Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but training them can feel overwhelming! Puppies are full of energy, curiosity, and yes—mischief. The key to raising a happy, well-behaved dog is consistent, positive training from the start.
In this guide, we’ll cover essential puppy training tips, from potty training to stopping bad behavior, to help you build a loving, well-mannered companion
Proper training:
✔ Strengthens the bond between you and your puppy
✔ Builds confidence and reduces anxiety
✔ Prevents behavioral issues like excessive barking or chewing
✔ Ensures safety in different environments
Starting early makes all the difference! Let’s dive into the best training techniques.
Puppies thrive on structure. Create a consistent daily routine for:
✅ Feeding
✅ Potty breaks
✅ Playtime
✅ Training sessions
✅ Sleep
A predictable schedule helps your puppy learn faster and feel secure.
Potty training is one of the first lessons your puppy needs to learn. Follow these steps:
✔ Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, after playtime, and before bed.
✔ Choose a designated potty spot and be consistent.
✔ Reward successful potty breaks with praise and treats.
✔ Use crate training to prevent accidents when you’re not home.
🐾 Pro Tip: Accidents happen! If your puppy makes a mess, clean it up with an enzyme-based cleaner to remove odors.
Start with these essential commands:
🐾 Sit – Helps with impulse control
🐾 Stay – Prevents bolting or jumping on people
🐾 Come – Ensures your puppy returns when called
🐾 Leave it – Stops them from picking up harmful items
Train in short, 5-10 minute sessions and use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, or toys).
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. To prevent biting and destructive chewing:
✔ Offer safe chew toys to redirect their energy.
✔ If they bite your hands, say “Ouch!” in a firm voice and stop playtime.
✔ Reward gentle behavior with attention and treats.
🐶 Teething Tip: Freeze a wet washcloth or offer a chilled teething toy to soothe sore gums.
Expose your puppy to different environments, sounds, people, and other animals. This helps prevent fearfulness or aggression later.
✔ Arrange puppy playdates with vaccinated dogs.
✔ Visit pet-friendly stores and parks for new experiences.
✔ Reward calm, friendly behavior with praise and treats.
Crate training helps with housebreaking, safety, and reducing anxiety.
🐾 Choosing the Right Crate: It should be big enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
🐾 Make the Crate Inviting: Add a soft bed, blankets, and a favorite toy.
🐾 Training Steps:
1️⃣ Introduce the crate gradually – Let your puppy explore it without closing the door.
2️⃣ Feed meals inside the crate – Builds a positive association.
3️⃣ Practice short periods inside – Start with 5-10 minutes and gradually increase.
🐶 Important: Never use the crate as punishment!
✔ Identify triggers (boredom, attention-seeking, anxiety).
✔ Ignore demand barking—only reward quiet behavior.
✔ Teach the “quiet” command by rewarding silence.
✔ Ignore jumping—only give attention when all four paws are on the ground.
✔ Teach “sit” for greetings instead.
✔ Practice short departures and gradually increase time away.
✔ Leave a comfort item like a toy with your scent.
✔ Provide mental stimulation (puzzle toys, treats).
Once your puppy masters the basics, try:
✔ Leash Training – Teach them to walk calmly without pulling.
✔ Off-Leash Recall – Train them to come even with distractions.
✔ Fun Tricks – Roll over, shake paw, spin, etc.
🐾 Training is a lifelong journey! Keep sessions fun and positive to encourage learning.
As soon as you bring them home! Puppies can begin learning simple commands as early as 8 weeks old.
Most puppies take 4-6 months, but some learn faster with consistent training.
Patience is key! Use high-value treats and short, fun training sessions.
Yes! Praise, play, and affection work too, but treats often speed up learning.
Provide appropriate chew toys and discourage unwanted chewing with bitter apple spray.
Not always, but puppy training classes can be helpful for socialization and structured learning.
Training your puppy is a rewarding experience that sets the foundation for a well-behaved, happy dog. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you’ll turn puppy mischief into marvelous manners!
🐶 Ready to find your perfect puppy? Visit Lady Paws Puppies to meet your new furry friend! 🐾💖