A new puppy does not arrive knowing the household rules. They are learning where to toilet, what can be chewed, how to settle and whether the unfamiliar world is safe. Training works best when it makes the right choice easy and rewarding.
Before you teach cues, set up for success
Use baby gates, a puppy pen or closed doors to limit access to areas you cannot supervise. Put shoes, electrical cords, medicines and children’s toys out of reach. Keep a suitable chew toy nearby so you can redirect your puppy before a mistake becomes a habit.
Young puppies need plenty of sleep. A puppy who suddenly becomes frantic, mouthy or unable to listen may be overtired rather than naughty. Offer a quiet, comfortable place to rest.
1. Teach their name and attention
Say your puppy’s name once in a cheerful voice. When they look toward you, mark the moment with “yes” and give a small treat. Practise three to five repetitions in a quiet room.
Their name should mean “look at me”, not “you are in trouble”. Avoid repeating it when your puppy is distracted. Make the exercise easier by moving closer or using a quieter location.
2. Begin toilet training immediately
Take your puppy to the chosen toilet area after waking, eating, drinking and playing, and before bedtime. Very young puppies also need frequent opportunities between these events. Stay calm and allow time to sniff.
Reward your puppy immediately after they finish in the correct place. If an accident happens, clean it thoroughly and adjust the routine. Scolding after an accident does not teach where to go and may make a puppy hide when they need to toilet.
3. Build a happy recall
Begin indoors with one person holding the puppy while another moves a short distance away. Say your recall word—such as “come”—once, then encourage the puppy toward you. Reward generously when they arrive.
Never call your puppy to punish them or only to end every enjoyable activity. Outdoors, practise in a secure area or use a long line until recall is reliable. A long line should be attached to a well-fitted harness and used under supervision.
4. Reward calm settling
Place a mat near you. When your puppy steps onto it, calmly drop a treat between their paws. Reward sitting, lying down and remaining relaxed. Over time, the mat becomes a familiar place to settle while the family eats, works or welcomes visitors.
5. Make handling feel safe
Gently touch one ear, paw or part of the body, then give a treat. Keep each interaction brief and stop if your puppy pulls away or looks worried. Gradual, positive handling prepares them for grooming and veterinary care.
6. Manage puppy biting
Mouthing is normal puppy behaviour, but sharp teeth still hurt. Keep play calm and offer an appropriate toy before hands or clothing become the target. If teeth touch skin, pause interaction briefly, then redirect to the toy. Make sure children do not run, squeal or wave hands around a puppy who is already excited.
If biting becomes intense, consider whether the puppy needs sleep, a toilet break or a calmer activity. Avoid shouting, hitting, holding the muzzle closed or using other frightening corrections.
7. Introduce the lead without a battle
Let your puppy become comfortable wearing a well-fitted collar or harness under supervision. Indoors, reward them for standing beside you and taking a few steps while the lead remains loose. Build duration gradually before expecting a neighbourhood walk.
Socialisation means safe, positive experiences
Socialisation is not simply meeting as many dogs as possible. It means helping your puppy feel safe around different people, friendly animals, surfaces, sounds, locations and everyday handling. Give your puppy space, pair new experiences with something enjoyable and never force an interaction.
Ask your veterinarian which outings are appropriate for your puppy’s age, vaccination status and local disease risk. Reward-based puppy classes and controlled meetings with healthy, sociable, fully vaccinated dogs can be useful. Busy dog parks are not a suitable first classroom for a young puppy.
A realistic five-minute training routine
- One minute of name response and eye contact.
- One minute of recall across a room.
- One minute of calm handling with treats.
- One minute rewarding the puppy on their mat.
- One minute of play, then trade the toy for a treat and return it.
Repeat small sessions at convenient times rather than attempting one long lesson. Training also happens during real life: waiting for a food bowl, choosing four paws on the floor, toileting outside and settling quietly all count.
When to ask for help
Contact your veterinarian if behaviour changes suddenly or may be linked to pain or illness. Seek help from a qualified reward-based trainer or veterinary behaviour professional if your puppy shows persistent fear, guarding, aggression, severe distress when left alone, or behaviour that puts people or animals at risk.