PUPPY TRAINING

Puppy Training: What to Teach First and How to Build Good Habits

Puppy training should begin with simple skills that make daily life easier. The first goal is not a perfect sit or stay. It is helping the puppy learn that paying attention to you and making good choices brings good things.

1. Teach the puppy its name

Say the puppy’s name once, then reward attention. Do not repeat the name over and over while the puppy ignores it. The name should become a reliable signal to check in with you.

2. Reward calm attention

Reward eye contact, following you, settling near you and choosing to disengage from distractions. These small behaviors become the foundation for recall, leash walking and obedience later.

3. Build recall as a positive habit

Call the puppy only when success is likely, reward generously, and avoid using recall only to end fun. As the puppy improves, gradually add distance and distraction. Our guide to reliable recall around distractions explains the progression.

4. Keep sessions very short

Puppies tire and lose focus quickly. A few minutes of successful practice repeated throughout the day is enough. End before the puppy becomes frustrated or disengaged.

5. Prevent unwanted habits from becoming practice

Training is easier when the environment helps the puppy succeed. Use gates, pens, safe chew items and supervision so the puppy does not repeatedly rehearse jumping, stealing, chewing or running away.

Sources and further reading

AKC: Important Things to Teach Your Puppy
AKC: Puppy Training