Dogs are trained through commands. That is to say, the success of dog obedience training is dependent upon your dog's ability to correctly respond to commands. The following basic commands are essential first steps when starting to train your dog in obedience skills.

1.'Sit' command: Training your dog to sit when commanded is a good starting point for obedience training. It is a simple command that most puppies and dogs learn quickly. It will enhance your dog's confidence and make a good foundation for more advance skills. Training your dog to sit starts to instill an obedient behavior that you can expect to remain with your dog into the future. For example, if your dog likes to greet visitors by running to them as the door opens, then you can regain control of his behavior by employing the "Sit" command. Before training your dog to sit (or before starting any obedience training) ensure that your dog is comfortable around you. You can check whether your dog is in his comfort zone by whether he lets you touch him or if he is already attentive to you.

2.'Down' command: This command is next in importance during dog obedience training. It follows on as soon as you and your dog have mastered the sit command. The down command is a second essential factor of any dog obedience training program. This command becomes the foundation for other advanced commands or skills and it establishes you as the leader in the rapport you share with your dog. The laying down position is both a submissive and a vulnerable position, especially when you are standing tall in front of your dog. The down command is very useful and can be relied upon in many circumstances where a passive posture is required from your dog. Settling your dog down into a lying position is particularly useful in such places as a shop or outdoors amongst a group of people. It may require some time to practice this command and reach an optimum level, but it will definitely be worth the effort in the longer term.

3.'Come' command: The "come" or recall command is necessary mainly for safety reasons when your dog is enjoying some activity where he is allowed to roam free and off the leash. Having mastered the command, he can be given freedom in most situations. You can go off hiking or enjoy a beach while letting your dog wander around on his own, but still alert and ready to respond to your "come" command. Thus we dog owners can go about our business without being hindered by the presence of our dog.

The main objective when training a dog to learn the "come" command, is to obtain an immediate response from your dog upon hearing your command, regardless of any situation or of what else is happening. However, achieving this type of response from your dog is not particularly easy. The "come" command in dog obedience training requires a lot of effort and persistence. In fact, it is difficult for a dog to ever get the command totally right. It is easier however for certain breeds, specifically for dogs that love to chase or have a strong scent drive. They can be easier to train with this command as their response is driven by natural instinct.

There are many more commands that you can use when training your dog. The above three commands are just the fundamental obedience training commands that you need to start working with your dog. Eventually, they will lead you both forward a more advanced level of skills training.