Most of the time we feel like our dog isn’t listening to us. You call their name, and they keep sniffing the grass. You tell them to sit, and they wag their tail like they didn’t hear a word.
I’ve been there, and I know how frustrating it can be but dogs ignore us on purpose. They communicate differently than we do. While we rely on words, dogs pay more attention to body language, tone, and even tiny gestures.
That’s why teaching your dog both verbal commands and hand signals is really important. Whether you’re training a new puppy, improving your dog’s manners, or just want to bond well, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We will look at the dog commands list and a detailed dog commands chart.
Table of Contents
Detailed Dog Commands Chart
Dogs pick up on physical cues faster than spoken words. That’s why pairing commands with hand signals makes training so much more effective. This detailed dog commands chart explains the hand signals and how to actually train your dog.
| Command | Meaning | Hand Signal | Training Tips |
| Sit | Dog sits down | Raise your hand, palm up, and then move it slightly up | Use a treat to guide the movement initially |
| Stay | Dog remains in place | Hold hand flat, palm out (like a “stop” sign) | Start with short stays, then increase duration |
| Come | Dog returns to you | Extend arm forward, then pull it towards your chest | Use a happy voice and reward when they come |
| Down | Dog lies down | Move hand downward, palm facing the floor | Use a treat to lure the dog down |
| Heel | Dog walks beside you | Pat your side or hold fist near your hip | Use leash guidance at first |
| Leave It | Dog ignores object or food | Hold hand up, palm facing the dog | Reward when they ignore the object |
| Drop It | Dog releases an item | Hold hand flat and lower it downward | Swap with a treat if needed |
| Stand | Dog stands up from sitting/lying | Move hand slightly up, palm facing forward | Helps during grooming or vet visits |
| Wait | Dog pauses but doesn’t move forward | Open palm facing forward | Useful for doorways and safety |
| Quiet | Stop barking | Bring index finger to lips | Reward silence immediately |
| Go to Bed | Go to designated resting place | Point to the bed or designated area | Guide them at first, then reward |
Military Dog Hand Signals
If you’ve ever watched police or military dogs in action, you’ve probably noticed that they follow silent commands perfectly. For instance, military handlers use a raised hand with fingers extended to signal “sit,” and a downward motion to tell the dog to “lie down.”
These signals are for high-risk environments where verbal communication might not be an option. What’s really impressive is how well these dogs stay focused even in stressful situations. They’re trained to respond immediately, whether they’re searching for explosives, tracking suspects, or assisting soldiers in combat zones.
While most pet owners don’t need military-level precision, learning a few of these silent cues can be incredibly useful for everyday training. It’s especially handy if you want your dog to listen in busy or loud areas without relying solely on your voice.
Dog Commands in Different Languages
Dogs don’t actually care what language you speak. As long as you’re consistent, they can learn commands in any language. Take a look at this chart where the common commands in English are translated into 8 more languages.
| Command (English) | German 🇩🇪 | French 🇫🇷 | Spanish 🇪🇸 | Italian 🇮🇹 | Dutch 🇳🇱 | Czech 🇨🇿 | Russian 🇷🇺 | Japanese 🇯🇵 |
| Sit | Sitz | Assis | Sentado | Seduto | Zit | Sedni | Sidet (Сидеть) | Suwaru (座る) |
| Stay | Bleib | Reste | Quieto | Resta | Blijf | Zůstaň | Myesto (Место) | Mate (待て) |
| Come | Hier | Ici | Ven | Qui | Hier | Ke mně | Koh mneh (Ко мне) | Oide (おいで) |
| Down | Platz | Couché | Abajo | Terra | Af | Lehni | Lezhat (Лежать) | Fusero (伏せろ) |
| Heel | Fuß | Au pied | Junto | Piede | Volg | K noze | Ryadom (Рядом) | Tsuite (ついて) |
| Leave it | Aus | Laisse | Déjalo | Lascia | Los | Nech to | Fuu (Фу) | Yamero (やめろ) |
| Drop it | Auslassen | Donne | Suelta | Lascia andare | Loslaten | Pusť | Dai (Дай) | Hanase (離せ) |
| Stand | Steh | Debout | De pie | In piedi | Sta | Stůj | Vstat (Встать) | Tatte (立って) |
| Wait | Warten | Attends | Espera | Aspetta | Wacht | Čekej | Zhdi (Жди) | Matte (待って) |
| Quiet | Ruhe | Silence | Silencio | Silenzio | Stil | Ticho | Tishina (Тишина) | Damatte (黙って) |
| Go to bed | Geh ins Bett | Au panier | A la cama | A cuccia | Mand | Na místo | Mesto (Место) | Neru (寝る) |
How to Teach Your Dog Hand Signals
Teaching your dog hand signals isn’t difficult, but it does take patience and repetition. The best way to start is by pairing a hand signal with a familiar verbal command. Basically creating associations. If your dog already knows how to “sit,” for example, begin using a clear hand gesture, like raising your palm, every time you say the word.
Once your dog starts connecting the two, you can gradually phase out the verbal command. Try saying it softer each time until you’re only using the hand signal. If your dog responds correctly, reward them immediately with praise or a treat. This reinforcement helps them understand that the gesture itself is the command.
Start in a quiet space with no distractions, then gradually introduce new environments like the park or a busy street. Dogs learn best when training is fun, so keep sessions short and positive. If they get confused, go back to basics and repeat until they get it right.
The 10 Most Important Dog Commands
Every dog should know these basic commands to ensure they are well-behaved, safe, and easy to manage in different situations.
1. Sit
Teaching your dog to sit is one of the easiest and most useful commands. Whether you’re putting on their leash, feeding them, or stopping them from jumping on guests, “sit” creates a moment of stillness.
2. Stay
“Stay” is all about teaching patience and self-control. This command is especially useful when you need your dog to wait before crossing a street, prevent them from running after a squirrel, or keep them from barging through the door.
3. Come
The “come” command can be lifesaving, especially if your dog ever gets off-leash. Start training in a safe, enclosed area by kneeling down, opening your arms, and happily calling their name followed by “come.”
4. Down
Getting your dog to lie down is useful in many situations, especially when you need them to settle down in a busy or overwhelming environment.
5. Heel
Walking nicely on a leash is a must for any dog, and “heel” ensures that they stay by your side instead of pulling ahead or zigzagging.
6. Leave It
“Leave it” teaches dogs to ignore something they find interesting, whether it’s food on the ground, a dropped medication, or a tempting piece of trash.
7. Drop It
This command can be a lifesaver if your dog picks up something dangerous, like chocolate or a choking hazard. To teach “drop it,” play with a toy they like, then offer them a treat while saying the command.
8. Off
“Off” is often confused with “down,” but it serves a different purpose. This command is used to stop your dog from jumping on people, furniture, or counters.
9. Wait
Unlike “stay,” which is meant to keep your dog in one spot until released, “wait” is more about temporary pauses. It’s useful when opening doors, getting out of the car, or before giving them food.
10. No
A universal command, “no” is essential for stopping unwanted behavior immediately. Whether your dog is chewing on your shoes, barking excessively, or trying to steal food from the table, a firm “no” lets them know they need to stop.
FAQs
How long does it take to teach hand signals?
It depends on your dog’s age, breed, and previous training experience. Some dogs pick up hand signals within a few days, while others take weeks to fully understand them. Start by pairing hand signals with verbal commands, and practice in short, regular sessions. If your dog struggles, break the training into smaller steps and use high-value treats to reinforce their progress.
Can older dogs learn new commands?
Absolutely. While puppies are naturally quick learners, older dogs can still be trained with patience and positive reinforcement. In fact, many senior dogs adapt well to hand signals, especially if their hearing starts to decline. The process might take a little longer, but with gentle repetition and rewards, older dogs can master new skills just as well as young ones.
Why isn’t my dog listening to me?
If your dog isn’t responding to commands, there could be several reasons. They might be distracted by their surroundings, confused about what you’re asking, or simply not motivated enough. Try training in a quiet space first before gradually introducing distractions. Make sure your tone is clear and consistent, and always use rewards to encourage good behavior.
Do hand signals work better than verbal commands?
For many dogs, hand signals can be even more effective than spoken words. Dogs naturally pay close attention to body language, so they often respond faster to visual cues. This is especially helpful in noisy environments where your voice might get drowned out. Additionally, hand signals are great for dogs who are deaf or hard of hearing.
What if my dog learns a command but doesn’t follow it every time?
If your dog is inconsistent with obeying commands, it usually means they need more practice. Dogs don’t generalize well, so just because they follow “sit” at home doesn’t mean they’ll do it in the park. Train in different locations and with increasing distractions to reinforce the behavior. Also, make sure you’re always rewarding good behavior.