The Realistic Timeline for Basic Commands
Most dogs learn basic commands like sit, stay, and come within 2-4 weeks of consistent training, though this varies dramatically based on your dog's age, breed, and your consistency. I've seen motivated Border Collies nail down all five basics in just 10 days, while my stubborn Basset Hound clients often need 6-8 weeks for the same results.
The key isn't cramming longer sessions—it's about those crucial 10-15 minutes of focused practice every single day.
Command-by-Command Breakdown
Sit (Easiest: 3-7 days)
This is your gateway command because most dogs naturally want to sit for treats anyway. With golden retrievers and labs, I typically see solid sits by day 3. For more independent breeds like terriers, expect closer to a week.
Practice 5-10 repetitions twice daily. Hold that treat just above their nose, move it slowly back over their head, and the moment their bottom hits the ground, mark it with "Yes!" and reward immediately.
Stay (Moderate: 1-2 weeks)
Stay builds on sit, so don't rush into this until sit is rock-solid. Start with literally one second of stay, then gradually work up to 30 seconds over two weeks. The biggest mistake I see? Owners try to get 10-second stays on day one and wonder why their dog keeps breaking.
German Shepherds and other working breeds often master this faster because they're bred to take direction. Hunting breeds like beagles? They'll test your patience—their noses want to follow every scent trail.
Come (Most Critical: 2-4 weeks)
This command can save your dog's life, so we don't mess around with shortcuts. Start indoors with a 6-foot leash, call "Come!" in an excited voice, and gently guide them to you if needed. Never call your dog to come for something they perceive as negative—you'll undo weeks of work.
Herding breeds typically nail this in 2 weeks because they're wired to check in with their "pack leader." Hounds and sighthounds? Plan on a full month, and even then, a squirrel might override their training.
Down (Challenging: 2-3 weeks)
Down is a vulnerable position for dogs, so some resist initially. Large breeds often struggle more because getting down and up is physically demanding. I start with the treat-to-floor method: hold food at their nose, slowly lower to the ground, then pull forward slightly.
Confident breeds like pit bulls usually learn this within 10 days. Anxious rescues might need 3-4 weeks as they build trust.
Leave It (Essential: 1-3 weeks)
This prevents resource guarding and keeps your dog safe from eating dangerous items. Place a treat in your closed fist, let them sniff and paw, but don't open until they back away. The moment they stop trying to get it, mark and reward with a different treat.
Food-motivated dogs (most labs and beagles) pick this up quickly—usually within a week. Dogs with strong prey drives need longer because their instincts fight the training.
What If It's Not Working?
If you're stuck after a month, something's off. Here's what I check first:
- Training timing: Are you training before meals when they're hungry? Food motivation drops dramatically after they've eaten.
- Treat value: Kibble won't cut it for stubborn dogs. Try string cheese, freeze-dried liver, or tiny pieces of chicken.
- Session length: Longer isn't better. I've seen more progress with 5-minute sessions than 30-minute ones.
- Consistency: If family members use different commands ("sit" vs "sit down"), you're confusing your dog.
Sometimes the issue is physical. I once worked with a 10-year-old golden who couldn't hold sits reliably—turns out he had early hip dysplasia making the position uncomfortable.
Common Training Mistakes That Add Weeks
After 15 years of fixing training problems, I see the same mistakes repeatedly:
Repeating commands: Saying "sit, sit, SIT!" teaches your dog to ignore the first request. One command, then guide them into position if needed.
Inconsistent rewards: Sometimes treating, sometimes just praise confuses dogs about what behavior you want. Pick one reward system and stick with it for at least two weeks.
Training only at home: Your dog learns commands are "location-specific." Practice in your yard, on walks, at the park. A dog who sits perfectly in your kitchen might act clueless at the vet's office.
Skipping proofing: Once your dog knows a command, test it with distractions. Can they stay while kids are playing nearby? That's real-world training.
Age and Breed Make a Huge Difference
Puppies (8-16 weeks)
Their attention spans are roughly 5 minutes, but they're sponges for learning. Focus on one command at a time, and expect basic sit/stay within 2-3 weeks. Don't expect reliable recall until they're older—their impulse control isn't developed yet.
Adolescent Dogs (4 months-2 years)
This is when your angel puppy suddenly "forgets" everything. It's not defiance—their brains are literally rewiring. Be patient and consistent. Commands they knew at 4 months might need refreshing at 8 months.
Adult Dogs (2+ years)
Mature dogs can focus longer but might have established habits to overcome. A 3-year-old rescue might need extra time to trust the process, but once they get it, they're typically more reliable than puppies.
Working Breeds vs. Independent Breeds
Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Labs are bred to work with humans—they often learn basic commands in 1-2 weeks. Afghan Hounds, Basenjis, and many terriers were bred to work independently. They're not stupid; they're just evaluating whether your request makes sense to them.
Creating Your Training Schedule
Here's the schedule that works for 90% of my clients:
- Week 1: Master "sit" with 2 daily 10-minute sessions
- Week 2: Add "stay" (start with 1-second duration)
- Week 3: Introduce "come" indoors on leash
- Week 4: Work on "down" and extend "stay" to 10 seconds
- Week 5-6: Add "leave it" and practice all commands with mild distractions
Remember, every dog is different. I've had some nail all five commands in two weeks, while others needed three months. The difference wasn't intelligence—it was consistency, motivation, and finding what clicked for that individual dog.
If you're struggling with timing, motivation, or your dog seems stuck, our AI Dog Trainer can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation, breed, and training challenges. Sometimes a small adjustment in technique makes all the difference.