48 German Dog Commands Every Owner Should Know

Are you ready to take your dog training to the next level? Look no further than these 48 essential German dog commands. Whether you have a German breed or simply want to impress your friends at the dog park, mastering these commands will strengthen your bond with your furry friend and make you the envy of every canine enthusiast around.

Basic Obedience Commands

1. Sitz (zitz) – Sit
   The foundation of all training, “sitz” instructs your dog to park their haunches on the ground until given further notice. Practice often for a well-behaved pup.
2. Platz (plahts) – Down
   When it’s time for your dog to chill out and relax, “platz” is the magic word. Soon, your furry friend will be lying down on command.
3. Bleib (bly’b) – Stay
   Keep your dog in place with a firm “bleib”. Perfect for when you need them to remain still and focused, no matter the distraction.
4. Hier (hee-er) / Komm (kum) – Come/Here
   Recall is crucial for any well-trained dog. Use “hier” or “komm” to bring your pup back to your side, even if a squirrel tries to lead them astray.
5. Steh (shtay) – Stand
   Need your dog up on all fours? “Steh” is the command you need. Great for grooming, vet visits, or just mixing up positions.

Walking & Heeling Commands

6. Fuss (foos) – Heel
   Loose leash walking is a must for any polite pooch. “Fuss” keeps your dog close by your side, preventing pulling or lagging behind.
7. Bei Fuß (bye foos) – By Foot/Heel
   Another variation of the heel command, “bei fuß” means your dog should be right by your foot, not forging ahead or trailing behind.
8. Langsam (lang-zahm) – Slow
   Is your pup getting a little too excited on your walk? Use “langsam” to encourage a slower, calmer pace.

Retrieving Commands

9. Bring (bring) – Fetch
   Send your dog after their favorite toy with an enthusiastic “bring”. Let the games begin!
10. Aus (ows) – Out/Drop It
    When playtime is over, or your shoe has been commandeered, “aus” tells your dog to release what’s in their mouth.
11. Hol (hohl) – Fetch/Get It
    Another variation of the fetch command, “hol” sends your dog after a specific toy or object.

Jumping & Climbing Commands

12. Hopp (hup) – Jump
    Whether you’re looking to impress with some cool tricks or need your dog to clear a hurdle, “hopp” is the command you need.
13. Kletter (klet-er) – Climb
    Got an agility course to conquer? “Kletter” instructs your dog to climb or scale an obstacle.

Nose Work Commands

14. Such (zook) – Search
    Put your dog’s incredible sense of smell to work with “such”, a command that encourages them to search for a hidden treat or toy.
15. Voran (for-ahn) – Go Ahead/Seek
    Often used in tracking or search and rescue, “voran” tells your dog to move ahead and follow a scent trail.

Protection Commands

16. Pass Auf (pass owf) – Watch/Guard
    An essential command for protection work, “pass auf” instructs your dog to keep a vigilant watch over a person or place.
17. Fass (fahss) / Packen (pahk-en) – Bite/Hold
    Used only by skilled trainers and handlers, “fass” and “packen” direct a dog to bite and hold a target. Not for casual use.
18. Aus (ows) – Out/Let Go
    The counterpart to “fass/packen”, “aus” commands the dog to release their bite and stand down.

Barking Commands

19. Gib Laut (geeb lowt) – Speak/Bark
    Want your dog to raise their voice on cue? “Gib laut” encourages barking, but be prepared for the noise!
20. Ruhig (roo-ig) – Quiet
    When the barking gets out of hand, “ruhig” tells your chatty pup to pipe down and restore some peace.

Directional Commands

21. Rechts (rechts) – Right
    Guide your dog to the right with this handy directional command.
22. Links (links) – Left
    Need your pup to veer left? “Links” is the word you need.
23. Geradeaus (ge-rah-de-ows) – Straight
    Keep your dog moving forward with “geradeaus”, perfect for focused heeling or navigating obstacles.
24. Kehrt (kayrt) – Turn Around
    Executing a 180° turn is a breeze with this command in your arsenal.

Praise & Correction Commands

25. So ist brav (zo ist bra-v) – Good Dog
    Is there anything better than hearing you’re a good dog? Shower your pup with praise using this phrase.
26. Pfui (fooey) – Shame/No
    Every dog needs to learn the meaning of “no”. Use “pfui” to correct naughty behavior and redirect your pup.
27. Lass es (lahs es) – Leave It
    Prevent your dog from picking up or going after something they shouldn’t with a quick “lass es”.

Miscellaneous Commands

28. Sitz Bleib (zitz bly’b) – Sit Stay
    Combine “sit” and “stay” for an extra dose of obedience when you need your dog to park it for a while.
29. Platz Bleib (plahts bly’b) – Down Stay
    The down version of “sit stay”, use “platz bleib” to keep your dog in a longer-term settle.
30. Gib Pfote (geeb pfo-te) – Shake/Give Paw
    Impress friends and family by having your dog offer up their paw for a handshake with this cute trick.
31. Leg dich (layg dikh) – Settle/Go to Your Place
    Send your dog to their bed or mat to chill out with “leg dich”. Perfect for when you need them out from underfoot.
32. Nicht Ziehen (nikht zee-en) – Don’t Pull
    Remind your dog to keep the leash loose with this command that discourages pulling ahead.
33. Nimm (nim) – Take It
    Offering a treat or toy? Use “nimm” to encourage your pup to accept it gently.
34. Kopf Hoch (kopf hohkh) – Head Up
    In heeling or stacking, “kopf hoch” reminds your dog to keep their head held high for a proud, attentive posture.
35. Schau (show) – Watch/Look
    Direct your dog’s attention to you or to a specific object with this versatile command.
36. Rein (rine) – Go In
    Whether it’s a crate, car, or house, “rein” instructs your dog to go inside.
37. Raus (rows) – Go Out
    The opposite of “rein”, use “raus” to send your pup out of a confined space.
38. Sitz Platz (zitz plahts) – Sit Down
    Combine “sit” and “down” to efficiently move your dog from a stand to a down position.
39. Steh Bleib (shtay bly’b) – Stand Stay
    Need your dog to hold a standing position? “Steh bleib” is the command you need.
40. Komm Mit (kum mit) – Come Along/Let’s Go
    Encourage your dog to follow you with this friendly, upbeat command.
41. Geh Weiter (gay vi-ter) – Go On/Continue
    Useful for maintaining momentum in heeling or during walks, “geh weiter” keeps your dog moving forward.
42. Nicht Bellen (nikht bel-len) – No Bark
    Curb excessive barking with this firm command that tells your dog to keep quiet.
43. Fass Nicht (fahss nikht) – Don’t Touch
    Prevent your dog from mouthing or picking up inappropriate objects with “fass nicht”.
44. Such Verloren (zook fer-loh-ren) – Find It/Search
    A fun nose work command, “such verloren” sends your dog searching for hidden treats or toys.
45. Zeig Mir (tsayg meer) – Show Me
    Ask your dog to lead you to a specific object or location with this directive command.
46. Sitz Schön (zitz shurn) – Sit Pretty
    Add some flair to the basic sit by having your dog sit up and beg with “sitz schön”.
47. Spring (shpring) – Jump/Leap
    An enthusiastic “spring” encourages your dog to jump up or over obstacles with gusto.
48. Bleib Sitzen (bly’b zit-sen) – Remain Seated
    For a longer duration sit, use “bleib sitzen” to keep your dog’s rear end glued in place.

With these 48 German dog commands in your training toolkit, you and your four-legged friend will be well on your way to an unbreakable bond and flawless obedience. Remember to practice regularly, reward generously, and most importantly, have fun! Your dog will danke you for it.

Davin Eberhardt

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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.

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