25 Spanish Commands for Your Dog

Strengthen your relationship with your loving animal companion by using Spanish commands for dogs!

There are dozens of benefits to using a different language when talking to your furry friend! 

Teaching your dog commands in Spanish makes it easier for them to pick out the foreign words from your normal English. Spanish commands are also a great idea if you’re moving to a Spanish country, adopting a Spanish-speaking dog, or just want to practice your second language. 

This post will teach you how to move beyond the simple sí and no commands to more complex Spanish commands for dogs. Keep reading to discover useful dog vocabulary words, helpful training tips, Latin American dog culture, and how to say dog breeds in Spanish. 

Spanish Dog Vocabulary

Before jumping into Spanish commands for dogs, there are few vocabulary terms to learn. These puppy words in Spanish are essential for any dog owner and will make learning the commands a breeze!

Spanish Pet Vocabulary 

Notice how the words for puppy and dog end in –o/a. In Spanish, the ending of a noun tells you its gender. Use the –o ending for males and the –a ending for females. 

Now that you have some animal vocabulary knowledge, see if you can pass this pet vocabulary quiz!

25 Dog Commands in Spanish 

Dogs are incredibly smart and joyful companions. Channel their excitement into learning Spanish commands for dogs!

When a command—called the imperative—is affirmative, then you use the affirmative imperative form. Here’s a trick: you usually default to the same conjugation as the present indicative form.

The Basics

It’s important for your furry friend to master easy Spanish commands for dogs first. These are the most useful Spanish dog commands for beginners. 

For example, the sit command in Spanish almost always comes in handy!

If you just got a brand new puppy and are beginning their training journey, these are the perfect phrases to start with!

Basic Spanish Commands for Your Dog

Intermediate and Advanced Commands

Once your canine friend masters the basics, they are ready for a challenge! Keep their learning journey going by teaching them these intermediate and advanced Spanish commands for dogs. 

Be sure to reward them with lots of treats along the way!

Intermediate and Advanced Spanish Commands for Your Dog

To work on your pronunciation of Spanish commands for dogs, check out this Spanish dog commands audio!

“No!” Commands

Not every command is about telling your dog what to do. In fact, a lot of times you have to tell them what not to do!

This is where “no” commands come in handy! To use “no” Spanish commands for dogs, you need to conjugate the verb into the negative imperative form. 

Example Sentences

¡No saltes!
Don’t jump!

¡No ladres!
Don’t bark!

Negative commands can be super helpful, however, the singular word “no” can work too. 

If you have trouble remembering the negative imperative conjugation, then just stick to a simple Spanish ¡No! when you don’t want your dog doing something naughty. They will still get the message!

For more details, check out our in-depth lesson on imperatives in 10 Spanish Commands to Use with Your Kids.

How To Train Your Dog with Spanish Commands – Tips and Tricks

Dogs are smart. In fact, most dogs understand around 165 words! 

Don’t underestimate your animal friend! Instead, slowly begin to speak to your dog in Spanish. Try teaching 1-2 new verbal commands every couple of weeks. Take it slow and be consistent. And, of course, give your puppy lots of encouragement!

Don’t limit yourself to just words. Dogs can also understand gestures, body language, and voice inflections. Use these elements to reinforce your Spanish commands for dogs! They will help your animal companion learn and retain the new information.

Dog Treats in Spanish 

Everyone knows that treats are the quickest way to get your dog’s attention! Rattling the treat bag along will make your dog come running. 

Check out all of the fun ways to say treat in Spanish!

• dog Biscuits – las galletas/las golosinas de perro
• dog treats – los bocadillos/los convites del perro
• prize – el premio
• reward – la recompensa

Different Dog Breeds in Spanish

Dog breeds, or razas de perro, are an easy way to identify dogs based on their looks and traits. 

Popular dog breeds have the same name in English and Spanish. Breeds like husky, beagle, boxer, pitbull, and chihuahua all stay the same! 

However, there are several dog breeds that have different names in Spanish. Here are some of the most popular ones!

How People Treat Dogs in Spanish-Speaking Culture

Generally, Spanish-speaking countries treat their dogs just like you do—dogs are a part of the family! They get love, pets, and, of course, lots of treats. 

That said, there are a few cultural differences when it comes to animal caretaking abroad. Spaying and neutering pets is less common in other countries than in the U.S., so there are a lot more dogs. This means you are more likely to see some pups roaming the streets when out on a walk. Additionally, in some locations, animal rights aren’t seen as important as they should be. 

Nevertheless, dogs still hold a space close to the heart both in the U.S. and in Spanish-speaking countries. The animal rights movement continues to grow across the world as animals become an even bigger part of the family. 

Discover How Giving Commands and Listening Comprehension Go Hand-in-Hand With Our Free Trial Class

Did you know that learning Spanish can improve your cognition and decision-making abilities? Taking up a second language challenges your brain and enhances many of its functions. By practicing Spanish commands for dogs, you’re actually creating new neural pathways in the brain!

Pick a date and time that fits into your schedule and take your Spanish skills to the next level! Our certified teachers are waiting to walk you through your first Spanish conversation. We’ll have you, and your dog, understanding Spanish in no time! Check out our affordable pricing and programs for all ages!

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Faustina Mulnik

Freelance Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy

As a native English speaker, I’ve spent over 6 years perfecting my Spanish. My studies have led me to major in Spanish, translate documents at a local museum, and communicate with people I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to know. I’ve studied abroad in Spain, lived in Yellowstone National Park for a summer, and volunteered in Costa Rica. I’m a passionate travel enthusiast seeking to share my love for all things Latin America.

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