You can turn your cute, rambunctious puppy into super puppy by taking a little extra time to shape the behaviors and personality you want him to have as an adult. Most behavior problems in puppies are very normal behaviors, but performed at the wrong time, in the wrong place or directed at the wrong objects. A little forethought, adequate supervision, appropriate confinement and early training go a long way toward keeping them out of trouble, not to mention saving the relationship and the home.
You will want to begin obedience training soon after you bring your puppy home. Early training can help you gain control of your puppy, prevent a wide variety of problems and promote desirable behavior. If you wait until your puppy is six months of age or older to begin training, you will have lost valuable time. At an early age, puppies learn more quickly. Using positive reinforcement methods, training can start as early as 8 weeks of age.
Too often, pet owners resort to punishment when they believe the pet has stepped out of line. Punishment is a poor tool for shaping behavior in most situations. Physical corrections and harsh scoldings are likely to bruise your relationship and can lead to more serious problems, such as aggression. Never swat, spank, thump, shake or yell at your puppy. Avoid doing anything that makes your puppy act frightened or reluctant to approach you.
About Dr. Wayne Hunthausen, DVM
The Puppy Training section was contributed by Wayne Hunthausen, DVM. Dr. Hunthausen is a veterinarian and pet behavior consultant who has worked with pet owners and veterinarians throughout North America since 1982 to solve companion animal behavior problems. He has also served as the president and executive board member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
Dr. Hunthausen has written for numerous pet publications, co-authored pet behavior books and helped develop an award-winning safety video for children and pets. In his spare time, he is an avid photographer and enjoys skiing, cycling, movies, traveling with his wife, Jan, and hiking with their dogs Ralphie, Beau and Peugeot.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini dry dog food is tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs while being gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a large bite size.
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Learn more about how dogs for seniors are loyal companions. They are pack animals who want nothing more than some attention, activity, and love.
Wondering what's the best time of year to adopt a dog? Learn how to choose the right season to welcome a new furry friend into your home.
Discover whether you might have a spoiled dog on your hands and learn alternative ways to show your pup that you love them.
Learn expert tips on the best ways to walk your large breed dog, including training suggestions, which equipment works best, and how to walk multiple dogs.
Find out why crate training your puppy should be a necessary step in your home obedience teaching. Learn about all of the benefits of kennel training.
Understand the role that Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids play in your dog's overall health, and how you can ensure they are getting enough.
Learn all about dog cone collars: Why your pup may need one, choosing the best type, how long they're usually worn and tips to help dogs manage their cone.
Discover if your dog is actually interested in watching TV, how to pick something you'll both like and the science behind some dogs' TV preferences.
Discover the many conditions that cause excessive thirst in dogs, from simple dehydration to more serious issues, and learn when you should visit the vet.
Learn how to recognise if your dog has an upset stomach or sensitive stomach issues, how a veterinarian might treat it and how nutrition can help.
Thinking of using a dog whistle with your furry friend? Learn the different types of whistles, if they are safe for your dog, and training considerations.
Understand if dogs get jealous and what you can do to keep their envious behaviors at bay through fair treatment.
Learn about the potential health risks of a raw diet for dogs and why they aren't the best option for your pup or you.
Learn whether or not dogs truly have best friends, including information on their loyalty to humans and behavioral tendencies to support the idea.
Can Dogs Get Hiccups?
Learn what pyoderma in dogs looks like, what causes it and how nutrition & your dog's food can play a role in preventing and treating the infection.
Learn tell-tale signs to figure out if your dog really likes going to day care, as well as signs that it might be time to explore other day care options.
Luxating patella in dogs, or kneecap displacement, is a common orthopedic disease. Learn the different stages of this condition & how it's usually treated.
Rehoming a dog may seem overwhelming after the death of a loved one, but there are a few simple tips you can take to help make the adjustment.
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