Welcome to the most exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, journey of your life: raising a puppy! We know you’re filled with joy, but you might also be wondering where on earth to begin. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Think of this as your friendly, supportive guide to navigating those crucial first months. We believe raising a well-behaved, happy dog isn’t about being a strict disciplinarian; it’s about building a foundation of trust, understanding, and clear communication together.

This guide is designed to provide you with the essential dog training tips for puppies you need right now. We’ll move beyond generic advice and give you actionable strategies for everything from house training and socialisation to managing those sharp puppy teeth. Our goal is to help you and your new furry family member forge an unbreakable bond. These aren’t just commands; they are conversations that will shape your future together.

Beyond behaviour, a puppy’s early months are also critical for their physical development. Just as you are laying the groundwork for a well-behaved companion, it’s wise to consider their long-term health. Understanding preventative measures like addressing hip dysplasia early is part of a holistic approach to puppy care, ensuring you’re setting them up for a lifetime of wellness from day one.

In the following sections, we’ll walk through the core pillars of puppy training: house rules, positive reinforcement, social skills, daily routines, basic commands, and managing biting behaviours. Ready to turn puppy chaos into canine companionship? Let’s dive in and set you both up for a lifetime of happiness.

1. Start House Training Immediately: Your First Big Win Together

The moment your puppy’s paws cross the threshold of your home, the house training adventure begins. We know this can feel daunting, but it’s one of the first and most important bonding experiences you’ll share. Think of it less as a chore and more as establishing a predictable rhythm that helps your new companion feel secure and understand the rules of their new world. Success here is built on three key pillars: a consistent routine, loving supervision, and enthusiastic praise.

This process is one of the most fundamental dog training tips for puppies because it establishes a clear line of communication from day one. By teaching your puppy where and when to relieve themselves, you are building a foundation of trust and understanding that will benefit all future training endeavours you take on together.

Your House Training Action Plan

A proactive approach is far more effective than a reactive one. Your goal is to provide so many opportunities for success that accidents become rare. Here’s how you can set up a winning schedule:

• First Thing & Last Thing: Take your puppy out the very moment they wake up in the morning and right before you tuck them in for the night. Their bladder will be full after sleeping, so this is a crucial first step.
• After Key Events: A puppy’s system is small and processes food and water quickly. Let’s plan a toilet trip immediately after every meal, every nap, and every energetic play session.
• The Two-Hour Rule: Young puppies can’t hold it for long. A good rule of thumb is to take them out at least every two hours, regardless of other activities. Setting a timer on your phone can be a really helpful reminder for both of us.

Tips for Toilet Training Triumph

Mastering house training requires keen observation and the right tools. Keep these empathetic tips in mind to streamline the process:

• Learn Their “Tell”: Watch for the classic signs that your puppy needs to go, such as circling, sniffing the ground intently, whining, or heading towards a corner. When you see this, you’ll know it’s time to act fast!
• Designate a Spot: Use the same door to go outside and take them to the same patch of grass every single time. The lingering scent will encourage them to go there again, making it easier for them.
• Clean Accidents Properly: If an accident happens (and it will!), clean it with an enzymatic cleaner. Standard household soaps won’t eliminate the scent molecules that attract your puppy back to the same spot.
• Stay Positive: Never, ever punish your puppy for an accident. It only creates fear and can make them hide from you when they need to go, making training much harder. Let’s just calmly clean it up and focus on better timing for the next trip.

Key Insight: Consistency is your greatest tool. A predictable routine for toilet breaks, feeding, and play helps your puppy’s internal clock synchronise, making it easier for them to anticipate when it’s time to go outside.

By starting immediately and staying consistent, you’re not just preventing puddles; you’re building a respectful and communicative relationship. To explore this topic further, you can find in-depth guidance on the best way to potty train a puppy.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement Training: Building Trust Through Rewards

Once you have a house training plan in motion, the next step is to choose your overall training philosophy. We wholeheartedly recommend positive reinforcement, a modern, science-backed approach that focuses on rewarding your puppy for getting things right, rather than punishing them for mistakes. This method is not just about giving treats; it’s about building a language of encouragement and trust, turning every training session into a positive, collaborative game you play together.

Adopting this approach is one of the most crucial dog training tips for puppies because it fosters a strong, healthy bond. Instead of fearing you, your puppy learns to see you as a source of good things, making them eager to listen and learn. It transforms training from a command-and-control dynamic into a joyful partnership.

Your Positive Reinforcement Action Plan

The core idea is simple: when your puppy does something you like, you immediately add something they like. This makes the behaviour more likely to happen again. Here’s how you can put this into action every day:

• Reward the “Sit”: When you ask your puppy to sit and their bottom touches the floor, immediately say “Yes!” and give them a tasty treat. The marker word “Yes!” helps them pinpoint the exact moment they did the right thing.
• Praise a Calm State: If you see your puppy lying down calmly on their mat instead of chewing the furniture, walk over and gently praise them or give them a calm stroke. You are rewarding the choice to be settled.
• Celebrate Coming When Called: Let’s make recall a party! When your puppy comes to you after you call them, reward them with enthusiastic praise, a high-value treat, or a quick game of tug-of-war.

Tips for Reinforcement Triumph

To make your rewards effective, timing and variety are key. Keep these tips in your training toolkit to maximise your puppy’s motivation:

• Be Quick: The reward must come within one to three seconds of the desired behaviour for your puppy to make the connection. A clicker or a marker word like “Yes!” can help you bridge this gap perfectly.
• Keep Treats Tiny: Use small, soft, high-value treats that can be swallowed quickly. You want the reward to be exciting but not so distracting that it breaks the flow of the training session.
• Vary the Rewards: Don’t just use food. Let’s mix in life rewards like a favourite toy, a belly rub, or verbal praise. This keeps your puppy engaged and prevents them from only working for treats.
• Phase Out Food Gradually: As your puppy masters a command, you can start replacing food rewards with praise or affection more often. This ensures they listen even when you don’t have a treat in your hand.

Key Insight: Positive reinforcement is about teaching your puppy what to do, rather than focusing on what not to do. This proactive and kind approach builds confidence and a strong desire to please, which are the cornerstones of a well-behaved adult dog.

By focusing on rewards and encouragement, you create a learning environment where your puppy feels safe to try and is motivated to succeed. To explore this powerful method more deeply, you can discover more about positive reinforcement dog training.

3. Prioritize Early Socialisation: Building a Confident Canine Citizen

Beyond basic commands, one of the most profound gifts you can give your puppy is a well-rounded education about the world. This is the core of early socialisation: carefully and lovingly introducing your young dog to a wide variety of sights, sounds, people, and places during their critical learning window, typically between 3 and 14 weeks of age. This process teaches them that new experiences are exciting, not scary, building a foundation for a calm, confident, and well-adjusted adult dog.

Neglecting this crucial period can lead to fear, anxiety, and reactivity later in life. By prioritising socialisation, you are proactively shaping your puppy’s worldview, which is why experts like Dr. Ian Dunbar and organisations like the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior champion it as one of the most vital dog training tips for puppies. It’s truly about preventing problems before they start.

Your Socialisation Action Plan

The goal is to create a rich tapestry of positive experiences. Quality trumps quantity, but variety is key. We should aim for controlled, happy introductions that allow your puppy to explore at their own pace.

• Introduce New People: Safely expose your puppy to a diverse range of people: children, the elderly, people with hats, beards, glasses, and those using mobility aids like wheelchairs or walking sticks.
• Experience Different Environments: Let’s go on “sniffaris” in different locations. Let them feel different surfaces under their paws, like grass, pavement, carpet, and sand. We can safely expose them to the sounds and sights of a quiet park, a pet-friendly shop, or a car ride.
• Meet Other Dogs: Enrol in a well-run puppy socialisation class where all attendees are of a similar age and have had their initial vaccinations. These classes provide a safe, supervised environment for crucial dog-to-dog interaction.
• Acclimatise to Household Sounds: Don’t shield your puppy from everyday noises. Let them get used to the vacuum cleaner, hairdryer, dishwasher, and television at a comfortable distance, pairing the sounds with treats to build a positive association.

Tips for Socialisation Success

Success lies in making every new encounter a positive one. Your role is to be your puppy’s calm and reassuring guide through this journey of discovery.

• Go at Their Pace: Never force an interaction. Let’s allow your puppy to approach new things or people on their own terms and provide an easy escape route if they seem overwhelmed.
• Safety Before Full Vaccination: You don’t have to wait for all jabs to be complete. You can carry your puppy in a sling or use a pet stroller in public areas to let them observe the world safely from a distance.
• Practise Handling: Gently handle your puppy’s paws, ears, mouth, and tail every day. This prepares them for future vet visits and grooming, making these necessary events far less stressful for them.
• Make It Rewarding: Bring high-value treats on your outings. When your puppy calmly observes a new person or a loud lorry, let’s reward them with praise and a tasty snack. This teaches them that novel things predict good outcomes.

Key Insight: The goal of socialisation isn’t just exposure; it’s creating positive associations. Your puppy should learn that the world is a safe and interesting place, not something to be feared. Each positive new experience builds their confidence for a lifetime.

4. Establish Consistent Daily Routines: The Blueprint for a Confident Puppy

Beyond specific commands, one of the most powerful dog training tips for puppies is creating a predictable world for them to live in. Dogs, especially young ones, are creatures of habit who thrive on predictability. A consistent daily routine acts as a blueprint for their day, helping them understand what to expect and when. This structure reduces anxiety, builds confidence, and makes all other training, like housebreaking and crate training, significantly easier for both of you.

By establishing a reliable rhythm for feeding, potty breaks, play, and rest, you are communicating with your puppy in a language they instinctively understand. This predictability helps regulate their internal clock, making them less likely to feel stressed or act out due to uncertainty. It is a foundational element that supports a calm and well-behaved companion.

Your Daily Routine Action Plan

Creating a schedule isn’t about rigid, military-style precision; it’s about providing a reliable flow to the day. This framework helps your puppy anticipate key events, which is particularly useful for house training and preventing boredom-related mischief. Here’s a sample structure we can build from:

• Morning Routine: Start the day consistently. For example: 7:00 AM wake-up and immediate potty break, followed by breakfast, another quick potty trip, and then a short play or training session.
• Daytime Structure: Punctuate the day with predictable events. Let’s schedule potty breaks every two hours, plan a dedicated walk or vigorous play session in the afternoon, and serve meals at the same time each day.
• Evening Wind-Down: A calm evening routine helps your puppy settle for the night. This could include a final play session, followed by quiet time with a chew toy, and one last potty break right before bedtime at, for instance, 10:00 PM.

Tips for Routine-Building Success

A well-organised routine is a team effort and requires a bit of planning to implement effectively. Keep these tips in mind to create a schedule that works for both you and your puppy:

• Get Everyone on Board: Let’s write the schedule down and post it where everyone in the household can see it. Consistency from all family members is crucial for your puppy to learn the routine quickly.
• Build in Flexibility: Your routine should be a guide, not a prison. While core events like meals and last potty break should be stable, allow for some flexibility, especially on weekends. The goal is predictability, not rigidness.
• Incorporate All Needs: A great routine balances all of your puppy’s needs. Let’s ensure you schedule time for physical exercise (walks, fetch), mental stimulation (puzzle toys, training), and important quiet/nap time to prevent them from becoming overtired.
• Adjust as They Grow: A 10-week-old puppy needs more frequent potty breaks and sleep than a 6-month-old. We need to be prepared to gradually adjust the routine as your puppy matures and their bladder control improves.

Key Insight: A consistent routine is one of the kindest things you can do for your puppy. It removes the stress of the unknown and replaces it with the comfort of predictability, allowing them to relax and focus on learning and bonding with you.

5. Teach Basic Commands Early: Building Your Shared Language

Once you’ve made headway with house training, the next step in your puppy’s education is to establish a shared language through basic commands. This isn’t about creating a perfectly obedient robot; it’s about building clear communication, safety, and mutual respect. Commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘come’ are the foundational words of your partnership, allowing you to guide your puppy safely through the world.

Starting this process early is one of the most effective dog training tips for puppies because it taps into their natural eagerness to learn. Teaching these core skills provides mental stimulation, prevents boredom-related behaviours, and reinforces your role as a trusted leader, making all future training much more straightforward for us.

Your Foundational Command Action Plan

Your goal is to make learning fun and rewarding, turning training sessions into a game your puppy is excited to play. Let’s focus on short, positive sessions and integrate these commands into your daily routine to give them real-world meaning.

• ‘Sit’ for Politeness: Ask for a ‘sit’ before you place their food bowl down, before you clip on their lead, or before a guest greets them. This teaches them that polite behaviour earns rewards.
• ‘Stay’ for Safety: Let’s practice a short ‘stay’ before you open the front door or the car door. This impulse control is vital for preventing them from dashing into potentially dangerous situations.
• ‘Come’ for Freedom: Use the ‘come’ command in a secure, fenced garden. Let’s start close, make it exciting with a happy tone, and reward them lavishly when they run to you. This builds a life-saving recall.
• ‘Leave It’ for Protection: This command is crucial for preventing your puppy from ingesting harmful items on walks or at home. We can practice by dropping a low-value treat, covering it with your hand, saying “leave it,” and then rewarding them with a high-value treat from your other hand when they look away from the covered item.

Tips for Training Triumph

To get the most out of your sessions, consistency and positivity are non-negotiable. Remember, you’re shaping behaviour, not demanding perfection.

• Keep It Short and Sweet: A puppy’s attention span is short. Let’s aim for several 3-5 minute training sessions throughout the day rather than one long, draining session.
• End on a High Note: Always finish your session with a command you know your puppy can perform successfully. This leaves them feeling confident and eager for the next lesson.
• Vary the Environment: Once your puppy masters a command in the living room, let’s practice it in the garden, on a quiet street, and eventually in more distracting environments to generalise the skill.
• Use Hand Signals: Pair each verbal command with a consistent hand signal (e.g., a raised palm for ‘stay’). Dogs often learn visual cues faster than verbal ones, and this gives you two ways to communicate.

Key Insight: Training is communication, not domination. Each command you teach is another word you both understand. Focus on rewarding the effort and celebrating small successes to build a puppy who loves to learn and work with you.

6. Address Biting and Chewing Behaviours: Teaching Gentle Jaws

Puppyhood is a time of discovery, and your puppy’s primary tool for exploring the world is their mouth. This natural curiosity means biting and chewing are completely normal behaviours, but it’s our job to guide them towards what’s appropriate to munch on. Addressing this early is not about stopping a natural instinct; it’s about teaching them bite inhibition (how to be gentle) and redirecting their chewing onto suitable toys. This protects your hands, your furniture, and helps your puppy become a well-mannered companion.

This is one of the most crucial dog training tips for puppies because it teaches them crucial communication and self-control. By showing your puppy how to manage the pressure of their jaw, you are laying the groundwork for safe play and interactions for the rest of their life, building a relationship based on gentle understanding.

Your Bite Inhibition Action Plan

Teaching a puppy not to bite humans requires clear, consistent feedback. The goal is to teach them that human skin is sensitive and that all pressure must be gentle. Dr. Ian Dunbar popularised the idea that puppies first learn this from their littermates, and it’s up to us to continue these lessons.

• Mimic Their Mates: When your puppy mouths you, allow it gently at first. But the moment they apply too much pressure, let out a high-pitched “ouch!” or “yip!” and immediately withdraw your hand. This mimics the reaction of a littermate who has been bitten too hard.
• The Time-Out Rule: After you yelp, let’s briefly ignore your puppy for 15-30 seconds by turning away or standing up. This teaches them that hard biting makes the fun game stop instantly.
• Redirect, Redirect, Redirect: Always have an appropriate chew toy handy. When your puppy tries to chew on you or your clothes, calmly remove them and immediately offer the toy. Let’s praise them enthusiastically when they start chewing the correct item.

Tips for Chewing Triumph

A puppy’s need to chew is intense, especially during teething. Providing the right outlets and managing their environment is the key to preventing destructive behaviour.

• Offer Variety: Puppies appreciate different textures. Let’s provide a rotation of toys, including hard rubber (like a Kong, which can be frozen for teething relief), soft plush, and crinkly toys to keep them engaged.
• Puppy-Proof Your Home: Get down on your hands and knees to see the world from their perspective. Let’s remove or secure electrical cords, move houseplants, and put away shoes and other tempting items. Using bitter-tasting sprays on furniture legs can be a big help.
• Hands Are Not Toys: Never wrestle or play with your puppy using just your hands. This sends a mixed message, encouraging them to see your hands as biteable playthings. We should always use a toy as the intermediary.
• Tire Them Out: A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy. Ensure they get enough physical exercise and mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys. Boredom is a primary driver of destructive chewing.

Key Insight: Redirection is more effective than punishment. Instead of scolding your puppy for chewing the wrong thing, let’s focus on showing them what they can chew and rewarding them for making the right choice. This builds confidence and strengthens your bond.

7. Implement Crate Training: Creating a Safe Personal Den

Introducing a crate to your puppy isn’t about confinement; it’s about providing them with a safe, personal space they can call their own. A crate taps into a dog’s natural denning instinct, offering them a secure retreat from the hustle and bustle of a busy household. When we approach it with patience and positivity, it becomes an invaluable tool for house training, managing behaviour when you can’t supervise, and ensuring safe travel.

This is one of the most transformative dog training tips for puppies because it teaches them independence and provides a consistent safe zone. By making the crate a happy place, you give your puppy a sanctuary that aids their development, simplifies management, and strengthens the trust between you. It becomes their personal bedroom, not a place of punishment.

Your Crate Training Action Plan

The goal is to build a positive association with the crate from the very beginning. Your puppy should enter willingly and feel relaxed inside. We can achieve this through gradual introduction and positive reinforcement, never through force.

• Make it a Dining Destination: Let’s start by feeding your puppy their meals inside the crate with the door wide open. This creates an immediate and powerful positive association.
• High-Value Rewards: Reserve special, long-lasting chew toys or puzzle feeders that are only available when they are in their crate. This makes crate time a special event.
• Start Small: Begin by encouraging your puppy to go in and out for treats. Once comfortable, close the door for just a few seconds, then open it and praise them. We’ll slowly and gradually increase the duration.
• Integrate into Routines: Use the crate for short naps during the day and for overnight sleeping. This helps them see it as a normal and comfortable part of their daily rhythm.

Tips for Crate Training Triumph

Success hinges on making the crate a five-star accommodation that your puppy loves. A few key details can make all the difference in their perception of this new space.

• Comfort is Key: Furnish the crate with soft, comfortable bedding. Ensure it’s the right size: large enough for them to stand up and turn around, but not so large they can use one end as a toilet.
• Location, Location, Location: Place the crate in a central part of the home, like the living room or kitchen, where the family spends time. This prevents them from feeling isolated or lonely.
• Never Use it for Punishment: The crate must always be a sanctuary. Sending your puppy to their crate as a punishment will create fear and anxiety, completely undermining your training efforts.
• Stay Calm and Patient: Go at your puppy’s pace. Some puppies take to the crate immediately, while others need more time. Let’s never force them inside; we can use luring and rewards to make it their choice.

Key Insight: The crate should be synonymous with comfort, safety, and reward. Every interaction with it should be positive. This association turns the crate from a simple box into a powerful management and training tool that benefits both you and your puppy for years to come.

By implementing these strategies, you can help your puppy see their crate as a cherished personal space. For a more comprehensive guide, you can find detailed steps on how to crate train a puppy.

7 Key Puppy Training Tips Comparison

Training Method	Implementation Complexity 🔄	Resource Requirements ⚡	Expected Outcomes 📊	Ideal Use Cases 💡	Key Advantages ⭐
Start House Training Immediately	Moderate – needs constant vigilance initially	Time-intensive, supervision, enzymatic cleaners	Clean home, prevents behavioral issues	New puppy arrival, housebreaking	Builds routine, prevents accidents
Use Positive Reinforcement Training	Moderate – requires timing and consistency	Quality treats, attention from all family members	Confident, eager-to-learn puppy	Teaching behaviors, obedience training	Strengthens bond, proven effective
Prioritize Early Socialization	High – requires careful exposure and timing	Time investment, controlled environments	Well-adjusted, confident adult dogs	Critical 3-14 week period, fear/aggression prevention	Prevents behavioral problems, reduces anxiety
Establish Consistent Daily Routines	Low – mostly planning and consistency	Commitment from family, scheduling	Reduced stress, predictable behavior	Overall puppy care, anxiety reduction	Creates security, supports training and habits
Teach Basic Commands Early	Moderate – daily short sessions needed	Time daily, consistent commands	Better communication, safety, mental stimulation	Foundational obedience and safety	Builds solid training base, keeps puppy engaged
Address Biting and Chewing Behaviors	Moderate – requires supervision and redirection	Chew toys variety, supervision time	Reduced destructive chewing, bite inhibition	Teething puppies, preventing damage	Protects belongings, eases teething discomfort
Implement Crate Training	Moderate – gradual introduction required	Proper crate, bedding, toys	Accelerated house training, safe space	House training aid, unsupervised puppy safety	Prevents destruction, aids travel and vet visits

Your Journey Together is Just Beginning

Whew, we’ve navigated a significant amount of ground together, covering the essential first steps in raising a well-behaved, happy companion. From the immediate necessity of house training to the foundational power of positive reinforcement, these aren’t just items on a to-do list; they are the cornerstones of a lifelong bond. The collection of dog training tips for puppies we’ve explored represents the start of a beautiful, albeit sometimes messy, adventure.

Remember that each tip, whether it’s prioritising early socialisation or establishing a consistent routine, works in harmony with the others. A solid routine makes house training easier. Positive reinforcement makes teaching commands like “Sit” and “Stay” a joy rather than a chore. And early, positive socialisation helps prevent fear-based reactions, making every other aspect of training smoother. Let’s think of it not as a race to the finish line, but as learning a new language to communicate with your four-legged family member.

The Most Important Takeaways

If you absorb nothing else from this guide, let it be these core principles. They are the true heart of successful puppy training.

• Patience is Your Superpower: Your puppy is a baby, learning about a brand-new world. There will be accidents, chewed slippers, and moments of apparent deafness. Your calm, patient response in these moments is far more instructive than any frustration.
• Consistency is Your Compass: Dogs thrive on predictability. Consistent rules, commands, and reactions from everyone in the household create a secure environment where your puppy understands what is expected of them. This is the fastest route to reliable behaviour.
• Love is Your Fuel: Training is an act of love. It’s about keeping your puppy safe, helping them navigate our human world confidently, and building a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Every treat, every “Good boy!”, and every gentle correction deepens this connection.

Your Actionable Next Steps

Feeling overwhelmed? That’s completely normal, we understand. The key is to start small and build momentum. Don’t try to master everything in one weekend.

1. Choose One Focus Area: For the next week, let’s decide on your top priority. Is it getting the house-training schedule absolutely perfect? Or is it introducing the crate in a positive way? Give that one area your full attention.
2. Schedule Training Sessions: Block out two or three 5-10 minute training sessions in your calendar each day. We can use this time to work on a basic command or practice loose-leash walking in the garden. Keeping sessions short prevents your puppy from getting bored or frustrated.
3. Celebrate the Small Wins: Did your puppy go a whole day without an accident? Did they sit on the first try? Acknowledge and celebrate it! These small victories are the building blocks of major progress and will keep you both motivated.

Mastering these initial dog training tips for puppies is about so much more than just having an obedient dog. It’s about nurturing a confident, secure, and joyful animal who trusts you implicitly. The effort you invest now pays dividends for years to come, creating a companion who is a pleasure to be around, welcome in more places, and, most importantly, a deeply integrated member of your family. You are shaping your puppy’s entire understanding of the world and their place in it. By leading with kindness and clear guidance, you’re not just training a dog; you’re raising a friend. Welcome to the beginning of one of the most rewarding journeys of your life.

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