There are many reasons why it is a good idea to know how to train your dog in Italian or with commands in any different language.
Some people take their pets on trips and want them to understand commands in that language. Traveling can be very stressful on animals, and knowing what you want them to do and when to do it can help them feel calmer and in their element. It is also common to utilize commands in different languages to help your dog focus on your voice and not become distracted by other people making commands.
Teaching foreign dog commands is important if you have a working dog that may receive direction from someone they should not. If they know commands in another language, they can focus on those.
It is also common for people that adopted or bought dogs from foreign countries to want to continue commanding them in their native language. Doing so is often an easier transition for the dog and can be fun to learn parts of a new language.
Translation Notes
Some words are pronounced differently in different regions of Italy, so you may hear people use variations of these if you are traveling around the country. For example, some people may say ‘cane bravo’ instead of ‘bravo cane’, but the meaning is still the same: the dog is good.
If you hear a variation of one of these commands, you can adapt it or continue using these depending on your preference. Your dog will also let you know what commands are working better for them by what they are more responsive to.
List of Dog Commands in Italian
Here are the most commonly used dog commands in Italian that are fun to know or maybe a lifesaver if you visit Italy. Knowing how to train a dog in Italian is easy if you know how to in English. Just use the same principles of association and reward.
Italian Command for Come: Vieni
Pronunciation: vee-en-ee
Probably the most vital command owners teach their dogs. Come can save a dog’s life or prevent a horrible accident. The come command is super valuable when you are in a different place. It is also good to know in Italian if someone else is trying to command your dog. If they can recognize this command and return to you, you can avoid an array of problems.
Italian Command for Sit: Seduto
Pronunciation: say-doo-toe
‘Seduto’ is how to say sit in Italian. Every dog owner knows the importance of this command, but if you are in a foreign place this is an especially important command for you and your dog to know.
When a dog sits, they are showing that they are listening and understanding what you want. Often the first command owners teach their dogs, ‘seduto’ is a good place to start when using Italian dog training commands. Associating the word with the action will solidify the connection in their brain.
Italian Command for Down: Giu
Pronunciation: jew
Laying down relaxes dogs, even if you command them to do it. Remember, anxiety-riddled dogs will relax when they know what they are supposed to be doing for their owner. So if you are working through customs at an airport, using this command to place your dog down can make things easier and keep your dog comfortable.
Not everyone in Italy loves dogs, and not everyone loves dogs in general. So teaching your dog a command that will put them in a submissive, non-threatening position is a great way to put people on edge at ease, even if your dog is an angel.
Italian Command for Stay: Fermo
Pronunciation: fair-mo
Another command that could save a dog’s life is to stay. Sometimes dogs cannot help but chase a squirrel, even if it runs into oncoming traffic. Knowing a firm command for stay, no matter what language, will help keep your dog safe and well-behaved.
Italians appreciate a well-trained dog, so this command goes a long way with showing that your canine is behaved and mature.
Italian Command for Yes: Sì
Pronunciation: see
Most people already know the Italian word for yes: ‘si’. So this one will be easy to remember and also easy to teach. Because the word is also one syllable with an ‘s’ sound, your dog will be able to connect the two commands quickly.
Using the command for yes is very valuable in affirming your dogs’ actions when they are on the right track. This command should intertwine with the rest of the Italian dog commands to positively reinforce their behavior.
Italian Command for No: No
Pronunciation: no
This one is easy since it does not change from English to Italian. But just in case, now you know the command is the same, and your dog should respond to it either way.
Although you do not need to train your dog on this command in Italian, you should still utilize it in Italian dog training. Expressing to them what is not good behavior is key to training. And since they already know the command, this is the perfect building block to teach them Italian.
Italian Command for Good Dog: Bravo Cane
Pronunciation: brah-voh cah-nay
Of course, praise and positive reinforcement are meaningful to dogs. Your love and admiration are often more valuable to them than a treat or a toy. When training your dog it is important to remind them they are doing a good job, and this applies to training in a different language as well.
Make sure to say ‘bravo cane’ in an upbeat, perky voice so your dog can recognize it as positive. Neglecting this phrase when training your dog in Italian can result in a loose understanding of the commands. If there is a positive association with the training, your dog will respond better to the commands.
Italian Command for Bad Dog: Cattivo Cane
Pronunciation: kat-tivo cah-nay
On the other hand, if your dog is being naughty you need to have a command to let them know the behavior is not appropriate or acceptable. No one wants to use this command on their adorable dog, but sometimes it is necessary.
When traveling, this is especially important if your dog is misbehaving out of your eyesight. If an Italian is trying to stop your dog from doing something bad or protect them in some way, it will be very useful for them to recognize and obey this command.
Italian Dog Etiquette
Dogs in Italy must be on a leash at all times and often wear a muzzle as well. Leashes are no longer than 1.5 meters, or just under five feet. The length is slightly shorter than average leashes in America, which average about six feet long.
If you are traveling to Italy with your canine, be sure to purchase this length of leash as well as a muzzle if you don’t already have one. Even if your dog shows zero aggression or mouthing, a muzzle is the standard way to walk your dog in public in Italy.
If you do not want your dog to wear the muzzle, you at least need to have one on you at all times. You may have to show that you have it to officials.
Italy seems to be rather divided on dogs, with the South being rather anti-dog while the North is more welcoming. If you plan to visit the country with your canine, it is recommended you stay North where they will be more tolerated.
Conclusion for Italian Dog Commands
So whether you are planning a trip, taking in an Italian canine, or want to broaden your and your dog’s horizons, Italian dog training commands are a great tool.
This list of dog commands in Italian gives you the basics of communicating with your dog, but there are so many more commands you can add to your repertoire. And maybe you and your dog can conquer other languages one day too!
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Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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