Dog commands are an integral part of dog training – you can’t tell a dog what to do if they don’t know what you are talking about! But why are all dog command words the same? It’s always sit, down, drop it, blah blah blah. Where’s the variety?
Well guess what, command words can be whatever you want! It might be obvious but sometimes I think people don’t truly appreciate the fact that command words can be literally anything you decide on. It can be something funny, special to you, easier for you to say, it’s whatever floats your particular boat.
Let’s see if we can’t help you to break the confines of “traditional” words and spice things up with some alternative words for dog commands. Of course, use whatever you want, maybe our suggestions will help to spark your creative spirit!
Ah the classic “come here” command, an essential command for reliable recall and safety. Teaching this command can be a bit tricky, as there are always going to be things in the environment that your dog finds interesting. Whatever word you choose, it’s important that you are consistent with it so your dog knows exactly what you want to happen.
Some of our favorite alternative words are Here or Here Here, “Ghost, to me” (if you are a fan of Game of Thrones), With Me, Biscuits, Find Me, Hot Potato, Catch Me, On Me, Gather, Load Up, and Roll Out.
Come Command In Foreign Languages
German | French | Czech | Dutch |
Hier | Ici (e see) | Ke mne | Hier |
Stop
This is a command to use whenever your dog is doing something they shouldn’t be, like biting or getting into something that is bad for them.
If your dog starts nipping at you, you can yell “Ouch” in a forceful manner while grabbing the spot where you were nipped. You can even show that you are in some pain, dogs are smart and will understand what happened.
Some other command substitutions are No, Out, Don’t, Done, Na-uh, Dime or Button (like stop on a dime!), Freeze, Your Full Dog’s Name (Stop It Benjamin Trudor Dumont Billingsly, as an example), Whoa, and Not For Dogs.
Heel
The heel command is used to get your dog to walk by your side, and is invaluable when out on walks or just out in public in general. Your dog should keep pace with you and not break distance.
Some quality alternatives are With Me, Close, Left (competition side is left), Right (if you’re a rebel), Glue, Tack On, Connect, March, Stick To Me, Sticker, Follow, and By My Side.
Emergency Recall
Very similar to the come command, but this is only to be used in very urgent situations, like when your dog is running towards traffic or is chasing after something dangerous. Whenever you pick a word for this, don’t change it! That will only confuse your dog.
Look at me, Aquí, Boom, Bang, Boomerang, Here Here, Close, Let’s Go, Pronto, On Me, Link Up, Fire, and the always popular NOW.
This should be a unique command that is used only in emergency situations.
Gentle
When your dog is biting you or playing a bit too rough with another dog, use the gentle command to tell them to chill out a bit!
Some unique words for this command that we have come across are Hey!, Steady, Peaceful, Chill, Relax, Chillpill, Chillax, Woosah, Loosen Your Goose, Simmer Down, Ease Up, Level Down, and Rancho Relaxo.
Sit
Ah the classic sit command! A fan favorite, this is used to get your pup into the sitting position with their attention focused on you. It might not be the best form, but I like to use multiple different words for this command, mainly because it’s funny.
Some great substitute commands for Sit are Park it, Doggy, Hind, Manners, Cover, Squat, Splat, Hunker, Bear On, Plop Down, Take a Load Off, and Install.
Sit Command in Foreign Languages
German | French | Czech | Dutch |
Sitz | Assis | Sedni | Zit |
Down
Another classic, down is often used after the sit command to get your dog to put their whole body on the floor.
If you’re looking for some more variety, try Splat, Flat, Floor, Fold, Sphinx, Downstay, and Hit the Deck, Take Cover and Flop.
Stay
The command given when you absolutely need your dog to stay put! It’s a good idea to also have a “release” command to tell your dog they can move around freely after a successful Stay.
Some great substitute commands are Hold, Still, Freeze, and Wait.
Stay Command In Foreign Languages
German | French | Czech | Dutch |
Bleib | Reste | Zustan | Blijf |
If your pet has gotten into something bad, this is the command you’ll want to use to have them release whatever it is. As a random story, one time my dog came over to me with a mole in his mouth… Yeah, I was very surprised.
Alternative commands for Drop It include Give, Yours, Mine, Leave It, Not For You, Keep Away, and Don’t.
Bed
It’s time for sleep! Many of us like to have a command to let the dog know it’s time to chill out and hit the sack!
Unique commands include Nap, Rest Up, Night Night, Save Point, Chambers, and my personal favorite, Honk Shoo.
Speak
Teaching your dog this command can also help them control their barking at other times if taught in conjunction with the Quiet command.
You could also try Shout, Loud, Bark, and Bellow.
Speak Commands in Foreign Languages
German | French | Czech | Dutch |
Gib Laut | Aboie | Stekej | Blaffen |
Drop It
Quiet
If your dog is getting a bit too loud, let them know about it! As we all know dog’s get riled up very easily, so this can be an important command.
Give these unique commands a try: Shhh, Shush, Silence, Turn Down, Light, Peace or Peaceful, Secret, and Zip It.
Shake
Everyone’s favorite, the shake command is used to get your dog to give them their paw and shake in a very cordial manner.
You can also try Gentleman, Give Me Some, Dap It Up, Quick Flex, Pact, Promise, Bond, Pound It, Put Er There, Knuckles, and Toss Me Some Sprinkles.
Crate Command
Whenever you need to put your dog in their crate, use this command to start to instill the behavior and reduce conflict between you and your dog.
There’s also Go to jail, Kennel, Kennel Up, To the crib, Hut, Shack Up, Holiday Inn, Mansion, and Nest.
Go Potty
It’s bathroom time! If your dog is just wandering around the yard and you need them to go to the bathroom, use this command to get things moving!
Great alternative commands for Go Potty are Get busy, Empty (a police dog cue), Clear, Freshen Up, Big BM, Take the browns to the super bowl, and Poops or Pees (and aim for the trees).
Come up with your own, use fun sayings from tv shows and movies, inside jokes, anything fun! Comment down below your favorite unique words for dog commands, let’s see what else is out there!
