How Early Can You Train A Puppy

A Word from Editor Cinnamon

The answer to this question is simple: start training your puppy immediately! Just like a young child absorbs language and experiences, a puppy is especially open to learning. Often, a pup’s first lessons come from their parents, which helps with social skills and even early potty training. But not every puppy begins with that strong foundation, so the responsibility falls to us, their hooman parents.

Editor Cinnamon

Potty Training a Puppy

This is usually the first (and most urgent) focus for new puppy parents. Either your pup already has some good habits, or you’re spending your waking, and unwaking, hours cleaning up accidents. If you’re in the second group, here are some top puppy potty training tips.

Remember It’s Natural

Please don’t punish your pup for accidents. Every puppy needs to relieve themselves, and if they aren’t given enough opportunities, your carpet may pay the price. If a mess happens, clean it up quietly without letting your pup watch. You don’t want them to associate shame or attention with accidents, otherwise they may just hide the evidence, and you’ll be playing messy hide-and-seek.

Give Ample Opportunity

Take your pup outside every few hours, especially about 30 minutes after meals, after a big drink, and just before bedtime. This consistency is the foundation of house training your puppy successfully.

Build a Routine

Feed at the same times every day. This not only creates structure but also lets you predict potty times more easily. Give the last meal a few hours before bedtime to reduce late-night wake-ups. While pups should always have fresh water, removing the bowl an hour before bed can cut down on midnight accidents.

Location, Location, Location

Why does your Persian rug always seem like the favorite spot? Because it’s soft! Puppies naturally prefer soft surfaces. The best option is grass, but if that’s unavailable, use a puppy training pad. Stick to a single location: dogs are creatures of habit, and familiar smells will guide them back to the right spot.

Crate Training for Puppies

Crates aren’t a magic solution, but they can be a helpful tool. Most pups won’t soil their sleeping area without giving you noisy warning protests first, so think of it as an alarm system to get them outside in time. Just remember: crate training should always be paired with regular potty breaks and positive reinforcement, never as punishment.

Play Bow

Basic Puppy Training Commands

We all dream of pups trained like the Belgian Malinois stars of social media, but every dog has to start with the basics. The key? Consistency. Aim for 10 –15 minutes of puppy training exercises each day.

Pro tip: Use one of your pup’s meals for training rewards. Combine food with verbal praise like “good boy!” and, if you like, clicker training (click when giving the reward until your pup associates the click with good behavior).

Come Command

Call your pup’s name followed by the command “come.” Reward immediately when they arrive. If they ignore you, don’t repeat endlessly, simply walk away, pause, and try again.

Follow Me

Hold a treat at nose level and encourage your pup to walk with you while saying the command. Reward every few steps. Once they’re comfortable, increase the distance and reward whenever they check in with you by looking up for guidance.

Sit Command

This is a natural behavior and one of the easiest to teach. Hold a treat above your pup’s nose and move it back. As their head tilts up, their bottom will drop into a sit. Give the command and reward instantly.

Down Command

Start with your pup in a sit. Slowly lower a treat to the ground while giving the command “down.” Reward only when they lie fully down. Once that’s solid, practice from a standing start.

Stay Command

Ask for a sit, then step one pace back and say “stay.” If successful, return to them and reward. Don’t call them to you for the treat, as this confuses the command. Gradually increase the distance over time.

Leia, Sit.

Turning Puppy Behaviors into Tricks

Unwanted behaviors can often be redirected into fun tricks. For example, I used to paw at my mommy for attention. She turned it into the “paw” command. Now every time I do it, she laughs, praises me, and gives a treat. What was once annoying is now adorable on command!

How to Handle Undesirable Puppy Behaviors

Remember: puppies aren’t born knowing not to chew shoes or dig up the garden. Exploration with teeth and paws is natural. Prevent problems by supervising closely and providing plenty of safe chew toys.

Training itself also burns energy, it’s mental exercise as much as physical. For digging, channel the instinct into a “yes-zone.” Outdoors, dedicate a garden spot where digging is encouraged. Indoors, create a dig box with old blankets and hide toys inside.

Puppy School and Socialisation

If possible, enroll your pup in a puppy training class. It’s not just for training: it teaches vital dog socialization skills, setting your dog up for a well-adjusted future. Above all, remember: consistency is key.

With patience and practice, your pup will grow into a wonderful companion. And who knows? If you dream big, and with YouTube’s help, your fur baby might just become the next social media star!

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