Skip to Content

8 Norwegian Dog Commands

Map with flag pin pinned to Norway

Dog commands help you to control your dog to a certain degree, especially when you are out in public. However, you might ask, why would anyone want to know Norwegian dog commands? Well, English is a common language, and almost every dog owner can command your pup in this language. If you don’t want that to happen, an uncommon language, like Norwegian, is the way to go.

Norwegian Dog Commands

We know that dogs don’t understand human words. They simply associate specific tones with particular actions. Therefore, every language is equally foreign to them and it’s all down to your training. Let’s look at the most popular Norwegian dog commands and the proper methods to teach them to your dog.

NOTE: These commands are in no particular order.

Sitt

German Shepherd sitting in grass with head tilted

“Sitt” is the Norwegian word for ‘sit’. It makes your dog sit whenever the instruction is given. Start the training of this command with your dog in a standing position (next to you). Then, hold a tasty treat in your hand and bring it near your dog’s nose. Allow him/her to sniff.

After that, keep raising the treat over his/her head. When the dog will raise his/her head for the treat, his/her bottom will naturally go on the ground. The instant your dog sits, say the command, and give him/her the treat. Keep repeating this until your dog learns this behavior.

Fot

Small Jack Russell Terrier healing at owners side

This Norwegian dog command is the equivalent of the ‘heel’ instruction. It is used to make your dog walk beside you. Get some treats and start walking with your dog in a spacious room. Then, call your dog’s name and point to the side you want him/her to walk. When the pooch follows you, use a clicker and reward him/her with a treat. Repeat this a few times, then command your pup to heel, and he/she should obey you.

Stopp

Person holding out hand to Doberman Pinscher telling it to stop

As the word suggests, “Stopp” is the Norwegian word for ‘stop’. This is one of the most important Norwegian dog commands that every dog owner needs to know. It allows you to stop your dog from doing any inappropriate action.

For teaching this command, start by getting some treats. They will help you grab your dog’s full attention. Then, make your dog perform random actions, like sitting or walking. Suddenly, say “stopp” and wait for your dog to stop. Once he/she does that, give him/her the treat. Repeat this exercise regularly and your dog will learn this command.

Kom

Person teaching hunting dog to "Come"

As the word sounds, Kom is the Norwegian word for come. This command can be used to call your dog towards you. Start your training in a slow, low distracting environment, like in your house. Show your dog a toy (or a treat) and when he/she comes to you, give him/her the toy. After a few repetitions, whenever your dog looks at you and starts to move towards you, add a verbal clue like “Kom”. Now, your dog should come towards you whenever you use this command.

Ned

German Shepherd laying down in a field

The ‘Down’ command is called “Ned” in Norwegian. It is used to make your dog lie down. For teaching this command, start by holding a treat in your hand. Take your hand close to your dog’s nose to allow him/her to sniff the treat.

Now, slowly bring the treat (and your hand) down to the floor and your pup will follow. Give the treat to the dog and say “Ned” when his/her elbows touch the ground. After a few practices, begin bringing your empty hand to the floor and give the treat after he/she lies down. When your pooch can reliably follow your hand signal, begin saying “down” as you move your hand.

Gi Labb

Brown and white fuzzy dog shaking someone's hand

“Gi labb” is the Norwegian word for ‘shaking hands’. Although it can take a while to train your pup, this classic dog trick is worth the effort.

Hold your hand out to your dog. He/she may get confused in the beginning and will try to figure out what you want by licking and sniffing your hand. The key is to wait it out and don’t saying anything while your pooch is experimenting.

As soon as your dog paws at your hand, give him/her a treat. Repeat this exercise several times until your canine friend is consistently pawing at your hand. After that, you can start increasing the difficulty and add the cue “Gi Labb”. Continue this training and your dog will ultimately perfect this trick.

Yellow Labrador retriever walking on a leash with a woman who is holding the other end of the leash

Gå is the Norwegian dog command for ‘walk’. It is used to teach your pup how to walk on a leash. Begin the training by attaching a leash (10-15 feet) to your dog. Say the cue “Gå” and reward your canine as soon as he/she looks at you.

After a few repetitions, your dog will start coming over to you for the treat. Now, take a few steps back and let him/her come to you. When he/she reaches you, give him/her a treat. After some practice, the dog should start following you on command.

Bli

Person holding out one finger to dog telling it to stay

“Bli” is the Norwegian word for ‘stay’. This command is used when you want your dog to stay where he/she is. Start by using the “Sitt” command and giving a treat for staying in that position. Gradually increase the time between the treats.

Once your dog can stay in the sit position for several seconds, you can begin adding distance. Take one step back, then step back to the pup, and give him/her a treat. Continue increasing the distance and duration between treats, and your dog will learn how to stay.

“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”