Whether you’re a new dog mum/dad, a seasoned paw-rent, or just looking to strengthen your bond with your furry companion, obedience is the heart of a happy dog-human relationship. At Muddy Barkers, we’re not just about treats (although we do have the best ones!)—we’re all about building a life of joy, safety, and convenience – and that is always made better if you have good behaviour from your pup.
💡 Why Obedience Matters
Obedience isn’t just about teaching tricks—it’s about creating structure, safety, and trust. A well-trained dog is:
✔️ Safer around people, dogs, and in public
✔️ More confident and calmer in new environments
✔️ Easier to communicate with
✔️ Happier due to clear boundaries and routines
✔️ More welcome in shared spaces like pubs, cafés, and parks
When your dog knows what’s expected of them, they feel secure—and so will you!
🐶 The 7 Basic Commands: That makes life with a dog just that bit easier!
Here are the must-know commands that form the foundation of good behaviour:
Sit – Great for getting your dog to pause and pay attention.
Stay – Crucial for keeping your dog safe in busy or dangerous situations.
Come – The most important recall command, especially off lead.
Down – Helps calm an overexcited dog and prevents jumping.
Leave It – Prevents them from picking up harmful or unwanted items.
Drop It – Helps avoid resource guarding and encourages sharing.
Heel – Keeps walks calm and enjoyable without pulling or zig-zagging.
Of course, you may choose to use different words than those above to represent the relevant action – for example, with Luna we use ‘Stop’ rather ‘Heel’. Pick what works for you, but remember – be consistent!
🚫 Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make
Training can go sideways if we’re not consistent. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:
Inconsistency: Switching up cues or not following through confuses your dog.
Overusing commands: Repeating yourself, for example “sit, sit, sit…” teaches them they don’t need to respond right away. Say it once, make eye contact and wait for their action (or Inaction 🐶) before you treat and repeat!
Lack of rewards: Dogs are motivated by praise and treats—use both!
Expecting too much too soon: Patience is key. Start small and build up.
✅ Top Training Tips for Dog Parents
Keep sessions short and fun: 5–10 minutes is enough for young or distracted dogs.
Use high-value treats: Reserve special snacks (like those in our vending machines 😉) for training.
Start in a familiar place – like at home or the garden, so they aren’t distract by a new environment.
Train in different places once you feel they have mastered a command: This teaches your dog to obey regardless of distractions.
Always end on a positive note: Even if it’s just a successful “sit.”
🐾 Everyday Opportunities for Obedience
Obedience isn’t confined to training time—it’s part of daily life.
• Ask for a “sit” before feeding
• Use “stay” at doorways
• Reinforce “leave it” during walks
• Reward good behaviour during outings (psst… our vending machines are great pit stops!)
It’s Not About Perfection
No dog is perfect, and that’s okay. What matters most is consistency, love, and mutual respect. Obedience training deepens the connection you have with your dog—and makes your adventures together smoother and more fun.
And hey, don’t forget to stock up on rewards from your nearest Muddy Barkers vending machine—located at 8 dog-friendly spots across London and the Home counties! 🐶💙
