3 BEHAVIOURS EVERY DOG SHOULD KNOW
This is, admittedly, a bit of a hot take and open to debate! Every trainer, dog owner, and dog likely has a slightly different list of “must-have” behaviors based on their individual circumstances, environment, and preferences. However, if I had to narrow it down to just three essential behaviors that form the foundation for most dogs to live safely and happily with their humans, here are my picks.
These aren’t ranked in any particular order, but I believe that teaching these behaviors (or their variations) will significantly improve your dog’s quality of life and your relationship with them. Let’s dive in!
mY TOP 3 BEHAVIOURS
1. Place-Stay or Settling
It’s so important for a dog to learn the ability to be still. Whether in the form of an explicit cued behavior like a “down-stay” or an implicit ability to rest calmly and self-soothe, stillness is often overlooked but invaluable.
Here’s why: there are many moments in life when your dog will need to settle. Whether you’re eating dinner, having guests over, working, or relaxing at home, your dog needs to learn to co-exist peacefully in shared spaces. A dog that can settle is less likely to become overstimulated or anxious, leading to fewer stress-driven behaviors like barking, pacing, or destructive chewing.
Teaching stillness is an antidote to the hustle-and-bustle of life. It requires practice, consistency, and reinforcement.
2. Leave It / Drop It
Having an “out” cue or a way to communicate to your dog that they should leave something alone is one of the most practical and life-saving skills you can teach.
A solid “leave it” can prevent your dog from grabbing harmful items, like chicken bones on the sidewalk or toxic plants. A reliable “drop it” can help diffuse situations when your dog has something dangerous in their mouth or has picked up a high-value object they shouldn’t have.
This isn’t just about safety—this skill also encourages trust. By teaching your dog that “leave it” or “drop it” doesn’t mean losing out on everything they love but can lead to positive rewards, you build confidence in your communication and strengthen your bond.
3. Recall
A strong recall is the crown jewel of dog training. There’s almost no better feeling than knowing that, no matter what, your dog will come back to you when called.
Why is this so essential? Recall isn’t just convenient—it can be the difference between life and death. Whether your dog bolts through the front door or is about to chase a squirrel into the street, a reliable recall can bring them back to safety.
Teaching recall requires patience and a layered approach, building positive associations and proofing the behavior in a variety of situations. When done well, it allows your dog greater freedom to explore off-leash safely, deepening their trust in you and their world.
Why These 3?
These behaviors create the foundation for a safe and fulfilling life with your dog. They address:
Safety: A recall or “leave it” could save your dog’s life in dangerous situations.
Co-existence: A settle behavior allows your dog to share space with you peacefully.
Trust and communication: Teaching these behaviors enhances your bond with your dog, as they learn to rely on you for guidance and rewards.
So, What’s the Catch?
You might be thinking, “Three behaviors, and I have a perfect dog? Sounds too simple!”
Here’s the catch: while these may seem like straightforward actions from the outside, they’re actually quite complex once you break them down. Think of it like cooking the perfect egg—it’s a staple dish, seemingly simple, but getting the conditions just right involves many small, nuanced steps.
Let’s break down an example: the down-stay. To successfully execute this behavior, your dog needs to understand:
When they’ve done something you like (e.g., they need to have a basic grasp of marker training).
What “down” means as a position (and how to get into it).
How to hold that position for increasing durations.
How to maintain the behavior in a variety of environments with distractions.
How to relax into the position and feel comfortable and confident in staying there.
As you can see, what looks like a single behavior is actually a chain of smaller components that need to be taught and reinforced consistently.
Your Turn! What Are Your Top 3?
These are my personal top three, but every dog-owner relationship is unique. What are the behaviors you find most essential for your dog’s lifestyle and environment?
