5 Commands Every Las Vegas Puppy Should Know Before the Holidays

The holidays are a wonderful time — unless your dog is jumping on guests, bolting out the front door, or stealing food off the counter. Sound familiar? The good news: a few key commands, practiced consistently through fall, can transform your pup into the best-behaved guest at their own party.

Here are the five commands every Las Vegas puppy should know before the holiday season arrives.

1. Sit

It sounds simple, but "Sit" is the gateway to everything else. A dog who sits on command can be asked to sit before meals, before going outside, before greeting guests — it's the universal pause button. If your puppy only learns one command this fall, make it this one.

Why it matters for the holidays: Guests arrive at the door and your dog is excited. "Sit" gives them something to do instead of jumping.

2. Stay

"Stay" teaches your dog to hold a position until you release them. It's one of the most practical commands in real life — keeping your dog out of the kitchen while you cook, away from the front door when guests arrive, or calm while the family opens presents.

Why it matters for the holidays: Chaos is everywhere. "Stay" is your secret weapon for keeping things calm.

3. Come (Recall)

A reliable recall — your dog coming to you every single time you call — is arguably the most important safety command you can teach. It can prevent your dog from running out an open door, approaching a dangerous situation, or getting into trouble at a holiday gathering.

Why it matters for the holidays: Doors open and close constantly. A solid "Come" keeps your dog safe.

4. Leave It

"Leave It" teaches your dog to ignore something tempting — food on the floor, a child's toy, a holiday decoration. This command protects your dog from eating something harmful and protects your belongings from being destroyed.

Why it matters for the holidays: Chocolate, holiday plants, and small decorations are everywhere. "Leave It" could save your dog's life.

5. Down

"Down" asks your dog to lie down and stay calm. It's a more relaxed position than "Sit" and is perfect for longer durations — like when the family is gathered around the dinner table or watching a holiday movie.

Why it matters for the holidays: A dog who can "Down" and stay is a dog who can be included in family moments without causing chaos.

How to Build These Skills Before the Holidays

The key to all five commands is consistency, repetition, and positive reinforcement. Short sessions (5–10 minutes) practiced daily are far more effective than one long weekly session.

If you're starting from scratch or struggling to make progress on your own, private in-home training is the fastest path to results. At Star Puppy Academy, we work with your dog in your home — the exact environment where these commands need to work — so the skills transfer immediately to real life.

We serve Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, and Southern Highlands. See the full offer and book your spot before the holidays sneak up on you.