Oof, might get less lost on another thread! I don't generally follow this monster, lol.
But as far as formal obedience, I start with Sit, as it's the simplest. I use it to teach Down, and then base nearly everything off Down. It becomes my control. Pup isn't doing much else if their chest is pressed to the ground - they're not chasing a squirrel, barking their heads off, etc. It prevents a lot of NO, which I try to use as little as possible. NO means Never EVER do that EVER again, bad-unworthy-dog-who-I-now-barely-tolerate-in-my-presence (for a brutal, eternal 10 minutes) and is reserved for Ultimate Sins, like chicken murder. I do not use it for popping up onto the couch, digging through the laundry basket or other puppy shenanigans.
But functionally, I start with Pup's name, as a positive association. Then Leave It, as I use that the most. As it is a command, and not a reprimand, Pup always gets lots of praise and attention for obeying, same as any command. Next is Off, defined as all 4 paws on the floor. So we get Off the couch, Off the mailman, Off the bed, good dog!! I use the command Kennel for crate training and Pup Kennels for meals. My dogs learn Get Back mostly by watching the older dogs, and it means take 3 steps back, usually from the door, but as I farm, it also means just out of range, but keep an eye on me. For example, Sunni will Get Back out of kicking range or away from the doorway as I am moving calves through the barn, but she doesn't leave, because I might need her.
Also, when I give a command, it is that until I say otherwise, I don't teach a separate Stay. Stay, along with Eh eh (said in a growly tone) is actually a light reprimand here. If I say Down, the dog is to Down until I say otherwise. The release word is Alright or Here. Here means be in my general vicinity and is not the same as a formal Come, which is run to me and sit at my feet. I use Here when I am specifically releasing the dog and want them Here next. Otherwise, if I want them near me, I just use their names, unless they're underfoot already. Which they usually are.
