While out walking, I came across a Bichon Frise—adorable, energetic, and playful. Despite its lively nature, the dog followed commands impressively well.
According to its owner, the dog had twice gotten lost but fortunately found its way back home safely.
One time, the owner brought the dog to their office. At some point, they lost sight of the dog, and the Bichon darted out the door. When the owner realized the dog was missing, they quickly leaned out the window and called its name. The street was just downstairs. By that time, the dog had already reached the ground level. Hearing the owner’s voice, the Bichon emerged from a corner, and the owner spotted it in time. That moment prevented a true loss.
In a city, once a dog runs off, it’s extremely difficult to find—there are too many alleys and streets. And if the dog is cute, it’s even more likely to be picked up by someone and taken away.
If you want to keep your dog safe and sound, there are certain essential skills you must teach, no matter how tired or busy you are. Once your dog masters these, your journey as a dog parent will become much smoother and more enjoyable.
I. Essential Life Skills Every Dog Should Learn
Teaching your dog practical life skills will save you effort in the long run and make daily life more harmonious.
1. Potty Training at a Fixed Spot
Choose a designated potty area. Observe your dog’s usual bathroom times and guide it to that spot. Once it finishes, reward it with a treat. Repetition helps build a solid habit.
(Tip: Before urinating, dogs typically sniff the ground. Before defecating, they tend to circle and sniff repeatedly.)
Puppies relieve themselves more frequently, so if you’re unsure about pre-potty behavior at first, try guiding them right after waking up or shortly after meals.
2. Waiting Before Eating
Place the food bowl in front of your dog. Give the command “Wait” while using a hand gesture to block. If the dog tries to eat, remove the bowl.
Once it calmly waits, say “Okay, eat!” and reward it.
Teaching this skill helps prevent food guarding and reduces the risk of biting during mealtimes.
3. Sit Command Training
Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and slowly lift it upward. As the dog lifts its head to follow the treat, its bottom will naturally lower to the ground.
(If not, you can gently guide its rear down with your hand.)
Once the dog is fully seated, offer praise and a treat. With consistent practice, your dog will get the hang of it.
Among all commands, “Sit” is one of the most commonly used in daily life. It helps owners control the dog’s behavior more easily—whether during feeding, going out, or managing excitement.
II. Life-Saving Skills Every Dog Must Learn
Teaching your dog essential safety commands can make the difference between danger and survival in a critical moment.
1. Food Refusal Training
Dogs are easily tempted by food, and if they accidentally eat something toxic outdoors, it could be life-threatening.
Food refusal training teaches your dog to ignore food found on the ground or offered by strangers—significantly lowering the risk of poisoning.
How to train:
Place your dog’s favorite treats along a path it frequently walks. When the dog approaches the food, gently pull back on the leash while firmly saying “No.”
Redirect its attention and reward it once it ignores the food.
Repeat this exercise until the dog develops the habit of avoiding unapproved food.
2. Recall Training (Come When Called)
Recall training ensures your dog returns to you immediately when called—especially critical outdoors to prevent it from getting lost or running into traffic.
How to train:
In a safe, enclosed area, let your dog roam freely. Then call its name or use a “Come” command paired with a hand gesture.
When the dog comes back, reward it with treats or praise.
Gradually increase the distance and distractions, so your dog learns to respond reliably to your call no matter the setting.
3. Drop It Command (Spit It Out)
If your dog accidentally picks up something harmful, the “Drop It” command can help it release the object immediately, reducing potential danger.
How to train:
Offer your dog a favorite toy or snack to bite down on. Then say “Drop it” while offering a more enticing treat.
When the dog lets go, reward it.
With enough repetition, your dog will associate the command with releasing whatever is in its mouth.
4. Wait Training
Wait training teaches your dog to remain calm and still before going out or eating—helping to prevent accidents caused by impulsive behavior.
How to train:
Have your dog sit, then issue the “Wait” command. Step away briefly, and return.
If your dog stays in place, offer a reward.
Gradually increase the distance and time, building patience and self-control.
Some people might say, “I’m already exhausted after work—how do I find the energy to train my dog?”
But think about why you chose to bring a dog into your life in the first place—it was likely for companionship, joy, and unconditional love.
No one adopts a dog hoping to deal with endless stress and trouble.
Yet a dog isn’t a robot—it doesn’t come pre-programmed with good behavior. It’s up to you to teach and guide it.
Raising a dog is a two-way bond.
You give it patient care, and in return, it offers you every ounce of love it has.