10 Training Commands to Practice with Your Dog This Winter
Did you welcome a new pooch to the family? Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting milestone—full of wagging tails, playful moments, and a whole lot of learning (for both of you!). Winter is a wonderful time to focus on training, especially when chilly weather means more time spent indoors together.
At The Pooch Mobile, we love helping pet parents set their dogs up for success. Whether you’re starting from day one or brushing up on the basics, these 10 training commands are great to practice with your dog this winter.
1. Sit
“Sit” is a foundational command that helps your dog learn focus and self-control. It’s useful in everyday moments like greeting visitors, waiting for meals, or before heading outside.
Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and slowly move it up and back over their head. As their bottom naturally lowers, say “sit” and reward immediately. Practice often in short sessions.
🐾 Pooch Mobile Tip: Ask for a “sit” before clipping on the leash or opening the door—it helps create calm routines.
2. Stay
Teaching your dog to “stay” builds patience and safety. Start small and gradually increase the distance and duration as your dog becomes more confident.
Ask your dog to sit, hold your hand up like a stop sign, and say “stay.” Take one small step back, return, and reward. Gradually increase distance and time as your dog improves.
🐾 Winter Win: Fewer outdoor distractions make winter a great time to master this command indoors.
3. Come
A reliable recall helps keep your dog safe and gives you peace of mind. Make it fun, positive, and rewarding every time.
Get down to your dog’s level, say their name followed by “come,” and encourage them with a happy voice. Reward generously when they reach you. Always make coming to you a positive experience.
🐾 Pooch Mobile Tip: Practice “come” during playtime to keep training light and engaging.
4. Down
“Down” encourages calm behavior and helps energetic pups settle. It’s especially helpful during busy household moments.
Hold a treat near your dog’s nose and slowly lower it toward the floor. As they follow the treat and lie down, say “down” and reward. Keep movements slow and calm.
🐾 Winter Comfort: Use a cozy mat or dog bed to make this command extra inviting.
5. Leave It
This command teaches your dog to ignore something tempting—or unsafe—and is a must-have for curious puppies.
Place a treat in your closed hand and let your dog sniff it. When they stop trying to get it, say “leave it” and reward with a different treat from your other hand. Practice until they respond reliably.
🐾 Seasonal Reminder: Winter sidewalks can contain salt and debris, making “leave it” especially important.
6. Drop It
“Drop it” is essential for safety and playtime. Teaching this early helps prevent tug-of-war struggles over items your pup shouldn’t have.
Offer your dog a toy, then present a treat near their nose and say “drop it.” When they release the toy, reward immediately. Practice during play to reinforce the behavior.
🐾 Indoor Practice: Use toys during fetch or play sessions to strengthen this command.
7. Heel
Heel teaches polite leash walking and helps prevent pulling, making walks safer and more enjoyable.
With your dog on a leash, hold a treat at your side and take a few steps forward. Say “heel” as they walk calmly beside you, then reward. Keep sessions short and positive.
🐾 Pooch Mobile Tip: Practice indoors first before heading out into icy or snowy conditions.
8. Place
“Place” tells your dog to go to a specific spot, like a bed or mat. It’s great for managing excitement and encouraging calm behavior.
Guide your dog to a bed or mat and say “place.” When they step onto it, reward and praise. Gradually ask them to stay there longer before releasing them.
🐾 Great for Winter Gatherings: Use “place” when guests arrive or during family meals.
9. Wait
“Wait” helps your dog pause until given permission. It’s especially helpful at doors, gates, and feeding time.
Ask your dog to sit, then say “wait” before opening a door or placing food down. Pause briefly, then release them with a word like “okay.” Increase the waiting time as they improve.
🐾 Everyday Training: Repetition during daily routines builds strong habits.
10. Touch
“Touch” is a fun, confidence-building command where your dog gently taps your hand with their nose. It’s great for engagement, focus, and redirection.
Hold your hand out and say “touch.” When your dog taps your hand with their nose, reward immediately.
🐾 Bonus: This command is also helpful for cooperative handling during grooming.
A Pooch Mobile Puppy Bonus 🐶🛁
Training is easier when puppies are comfortable with handling—and grooming plays a big role in that. To help new pet parents get started, The Pooch Mobile offers a 2-for-1 Puppy Grooming Coupon, making it easier (and more affordable) to introduce your pup to professional grooming in a calm, familiar environment.
👉 Take advantage of our 2-for-1 Puppy Coupon here.
Regular grooming helps puppies build confidence, supports healthy skin and coats, and pairs perfectly with the training routines you’re working on at home.
🐾 Winter is the perfect time to build good habits—from training to grooming—and we’re here to help every step of the way.
👉 Book now or call your local Pooch Mobile operator today to give your best friend the love and attention they deserve!
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