch." It’s the art of doing nothing. Teaching your puppy to relax on their mat or bed on cue is invaluable for creating a calm household.
Start by rewarding your puppy for any calm behavior they offer naturally. If they lie down on their own, calmly walk over and drop a treat between their paws. Don't make a big fuss, or you'll excite them again. The goal is to reward the state of calm itself.
Once they understand this, you can start cueing it. Ask them to go to their bed and lie down. Then, periodically drop treats for them as long as they stay relaxed. This is known as "capturing calmness" and is one of the most powerful skills you can teach to prevent hyperactivity and anxiety.
Your Journey Is Just Beginning
Whew, that's a lot to cover in 30 days! Remember, the goal isn't perfection; it's progress. Every training session, no matter how short, is a deposit in your relationship bank. Be patient with your puppy, and be patient with yourself. There will be good days and frustrating days, but consistency and a positive attitude are your most powerful tools.
By focusing on these 16 commands, you're not just teaching your puppy to follow rules. You're teaching them how to communicate with you, how to navigate the human world safely, and how to be a confident, well-adjusted companion. This is the foundation upon which your entire life together will be built.
Now it's your turn. What was the first command you taught your puppy, or which one are you most excited to start? Share your stories, successes, and questions in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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