Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for both of you, but it's not without its busy moments; your new pet needs to learn what behavior is acceptable. While showing him the ropes, consider these options for training a puppy, whether you do it yourself or hire someone to help you dictate the good and bad behavior.
Before you get started, make a list of all the things you want your dog to know. Teach him basic commands to which he'll need to answer most often, such as "sit," "down," "roll," "paw," "stay," or "come." You may want to control or decrease barking and whining during this process as well. Other behaviors include leash training, not begging for food, and how to avoid accidents in the house. Once you know what you want your best friend to learn, you can decide which puppy training tips you want to use.
When you get a new dog, you may consider training him at home. It's a great way to get to know each other and helps establish good habits in your new shared living space. A dog who naturally respects you as the leader will enjoy the learning process, too, even as you teach him what's not allowed in and out of the house. Before you begin training a puppy, familiarize yourself with the different methods available. Be sure to plan out a training program and stick with it through the trial and error. Dogs are creatures of habit, and the more consistent you are with training, the more they will be in return.
New puppies are extremely motivated by treats. A reward-based training program is a great way to encourage your dog to learn and follow commands. However, you need to be mindful that too many treats can cause weight gain, so make sure to slowly ween him off treats as he starts to perform behaviors based on verbal commands. Also, training your dog with rewards isn't the only tool you have when training on your own. Who's the pack leader in your house? Dogs are "pack" animals, and by instinct they follow the "alpha dog." Be your dog's pack leader by setting and showing him a firm example of how you expect him to behave. Use verbal praise every time he completes a command to reinforce the good behavior, as well as strengthen your bond.
If you feel unsure about training a puppy on your own, connect with a specialist who can give you the puppy training tips that allow you to share the lead on education. Make sure the trainer who's educating your new puppy has credentials you trust and a philosophy you can agree with. For example, some trainers may not tailor their approach to specific breeds, or might seem too invasive for your taste.
Another option if you don't want to work one-on-one with a trainer is to sign up for group classes. Not only will you and your dog learn from a professional, but it will give him an opportunity to socialize with other dogs. The better socialized your dog is with others, people and animals alike, the more likely he'll behave wherever you go. Ask your veterinarian or visit your local pet specialty store to help find classes in your area.
Whether you do it on your own or with the help of a professional, the most important thing to keep in mind while training your four-legged friend is to be patient and positive. He's learning so many new things about the world around him, it can be difficult for him to remember everything he's learned. Allow him to make mistakes every once in a while; being calm and encouraging while your dog is learning is just as important as reinforcing the rules he'll eventually master.
Don't forget to ask for puppy training tips from friends, family, and professionals when you need it. Training a new dog takes patience, but it should be a wonderful time in both of your lives!
Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Chicken & Barley recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
While vaccinations can help guard your dog or puppy against a range of health problems, there are some common dog health problems that can't. Learn more.
A dog's nose can be an indicator of health, so learn how to best care for your dog if their nose is dry, cracked, warm, red, flaky, or has nasal discharge.
Learn where your dog's bad dog behavior comes from, as well as advice on dealing with it it and training tips to help him to overcome common issues.
Learn how much to feed your new puppy, how to handle a pup that's a picky eater, and whether wet or dry dog food is best for his needs.
Learn about old dog syndrome, also called vestibular disease, which could be a reason your senior pup is having balance or dizziness issues.
Learn if dogs have dominant paws like humans have dominant hands, and discover how you can determine if your dog has a paw preference.
Learn the underlying causes behind excessive dog farting, signs that gas problems may be a larger health concern, and how to help manage these issues.
Learn how to recognize signs of depression in your dog, the underlying reasons he might be feeling down, and what you can do to help lift his spirits.
Learn helpful information about pancreatitis in dogs, including common symptoms, how it's diagnosed & treated, and long-term prognosis for dogs with it.
Adopting a dog can be overwhelming if you simply don't know where to begin. Learn about ten things you should do to ensure a smooth, and fun, transition.
Learn the physical signs that your dog is stressed, such as changes in appetite or increased urination, common causes of stress and tips for stress relief.
My Dog Ate Raw Chicken: What Should I Do?
Learn about bladder stones in dogs, including common types of stones (struvite vs oxalate), symptoms your dog might show & treatment options from your vet.
Anxiety can be a problem for dogs, especially ones new to your family. Learn how common anxiety symptoms like diarrhea can happen & how to help them relax.
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and diseases that affect a dog.
Discover why your dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, how you can help them get used to it and overcome their fear.
Learn about the rules for house training your puppy, preventing your puppy from starting any bad habits, how to keep a schedule and rewarding good behavior.
Learn how to spot bullying behavior in dogs, including signs like being pushy, aggressive and stealing other dogs' food, and tips for putting a stop to it.
Learn the proper technique and supplies you can use to clean your dog's ears, including some tips to make it as smooth as possible for him.
If you're planning on transporting or traveling with your puppy any time soon, you should consider following these helpful suggestions to keep them safe.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool