If you don't teach a dog anything else what is the most important thing?

Question

Is it sit or stay?....What simple thing will help me the whole time I own my dog?

Everyone ignore the sit and stay above...they were just examples....Think about this: What is the most important thing you can teach your dog to do if you are the leader...

Answer 1

That you're the boss.

Answer 2

SOCIALIZATION.

this is the most often missed step - particularly for owners of small dogs - they tend to pick up and carry their dogs too much if they (the owner) thinks the dog might be scared - they need to let the dog down and be a dog (not a baby)
dogs who are not properly socialized are scared of everything and everyone - they are horrible at the vets or groomers and if lost they have bigger potential to bite a person who finds it - if left at a kennel they are terrible to put up with.

even some people forget about socializing big dogs which is more of a problem too...

this is most important thing -

Obedience lessons are a MUST for everydog owner - becuase not only are "sit" and "stay" very important - but they are the BEST way to teach a dog socialization, anyone who owns a dog and neglects this step shouldnt have even gotten a dog.

Spaying or Neutering is very important too.

Answer 3

Educating yourself for your happiness and your dog's happiness. Remember these important things:

Socialize your dog with all types of people and other dogs (especially during the first 3 years)

Set rules and be consistent be a benevolent leader to your dog

Teach your dog basic obedience (sit, down, stay and come)

If you ever have a behavior problem starting seek qualified and humane help from a dog trainer (before you are at wits end)
Remember a dog learns only what you are willing to teach him

Answer 4

I would say sit because if the dog is sitting then they are staying as well because you can't walk and sit at the same time. However I would teach the dog a few more basic commands as well such as stay, come, lay down, and not to jump on company. Good luck with the training.

Answer 5

I don't think you can do without these three things. The third one is the only one that is really a command.

1. Housetraining (can't get away without doing it, or you will start to resent your dog for messing up your house)
2. Socialization (if your dog isn't socialized, it is much more likely to get in a dog fight/bite someone. You want to prevent this at all costs!!)
3. His name/come (If you have a reliable recall, you can get your dog out of lots of trouble. You can stop almost any unwanted behavior if your dog will really drop what it is doing and come to you)

Answer 6

I would teach it just that - I'm the leader. I am the boss, the protector, the provider, the nurturer, the disciplinarian. Do as I say and the pack prospers. Don't do as I say and there will be consequences.

This doesn't have to be done in a mean way - but certainly a firm and assertive way - that is no competition allowed. I'm the boss to be sure - but I'm not a bully.

Answer 7

To down on command no matter where or what is going on and stay there. We worked our GSDs and Rott so even if they were in full run after a rabbit they would down when told to. If they ran out near a road it would have come in handy or chasing a kid. It was our Emergency command. They were all obed trained as well to CD level or above and most were shown for their CDs. A couple got their BHs as well and were shown in the breed ring.

Answer 8

Stay and come are the most important. These can save your dog's life. You need to be able to rely on your dog to do as he's told if he gets loose or runs into the road.

Answer 9

Sit is your "control command" and should ALWAYS be taught first. Does that answer your question? Stay is rather redundant if sit means sit.
Anytime you see someone else's dog run off, tell it to sit, and then go from there in order to get the dog under control.

When all else fails,,,,,,, say SIT

Answer 10

All basic obedience is important. Having a 2 year old son, I would say teaching him or her not to jump would be a top priority, especially for a large dog.

Answer 11

Sit, stay, and to come when called. You have to be able to control the dog, especially in a potentially dangerous situation.