Howdy, y’all! It’s Brooke Defore here, reigning queen of the furry and four-legged at The New Orleans Dog School. If you’re anything like me, you know dogs are just the canine embodiment of southern charm—sometimes sweet as pecan pie, other times as spicy as a bowl of jambalaya. But let’s get real: dogs, regardless of how sugarcoated they may be, need a smidge of guidance to become the well-behaved charmers we know they can be.
So, let’s dive in. Here are the five essential commands that every canine (yes, even yours) should master before they figure out a way to outsmart us and rule the world.
1. Sit Ah, the classic “sit”. It’s as foundational as a Mardi Gras parade in the Big Easy. “Sit” is the intro to manners, the foundation for a poised pup. Plus, it’s the first step in preventing them from jumping onto Aunt Maureen, causing her to spill her Hurricane cocktail all over her new white linen dress. To teach “sit,” hold a treat close to your dog’s nose, move your hand up, allowing the dog’s head to follow the treat and causing their bottom to lower. Once sitting, say “sit,” give them the treat, and share some love with a pet. Simple and sweet!
2. Stay Now, imagine this scenario: you’re trying to get a photo of your dog with a beignet balanced on their snout for that perfect Instagram shot, but they just. won’t. stay. That’s where “stay” comes in. It’s like telling your dog, “Hold your horses (or paws)!”. After your dog has mastered “sit,” ask them to “stay,” putting your palm out, fingers up, like a traffic cop halting an enthusiastic parade-goer. Reward them after they’ve held their position, then release them with a cheerful “Okay!” or “Go get that beignet!”
3. Come This isn’t just a game of “Catch me if you can” around the park. “Come” is a crucial command, especially if you’ve got a runner or an adventurer on your hands. Start the training in a quiet environment. Squat down to their level and say “come” in an upbeat, encouraging tone. When your dog gets to you, reward them. Eventually, you’ll have a loyal sidekick who comes running every time, whether you’ve got treats or just those irresistible chin scratches.
4. Down Not to be confused with the southern drawl version of “Git down!” at a dance hall, this “down” refers to your dog lying down. It’s a more submissive position for our furry friends and can be a tad trickier to teach. With a treat in your hand, move your hand from their snout to the ground, and then out along the ground in front of them. Their body should naturally follow into a down position. Praise and treat accordingly! If they try to outwit you by sitting or moonwalking backward (yes, some dogs are Michael Jackson fans), be patient and keep trying.
5. Heel Now, for all y’all envisioning those glamorous Southern strolls, with the magnolia trees lining the way and your dog walking calmly by your side, the “heel” command is your ticket to that serene picture. Without it, you’re more likely to be dragged through the French Quarter chasing after every squirrel, street musician, and beignet that catches your dog’s fancy.
To teach “heel,” start with your dog sitting beside you. Take a treat and hold it next to your thigh on the side closest to your dog. As you walk, use the treat to lure your dog into a position where their head or shoulder aligns with your leg. As they catch on and walk beside you, reward with the treat and a cheerful “heel!” It’s a bit like teaching them the two-step: once they get the rhythm, you’ll be dancing through the streets together in no time.
Remember, “heel” is all about keeping your fur baby close, keeping those walks controlled, and ensuring you’re the one leading the parade, not the other way around. With a little practice, your pup will be strutting their stuff by your side, turning heads and making you the envy of the Crescent City.
So, there you have it, y’all! The five basic commands every Southern belle or beau of a dog should know. Remember, training is as much about patience and consistency as it is about love and understanding. And if all else fails, just remember: dogs might be able to learn commands, but they still haven’t figured out how to open the fridge on their own. Happy training!
Brooke Defore, with over a decade of dog training under her belt (and countless treats), is the go-to gal for all things canine in NOLA. When she isn’t busy at The New Orleans Dog School, she’s probably enjoying a beignet with her pups.