Puppies always learn from their surroundings, interactions with people and other animals, or through direct training. This learning process lays a critical foundation that will shape their behavior and personality as adult dogs. To raise confident and well-mannered dogs, you should properly socialize your pup combined with consistent puppy training.
If you’re a new puppy owner, this step-by-step puppy training guide will help you and your furry companion succeed in building a strong, positive relationship!
When Should You Start Training Your Puppy?
The journey of puppy training begins the moment you bring your puppy home, typically around 8 weeks of age. At this young age, puppies can start learning basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Early training is key to fostering positive behaviors and preventing issues down the line.
Essential Puppy Training Tips

Here are some tried-and-true puppy training tips to help you get started:
1. Use Positive Reinforcement
The most effective puppy training method, backed by science, is positive reinforcement. This technique involves rewarding your puppy for displaying desired behaviors, which encourages them to repeat those actions. Avoid punishment, including harsh corrections or the use of tools like shock collars, as these can create long-term fear and anxiety.
Positive reinforcement can be as simple as giving a small treat, offering verbal praise like “good job,” or providing a quick pet. Some puppies respond well to food rewards, while others might prefer toys or even enthusiastic praise. Tailor your rewards to what motivates your puppy the most.
2. Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun
Puppies have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep training sessions brief—around 5 minutes at a time. Aim for a total of 15 minutes of training daily, broken into small intervals. Always end on a positive note to keep your puppy excited for the next session.
3. Be Consistent in training
Use the same cues and hand signals for each command to avoid confusion. For example, when teaching “sit,” always use the same word and gesture. Reinforce good behavior even when it’s inconvenient—for instance if your puppy signals they need to go outside during house training, respond promptly to avoid accidents.
4. Train in Different Environments
Training your puppy in various environments helps them adapt to new situations. Practice commands in the backyard, at a quiet park, or even inside different rooms of your home. However, avoid taking your puppy to areas with many other dogs until they’ve completed their vaccination series. Consult your veterinarian for advice on safe ways to socialize your puppy during this time.
5. Be Patient and Persistent
Puppy training requires patience. Puppies are like young children—they’ll make mistakes and won’t always understand what you’re asking. Each puppy learns at their own pace, so stay consistent and positive. Establishing a routine for meals, potty breaks, naps, and playtime can also create a sense of security, which makes learning easier.
The Puppy Training Timeline

Knowing when to introduce specific training tasks can help you stay on track. Here’s a general timeline for puppy training milestones:
7 to 8 Weeks Old: Basic Commands and Leash Training
- Basic Commands: Start teaching commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Use treats to guide your puppy into positions and reward them immediately.
- Leash Training: Introduce your puppy to wearing a harness or collar indoors. Let them get used to the leash in a controlled environment. Gradually work your way to walking outdoors in safe, low-traffic areas like a fenced backyard.
8 to 10 Weeks Old: Crate Training and Potty Training
- Crate Training: Help your pup see their crate as a calm, safe space. Start with short intervals and increase the time gradually, always rewarding them for entering the crate.
- Potty Training: Establish a routine for potty breaks. Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, and after naps or playtime. Reward them every time they successfully go outside.
10 to 12 Weeks Old: Curbing Biting Habits
Puppies often explore their world by chewing and biting. When they nip at your hands or ankles, redirect them to an appropriate chew toy. Reinforce this behavior by rewarding them for biting toys instead of you.
6 Months Old: Advanced Training and Socialization
By six months, your puppy is entering adolescence. This stage can be challenging, so consistent puppy training is crucial. Work on reinforcing commands in more distracting environments like dog parks or busy streets. This helps solidify their skills and builds confidence in public settings.
General Handling Tips for Puppy Training
Incorporate handling exercises into your training routine to prepare your puppy for future experiences like vet visits or grooming sessions. Gently touch their paws, ears, and mouth while providing treats or praise. This makes them more comfortable with being handled and reduces stress during these essential tasks.
Why Start Puppy Training Early?
The earlier you begin the training, the easier it is to shape positive behaviors. Training builds a foundation of trust and understanding between you and your puppy, making them more confident and well-behaved as they grow. Whether you’re teaching basic commands or house-training, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement will set your puppy up for a lifetime of success.
By incorporating these techniques into your routine, you’ll raise a happy, well-trained puppy ready to thrive in any environment. Happy training!