The 3 Most Important Commands I Taught My Dog — And Why They Saved Our Sanity
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Hey, it’s Chloe again.
If you’ve got a dog—or you're about to—you’re probably already dreaming about the day they obey your every word like a little four-legged genius.
But let me tell you something straight from the trenches:
It’s not about teaching all the commands.
It’s about teaching the right ones—the ones that keep your dog safe, make life easier, and deepen the bond you share.
I taught Luna over 40 different commands (yes, I’m that dog mom), but there are three I’d never skip. Not for any dog. Not ever.
They’re simple. They’re powerful.
And they saved us more times than I can count.
1. “Stay” — The Lifesaver
This one? Non-negotiable.
The first time it mattered was a sunny afternoon when Luna spotted a cat across the street. She was still young, still excitable, still in that “let me chase everything with legs” phase.
And she bolted.
No hesitation. No warning.
Straight toward traffic.
My heart dropped into my stomach.
But somehow—miraculously—I managed to yell one word, with all the energy in my body:
“STAY!”
And Luna froze.
Right at the curb.
Tail twitching, chest heaving, eyes still locked on the cat—but she didn’t move.
I ran to her, dropped to my knees, and wrapped her up like she was the most precious thing in the world. (Because she is.)
That moment changed me.
From then on, I never underestimated a well-taught “stay.”
It’s not just a command. It’s a shield.
2. “Leave It” — The Pocket-Sized Superpower
Luna once found a half-eaten sausage on the ground at the park.
Not gonna lie—she launched toward it like it was Michelin-starred.
But I saw it first. And I knew it wasn’t right. The smell was off. It had foil in it. Could’ve been garbage. Could’ve been poisoned. (Yes, that’s a thing. Some people are sick.)
I gave one firm command:
“Leave it.”
She hesitated, then turned to me with those big trusting eyes.
She left it.
And I praised her like she just won an Oscar.
“Leave it” isn’t just about gross stuff on the ground.
It’s for chicken bones. Socks. Dead birds. Chocolate. Your phone charger.
It’s peace of mind in a two-word package.
3. “Come” — The Trust Builder
Here’s the truth: dogs don’t just “come” because you say so.
They come because they want to be near you. Because they trust that coming back feels better than running away.
Teaching Luna “come” wasn’t about yelling louder.
It was about creating a bond so strong, she’d want to return—even when squirrels were involved.
I made coming back a party. Treats. Praise. Cuddles.
Every. Single. Time.
Now, when I unclip the leash in a safe area and call her, she beelines for me like she’s coming home from a year-long vacation.
Not because she’s scared of not obeying.
Because she knows I’m her safe place.
Here’s What Nobody Tells You
Training isn’t about control. It’s not about showing your dog who’s boss.
It’s about trust.
Consistency.
Safety.
And a whole lot of love.
When Luna looks at me and listens, it’s not just obedience.
It’s our language. Our rhythm. Our way of saying, “I’ve got you.”
So if you’re wondering where to start, don’t worry about fancy tricks or perfect leash manners.
Start with these three:
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Stay — to keep her safe.
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Leave it — to keep her healthy.
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Come — to keep her close.
Teach them with patience. Practice in different places. Celebrate the small wins.
And one day, when it really matters, your dog will listen—not just because you said it…
…but because they believe in you.
Wagging tails and warm hearts,
Chloe & Luna 🐾
P.S. Want to know exactly how I taught these commands in real-life situations—without spending hours or needing fancy gear? Drop me a comment or sign up for the next post. I’ve got step-by-step guides coming soon! 💛
