Introducing your dog to French commands adds elegance and precision to your training—French words are distinct, gentle, and perfect for clear communication. This guide offers essential commands, practical training tips, and real-life examples to help your dog become fluent in French obedience.
Why Use French Dog Commands
- Clear pronunciation: French commands are easy to distinguish from English, minimizing confusion.
- Elegant tone: Soft-sounding but firm—ideal for polite yet effective training.
- Cultural flair: For Francophiles or French-speaking households, it makes training more immersive.
Core French Dog Commands (Direct Answers)
| English | French | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Sit | Assis | Dog sits down—fundamental control. |
| Down | Couché | Dog lies down—perfect for calm and rest. |
| Stay | Reste | Dog remains in position—key for off-leash safety. |
| Come | Viens | Dog returns to handler—critical for recall. |
| Heel | Au pied | Dog walks close beside you. |
| Fetch | Apporte | Dog retrieves a thrown object. |
| Drop it | La lâche | Dog releases an item. |
| No / Leave it | Non / Laisse | Dog stops or leaves something alone. |
| Off | Descends | Dog gets off furniture or your lap. |
| Stand | Debout | Dog stands—useful for exams or grooming. |
| Speak | Parle | Dog barks on command. |
| Quiet | Calme-toi | Dog stops barking or calming down. |
| Wait | Attends | Dog pauses momentarily—great for doorways. |
How to Teach French Commands Effectively
1. One Command at a Time
Start with Assis—say the command clearly, guide your dog into position, and reward instantly with praise or a treat.
2. Combine Praise & Treats
Use a mix of treats, petting, and enthusiastic praise to reinforce each behavior positively.
3. Add Hand Signals
Pair commands with gestures:
- Assis: flat palm downward
- Viens: sweeping hand toward yourself
4. Practice in Various Settings
Begin indoors before moving to the yard, neighborhood, and parks—gradually increase distractions.
5. Keep Sessions Short & Engaging
Three 5-minute sessions a day outperform one long session—always end with a positive note.
6. Transition Off Treats
Move from frequent treats to intermittent rewards and praise to maintain obedience long-term.
Real-Life Examples & Success Stories
“Assis” at Mealtime
Claire only fed her canine after it sat on “Assis.” Within days, the dog automatically sat before eating.
Park Recall with “Viens”
Marc practiced “Viens” in a quiet park, gradually adding distractions. His border collie now returns reliably—even around squirrels.
Advanced & Fun Commands
- Tourne (spin): dog spins in a circle.
- Saut (jump): perfect for agility fun.
- Cherche (search): great for hide-and-seek games.
- Touche (touch): dog touches your hand or target.
Troubleshooting Training Issues
Dog doesn’t stay (Reste)
Fix: Start with short durations, reward big, and slowly build up time and distance.
Recall ignored (Viens)
Fix: Keep recall fun—never call to scold; reward generously with treat or praise.
Excessive barking
Fix: Teach “Calme-toi” by rewarding when the dog stops on command and stays quiet.
Daily Routine Integration
- Before meals: Assis → Reste
- Walks: Au pied when crossing streets
- Playtime: Apporte → La lâche → Descends
- Door access: Attends before opening gates or exits
Conclusion
French dog commands bring clarity, elegance, and structure to training. You’ve got the essential vocabulary, proven training tips, real-life success stories, and fixes for common challenges. Start with a basic cue like Assis or Viens, keep things short and positive, and watch your best friend respond with grace and enthusiasm.
Ready to begin? Start with one command today—and let us know how your French-trained pup does in the comments!