Vet Approved Guide: 3 Essential Dog Commands for Visiting Family in 2025 🏡🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Bringing your dog along for family visits can be a delightful experience, but it's crucial to ensure they exhibit good manners. 🐕🦺 Here are three essential commands to teach your dog for a harmonious family gathering. 🏡

🪑 Sit

The "sit" command is fundamental in managing your dog's behavior. It helps prevent jumping on guests, begging at the table, or wandering into restricted areas. Teaching your dog to sit on command promotes calmness and attentiveness. 🐾

🚫 Off

Dogs often express excitement by jumping on people or furniture. The "off" command instructs your dog to keep all four paws on the floor, ensuring they don't overwhelm guests or damage furniture. Consistent reinforcement of this command maintains respectful interactions. 🛋️

🚽 Go Potty

Even well-trained dogs can have accidents in unfamiliar environments. Reinforcing the "go potty" command helps your dog understand where and when it's appropriate to relieve themselves. Take them outside frequently, especially after meals or drinks, and praise them for proper behavior. 🌳

📱 Seek Professional Guidance

For personalized training advice and support, consult with veterinary professionals through the Ask A Vet app. 📱 They can provide tailored recommendations to ensure your dog is a well-mannered guest during family visits. 🐶

By mastering these commands, your dog will be better prepared to enjoy family gatherings, making the experience pleasant for everyone involved. 🐾❤️