Puppy Training
Essential training for your new furry family member
- Potty training
- Crate training
- Socialization
- Bite inhibition
Basic Obedience
Master the fundamental commands
- Sit, stay, come
- Loose leash walking
- Down command
- Leave it/drop it
Behavior Correction
Address common behavioral issues
- Barking problems
- Separation anxiety
- Leash aggression
- Jumping on people
Step-by-Step Training: The "Sit" Command
Preparation
Choose a quiet environment with minimal distractions. Have small, tasty treats ready that your dog loves. Stand in front of your dog with treats in your hand.
Lure Your Dog
Hold a treat close to your dog's nose. Slowly move your hand up and slightly back over their head. As their head follows the treat, their bottom should naturally lower to the ground.
Mark and Reward
The moment their bottom touches the floor, say "Yes!" or use a clicker, and immediately give them the treat. This creates a positive association with the action.
Add the Cue
Once your dog consistently follows the lure into a sitting position, begin saying "Sit" just as they start to move into position. This helps them associate the word with the action.
Practice and Fade the Lure
Gradually reduce the hand motion until you're just using a hand signal. Practice in different locations with increasing distractions. Always reward successful sits.
Increase Duration
Once your dog reliably sits on command, begin to delay the reward by 1-2 seconds, gradually increasing the time they must remain seated before getting their treat.
Professional Training Tips
Consistency is Key
Train in short 5-10 minute sessions multiple times a day rather than one long session.
Positive Reinforcement
Always reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. Never punish mistakes.
Understand Your Dog
Different breeds have different motivations. Learn what truly excites your dog.
Family Involvement
Ensure everyone in the household uses the same commands and reward system.
Comprehensive Training Guides
Training Topics
Puppy Training Fundamentals
Training your puppy is essential for a well-behaved adult dog. Start training as early as 8 weeks old using positive reinforcement methods.
Essential Training Areas
- Potty Training: Establish a routine, take puppy out frequently, reward immediately after elimination
- Crate Training: Make crate comfortable, feed meals in crate, start with short durations
- Bite Inhibition: Teach gentle mouthing, redirect to toys, use "ouch" when bitten too hard
- Handling: Get puppy comfortable with being touched all over body
Puppy Training Milestones
8-10 Weeks
Introduce name recognition, begin potty training, handle paws and ears
10-12 Weeks
Start basic commands (sit, come), crate training, socialization
3-4 Months
Formal obedience training, leash introduction, impulse control
4-6 Months
Proof commands with distractions, longer duration stays, walking politely on leash
Basic Obedience Training
Teach your dog essential commands for better communication and safety.
Core Commands
- Sit: Foundation for all other commands
- Down: Calming position, useful in many situations
- Stay: Builds impulse control and safety
- Come: Critical for safety and off-leash control
- Leave It: Prevents picking up dangerous items
Training Methodology
Use the "Three D's" of dog training:
- Distance: Start close, gradually increase distance
- Duration: Start with short durations, build gradually
- Distraction: Start in low-distraction environments, add distractions slowly
Solving Behavior Problems
Address common behavior issues using positive reinforcement techniques.
Excessive Barking
Solution: Teach "quiet" command by rewarding silence after barking. Identify triggers and desensitize. Provide mental stimulation.
Leash Pulling
Solution: Stop moving when leash tightens. Reward loose leash walking. Use front-clip harness.
Separation Anxiety
Solution: Gradual desensitization to departures. Create positive associations with alone time. Provide interactive toys.
Jumping on People
Solution: Ignore jumping behavior. Reward four paws on floor. Teach alternative greeting behavior.
Advanced Training Techniques
Take your dog's training to the next level with these advanced skills.
Advanced Commands
- Heel: Precise walking position
- Place Command: Go to and stay on a specific mat or bed
- Retrieve: Fetch specific items by name
- Off-Leash Reliability: Consistent obedience without a leash
Specialized Training
Agility Training
Navigate obstacle courses with speed and precision
Scent Work
Train your dog to identify and locate specific scents
Therapy Dog Training
Prepare your dog for comforting roles in hospitals and care facilities
Competition Training
Prepare for obedience, rally, or other dog sports competitions
Frequently Asked Questions
You can start training your puppy as early as 8 weeks old. Focus on simple commands like their name, sit, and come. Keep sessions very short (2-5 minutes) and make it fun with lots of rewards.
Dog training is an ongoing process throughout your dog's life. Basic obedience commands can be learned in 4-8 weeks with consistent daily practice. More complex behaviors and reliability in distracting environments takes several months of consistent reinforcement.
The "recall" (come) command is arguably the most important for your dog's safety. A reliable recall can prevent your dog from running into dangerous situations like traffic or unsafe areas.
Teach an alternative behavior like "sit" when greeting people. Ignore jumping (turn away, no eye contact) and reward only when all four paws are on the floor. Be consistent with all family members and visitors.
Recommended Equipment
- Standard 6-foot leash
- Comfortable flat collar or harness
- High-value training treats
- Clicker for marker training
- Interactive puzzle toys
- Long line (15-30 ft) for recall training
Further Reading
Join Our Training Community
Unlock the secrets to a perfectly trained dog with our proven system
Click Here to Transform Your Dog Now
Socialization Training
Proper socialization helps your dog become confident and well-adjusted in various environments.
Key Socialization Areas
Socialization Timeline
3-12 Weeks
Critical socialization period - positive experiences are crucial
3-6 Months
Continue socialization with more diverse experiences
6+ Months
Ongoing exposure to maintain confidence and adaptability