How to Train a Dog German Commands

1. Sitz (sit)

To train your dog to sit, start by holding a treat in front of its nose and slowly move it upward. As your dog follows the treat, its bottom will naturally lower into a sitting position. As soon as its bottom hits the ground, say "Sitz" and give it the treat. Repeat this exercise several times a day until your dog can sit reliably on command.

2. Platz (down)

To train your dog to lie down, start by having it sit in front of you. Then, hold a treat in front of its nose and slowly lower it to the ground. As your dog follows the treat, its body will eventually stretch out into a lying position. As soon as its chest hits the ground, say "Platz" and give it the treat. Repeat this exercise several times a day until your dog can lie down reliably on command.

3. Steh (stand)

To train your dog to stand, start by having it sit in front of you. Then, hold a treat above its head and say "Steh." As your dog stands up, give it the treat. Repeat this exercise several times a day until your dog can stand reliably on command.

4. Komm (come)

To train your dog to come to you when you call its name, start by standing in a room with it and calling its name in a friendly voice. As soon as it looks at you, say "Komm" and give it a treat. Repeat this exercise several times a day, gradually increasing the distance between you and your dog.

5. Bleib (stay)

To train your dog to stay in one place, start by having it sit in front of you. Then, hold up your hand and say "Bleib." Step back a few feet and wait for your dog to stay in place. If it stays, say "Gut" and give it a treat. Repeat this exercise several times a day, gradually increasing the distance between you and your dog.

6. Nein (no)

To train your dog to stop doing something, start by saying "Nein" in a firm voice. If your dog stops what it's doing, give it a treat. Repeat this exercise several times a day, using "Nein" to discourage any unwanted behaviors.

7. Aus (off)

To train your dog to drop something from its mouth, start by holding a treat in your hand and saying "Aus." As your dog drops the item in its mouth, give it the treat. Repeat this exercise several times a day, using "Aus" to get your dog to drop anything it shouldn't have.

8. Fuss (heel)

To train your dog to walk next to you on a leash, start by walking it on a loose leash. Every few steps, say "Fuss" and give your dog a treat. Repeat this exercise several times a day, gradually increasing the distance between each treat.

9. Gib Pfote (shake paw)

To train your dog to shake its paw, start by holding its paw in your hand and saying "Gib Pfote." As your dog lifts its paw, give it a treat. Repeat this exercise several times a day, using "Gib Pfote" to encourage your dog to shake its paw.

10. Brav (good dog)

To praise your dog for good behavior, say "Brav" in a friendly voice and give it a treat. Repeat this exercise often to reinforce positive behaviors.