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Training a puppy can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of being a pet parent. Puppies are naturally curious and eager to learn, which makes this stage the perfect time to lay the foundation for good behavior. Whether you're a first-time dog owner or simply need a refresher, teaching your puppy basic commands can help you build trust, keep your pup safe, and make your daily life together more enjoyable.
🩺 Vet Recommendations
As a veterinarian, I often hear pet owners ask, “Where do I start with training?” The answer is to keep things simple and focus on the essentials. Puppies thrive on consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Before diving into specific commands, here are a few general tips to set you and your puppy up for success:
- Use treats or toys as rewards to keep your puppy motivated.
- Keep training sessions short—5 to 10 minutes is ideal for a puppy’s attention span.
- Practice commands daily to reinforce learning.
- Be patient and celebrate small wins. Puppies are learning how to navigate the world!
With these principles in mind, let’s explore the eight essential commands every puppy should learn.
📋 Care Tips: 8 Commands to Teach Your Puppy
1. Sit
“Sit” is one of the easiest commands to teach and serves as the foundation for many others. Here’s how to get started:
- Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose, then slowly move it upward. This motion encourages their head to follow the treat while their bottom naturally lowers to the ground.
- As soon as they sit, say “sit” and reward them with the treat.
- Practice this multiple times a day until your puppy associates the word with the action.
2. Stay
The “stay” command teaches your puppy impulse control, which is especially important in distracting or potentially dangerous situations.
- Start with your puppy in the sitting position.
- Hold up your hand like a stop sign and say “stay.”
- Take one step back. If your puppy stays in place, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.
- Gradually increase the distance and duration of the “stay” as your puppy gets better at it.
3. Come
“Come” is a lifesaving command that ensures your puppy returns to you, even in distracting environments.
- Start indoors or in a fenced area where distractions are minimal.
- Get down to your puppy’s level and excitedly say “come” while clapping your hands.
- When your puppy comes to you, reward them immediately with a treat and affection.
- Practice this command in various environments to reinforce reliability.
4. Down
The “down” command helps your puppy learn to settle and stay calm. It’s especially useful in situations where they need to relax.
- Hold a treat in your hand and let your puppy sniff it to grab their attention.
- Slowly lower the treat to the ground, encouraging them to follow it with their nose.
- Once their chest touches the floor, say “down” and reward them.
- Repeat this until they perform the action reliably.
5. Leave It
“Leave it” teaches your puppy to avoid items that could be harmful, such as dropped food or objects on walks.
- Place a treat in your hand and show it to your puppy without letting them take it.
- Close your hand and say “leave it.” Wait until your puppy stops trying to grab the treat and looks away.
- As soon as they stop, reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
- Practice this until your puppy consistently responds to the command.
6. Drop It
“Drop it” is another safety-focused command that helps you retrieve items your puppy shouldn’t have.
- Offer your puppy a toy or object they enjoy holding.
- Say “drop it” while offering a treat in exchange for the item.
- When your puppy drops the object, reward them with the treat and praise.
- Repeat this frequently to reinforce the behavior.
7. Wait
Teaching your puppy to “wait” is especially helpful for doorways, mealtime, or getting in and out of the car.
- Ask your puppy to sit, then say “wait” while holding your hand up as a signal.
- Take a small step back. If your puppy stays in place, reward them with a treat.
- Gradually increase the time and distance they have to “wait” before getting their reward.
8. Watch Me
The “watch me” command helps you get your puppy’s attention, which is critical during training or in busy environments.
- Hold a treat near your face and say “watch me.”
- When your puppy makes eye contact, reward them immediately.
- Practice this command often to strengthen their focus on you.
✅ Do’s and Don’ts
When training your puppy, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind to ensure a positive experience for both of you:
- Do use positive reinforcement with treats, toys, and praise.
- Do stay consistent with your commands and expectations.
- Do keep training sessions short and fun to maintain your puppy’s interest.
- Don’t punish your puppy for mistakes—this can lead to fear and confusion.
- Don’t rush the process. Every puppy learns at their own pace.
💡 Expert Advice
Training your puppy is about more than just teaching commands—it’s about building a strong bond and establishing trust. Celebrate small victories and remember that patience is key. If you’re struggling with specific behaviors, don’t hesitate to consult a professional trainer or veterinarian for guidance.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, early training is essential for socialization and preventing behavioral issues later in life (source).
FAQs
Q: When should I start training my puppy?
A: You can begin training your puppy as early as 8 weeks old. Puppies are like sponges at this age, making it the perfect time to teach basic commands and good behavior.
Q: What if my puppy isn’t responding to training?
A: If your puppy seems uninterested or distracted, try reducing distractions and using higher-value treats. Consistency and patience are key. If you’re still struggling, consult a professional trainer or veterinarian.
Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.
