Helpful Tips On Training Your New Puppy June 16, 2025

Helpful Tips on Training Your New Puppy: A Beginner's Guide

1. Start Training Early (Like... Now!)

Puppies are little learning machines from the moment they step paw into your home. The earlier you start training, the easier it is to shape good habits—before the chewing, jumping, and zoomies take over! Even at 8 weeks old, your pup can begin learning basic commands like “sit” and “come.” Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes), fun, and full of treats and praise. Early training builds trust, boosts confidence, and sets the stage for a well-mannered best friend.

2. Keep It Short, Sweet, and Consistent

Puppies have the attention span of a squirrel on espresso—so don’t overdo it. Aim for a few 5–10 minute training sessions each day rather than one long lesson. Repetition is your best friend: use the same words, tone, and cues each time. “Sit” should always mean “sit,” not “sit… unless you’re distracted by a leaf.” When your pup gets it right, reward immediately with treats, praise, or a quick play break. Consistency builds confidence and helps your pup understand what’s expected.

3. Start with the Basics (and Nail Them!)

Before your pup masters fancy tricks like “roll over,” start with the essentials: sit, stay, come, and leave it. These core commands aren’t just party tricks—they’re safety tools for everyday life. Use high-value treats your pup goes wild for, and practice in quiet spaces first. As they get the hang of it, slowly introduce distractions like other people or pets. Mastering the basics gives your dog a solid foundation to build on—and makes life easier (and less chaotic) for you!

4. Be Consistent—Even When It's Hard

Dogs thrive on routine and repetition. If you let them jump on the couch one day and scold them the next, they’ll be so confused. Keep commands, rewards, and boundaries consistent across everyone in the household—yes, that includes your kids and your partner! Consistency helps your pup learn faster and builds trust. So even if you’re tired, frustrated, or tempted to let that behavior slide, remember: every moment is a training moment.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

Potty outside? Sit on command? Not chewing your favorite shoes today? That’s a win! 🥳 Puppies are learning machines, and every small success deserves a little celebration—whether it’s a treat, belly rub, or happy voice. Positive reinforcement helps your pup understand what you do want from them. The more you praise the good stuff, the faster you’ll see more of it. So go ahead, throw a mini party for that “good boy” moment!

Final Thoughts: Training Takes Time (and Treats!)

Raising a well-behaved puppy doesn’t happen overnight—but with a little patience, a lot of love, and the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to having a confident, happy dog. Remember, every pup learns at their own pace. So take a deep breath, stock up on treats, and enjoy the journey—tail wags, accidents, and all. 🐾

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In the beginning

Potty training a puppy requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Start by establishing a routine. Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, naps, and playtime. Designate a specific potty spot and use a command like “go potty” to associate the action with the word. Reward your puppy immediately after they succeed with praise or treats. Supervise them indoors, and watch for signs like sniffing or circling, which indicate they need to go. Accidents will happen—clean them up promptly without punishment. With consistency and encouragement, most puppies can be reliably potty trained within a few weeks.

Using Puppy Pads to train your puppy

Training your puppy to use puppy pads indoors can be a convenient solution, especially for small spaces or cold climates. Begin by placing the puppy pads in a consistent, easy-to-access location. Introduce your puppy to the pad and use a command like “go potty” to associate the action. Watch for signs your puppy needs to go, such as sniffing or circling, and gently guide them to the pad. Reward success with praise or treats immediately.

To prevent accidents, confine your puppy to a small area with the pad when unsupervised. Gradually move the pad closer to the door if you plan to transition to outdoor potty training later. Patience and consistency are key. Keep pads clean and celebrate progress to build positive habits!

Helpful Tips for Potty Training Your Puppy

Set a Schedule: Puppies thrive on routine. Take your puppy outside (or to the puppy pad) at consistent times, such as first thing in the morning, after eating or drinking, and before bedtime.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your puppy immediately after they go in the correct spot. Use treats, praise, or a favorite toy to reinforce good behavior.
Supervise Closely: Watch your puppy for signs they need to go, like sniffing, whining, or circling. Quickly guide them to the designated potty area.
Use a Crate: Crates help puppies develop bladder control because they naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. Take them out immediately after crate time.
Consistency is Key: Use the same command, location, and routine to minimize confusion.
Clean Accidents Properly: Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors and discourage repeat accidents in the same spot.
Be Patient: Potty training takes time. Avoid punishment for accidents—it can create fear and slow progress.

Stay consistent and encouraging, and your puppy will learn!

Helpful tips on training your new puppy