Puppy Training Basics

The habits a puppy learns in the first few months shape the dog they become. Training doesn't need to be formal or strict. Short, fun sessions and lots of everyday practice are what count.

Socialization Comes First

The most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. During this time, puppies should meet as many new people, animals, sights, sounds and places as can be managed safely, without overwhelming them. If your puppy shows signs of fear, such as pulling back, hiding or trying to avoid something, slow down and give them more distance.

Ideas to build into your puppy's first weeks at home:

Gentle handling of paws, ears and mouth, so vet visits and grooming are easier later
Meeting calm, friendly people of different ages and looks
Everyday sounds, such as the vacuum cleaner, doorbell and traffic
Short car rides and new surfaces to walk on
Calm, vaccinated, friendly adult dogs

Puppy Classes

Puppy classes are a great way to train and socialize in a safe setting. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior says puppies can start classes as early as 7 to 8 weeks old, as long as they have had at least one set of vaccines at least 7 days before the first class and a first deworming, and they stay up to date on vaccines throughout. Ask your vet what's right for your puppy. See our Vaccinations guide for more.

Use Reward-Based Training

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends using only reward-based methods for all dog training, including for behavior problems. It advises against aversive methods, which use force, pain or intimidation, because they harm welfare and the bond between dog and owner, and there's no evidence they work better.

In practice, this means:

Reward the behavior you want, straight away, with a small tasty treat, praise or a game.
Prevent mistakes where you can, for example by putting shoes away or using a pen, instead of telling your puppy off afterward.
Ignore or calmly redirect unwanted behavior, and reward your puppy when they get it right.

First Cues to Teach

Keep sessions short, a few minutes at a time, and end while your puppy is still keen.

Name - say their name and reward them for looking at you.
Sit - hold a treat just above their nose and move it slowly back over their head. As their bottom goes down, say "yes" and reward.
Come - start indoors at a short distance, say the cue happily, and reward well when they reach you. Never call your puppy to you to scold them.
Leave it - show a treat in a closed hand, wait until they stop trying to get it, then reward from your other hand.
Settle - reward your puppy for lying calmly on a mat or bed, so they learn that quiet time is good too.
Walking on a loose leash - reward your puppy often for walking next to you, and stop walking when the leash goes tight.

Biting and Chewing

Puppies explore with their mouths. When teeth touch skin, stop the game briefly and offer a chew toy instead. Give your puppy plenty of safe things to chew, and put away anything you don't want chewed.

Time Alone

Teach your puppy that being alone is safe, starting with a few minutes while you're in another room and building up slowly. Leave them somewhere comfortable with a chew or puzzle toy. If your puppy panics when left, go back a step and ask your vet or a qualified trainer for help.

Getting Help

If training feels hard, or you're worried about fear, growling or biting, ask your vet first, as pain or illness can affect behavior. They can also refer you to a qualified trainer or veterinary behaviorist who uses reward-based methods.

See also House Training, Vaccinations and Dog Breeds.

Sources

Last reviewed October 15, 2026