Training Your Puppy: Essential Commands Every Dog Should Know

Bringing a new puppy home is a heart-warming and exciting experience, but it also comes with its challenges—especially when it comes to training. Establishing good behaviour early on is crucial for ensuring that your puppy grows into a well-behaved, happy companion.

Training is not just about teaching tricks; it’s about building communication and trust with your dog. Knowing the right commands can help prevent common behavioural issues, promote safety, and enhance your relationship with your puppy.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the essential commands every puppy should know, why they are important, and how to teach them effectively.

Why Training Your Puppy Early is Crucial

Puppy training should begin as soon as you bring your new companion home, typically between 8 to 10 weeks of age. The earlier you start, the easier it will be for your puppy to learn and develop good habits. Puppies are like sponges at this stage—they absorb information rapidly, and training at this age sets the foundation for their behaviour in adulthood.

Building Good Habits from Day One

Training early helps to set expectations and boundaries. When a puppy is left untrained, it may develop unwanted behaviours such as chewing, jumping, or barking excessively. These habits can be difficult to break later in life. However, with early training, you can shape positive behaviours, making it easier for your puppy to adapt to your household and lifestyle.

Preventing Behavioural Issues Before They Start

Many behavioural problems in dogs arise due to a lack of training or inconsistent training methods. By teaching basic commands early on, you prevent issues such as pulling on the leash, not coming when called, or begging for food. Commands like "sit" or "stay" help control impulsive behaviour, making it easier to manage your dog in various situations.

Strengthening the Bond Between You and Your Puppy

Training also deepens the bond between you and your puppy. It fosters communication, trust, and mutual respect. As your puppy learns to obey commands, they begin to rely on you for guidance, which makes them more confident and secure. It also creates a sense of teamwork—when your dog knows what’s expected of them, they’re less likely to misbehave and more likely to engage positively with you.

The Fundamentals of Positive Reinforcement

When it comes to puppy training, positive reinforcement is one of the most effective and humane methods. Instead of focusing on what your dog is doing wrong, positive reinforcement encourages good behaviour by rewarding it.

How Positive Reinforcement Encourages Good Behaviour

Positive reinforcement works by rewarding the behaviours you want to see more of. This could be in the form of treats, praise, toys, or playtime. The more you reward desirable actions, the more likely your puppy will repeat them. This method builds a positive association with commands and instructions, which speeds up the learning process.

The Dos and Don’ts of Using Treats

While treats are a fantastic tool for training, it’s important to use them correctly:

• Do: Use small, bite-sized treats that your puppy can consume quickly.
• Do: Immediately reward your puppy after they perform the desired behaviour.
• Don’t: Overfeed with treats. Make sure the treat is a reward, not an expectation.
• Don’t: Rely only on treats. Transition to using praise or affection as your puppy becomes more consistent with commands.

Alternative Rewards: Praise, Toys, and Affection

Rewards don’t always have to be food-based. Many puppies respond just as well to verbal praise, physical affection (like a belly rub or a pat on the head), or the opportunity to play with their favourite toy. This can be especially useful for puppies who are less food-motivated or for owners who want to minimise treat reliance over time.

The Essential Commands Every Puppy Should Learn

Teaching your puppy the right commands is critical not only for good behavior but also for safety. Whether it’s to keep your dog from running into the street or to stop them from eating something harmful, these commands will help you manage your dog in a variety of situations.

1. "Sit" Command – Building Attention and Control

The "sit" command is one of the first and easiest commands to teach your puppy. It lays the foundation for more advanced commands and is often a calming cue when your dog gets overly excited.

How to Teach "Sit":

1. Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.
2. Slowly move the treat upwards, causing your puppy’s head to follow the treat, which naturally lowers their back end to the ground.
3. Once their bottom hits the floor, say "sit" and immediately give them the treat and praise.
4. Repeat several times daily until your puppy responds consistently.

The "sit" command is invaluable in a variety of situations, such as before feeding, when greeting guests, or while waiting at the door.

2. "Stay" Command – Teaching Patience and Focus

"Stay" is essential for teaching your dog patience and ensuring they remain in one place until you release them. This command is particularly useful for safety, preventing your dog from bolting into dangerous areas.

How to Teach "Stay":

1. Start with your dog in the "sit" position.
2. Show your dog the palm of your hand while saying "stay" in a firm, calm voice.
3. Take a step back. If your puppy stays, give them a treat and praise.
4. Gradually increase the distance and time before rewarding them.

Be patient—it may take time for your puppy to understand "stay" as it requires self-control. Practice this command frequently in different environments to reinforce it.

3. "Come" Command – Ensuring Safety and Recall

One of the most important commands for your dog’s safety is "come." Whether they’ve slipped off the leash or are playing in the park, having a reliable recall command is crucial.

How to Teach "Come":

1. Attach a long leash to your puppy and let them explore within a safe area.
2. Stand a short distance away, crouch down, and say "come" while using a happy, inviting tone.
3. Gently tug on the leash if they don’t immediately come to you.
4. When they reach you, give them a treat and plenty of praise.

Practice "come" in various scenarios, including indoors, in the yard, and at the park. Always make coming to you a positive experience, never punish your dog when they return to you, even if they’ve misbehaved.

4. "Down" Command – Encouraging Calm Behaviour

The "down" command is useful for getting your dog into a calm, submissive position. It’s great for situations where you need your dog to settle, like when visitors arrive or during mealtime.

How to Teach "Down":

1. Start with your dog in the "sit" position.
2. Hold a treat close to their nose and slowly lower it to the ground.
3. As their head follows the treat, their body will naturally lower into the down position.
4. Once they’re fully down, say "down" and reward them with the treat.

This command may take longer for some dogs to grasp as it requires a greater level of trust and submission. Be patient and avoid pushing your dog into the position.

5. "Leave It" Command – Controlling Impulsive Behaviour

"Leave it" is essential for preventing your dog from grabbing or eating something harmful. This command can also stop your dog from lunging at other animals or objects while on a walk.

How to Teach "Leave It":

1. Show your dog a treat, and then close your hand around it while saying "leave it."
2. Your dog may paw or sniff your hand—wait until they lose interest.
3. Once they stop focusing on your hand, reward them with a different treat and praise.
4. Practice this until your dog consistently leaves the treat alone when told.

Once your dog masters this indoors, practice in different environments with distractions, like toys or food they’re tempted to grab.

6. "Heel" Command – Walking Nicely on a Leash

"Heel" teaches your dog to walk calmly beside you on a leash without pulling. This command is especially important for larger dogs or when walking in busy areas.

How to Teach "Heel":

1. Start with your dog standing beside you on a loose leash.
2. Hold a treat in your hand near their nose and take a step forward while saying "heel."
3. Reward your dog when they walk calmly beside you.
4. Gradually increase the distance before giving them the treat.

Consistency is key with this command. Practice short walks, gradually increasing the distance. If your puppy starts to pull, stop walking and wait for them to return to your side before moving again.

Common Puppy Training Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Training a puppy can be challenging, and many owners make mistakes that can slow the process or confuse the dog. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a smooth training experience.

Inconsistency in Commands and Responses

Dogs thrive on consistency. If different family members use different commands or allow certain behaviours at times but not at others, it can confuse the puppy. Make sure everyone in your household uses the same commands and enforces the same rules.

Using Punishment Instead of Positive Reinforcement

Punishing a dog for not following commands or for making mistakes can lead to fear and anxiety. Positive reinforcement is a far more effective and humane approach. Focus on rewarding good behaviour rather than punishing bad behaviour.

Overcomplicating the Training Process

Some owners try to teach too many commands at once, which can overwhelm the puppy. Stick to one command at a time, ensuring your dog masters it before moving on to the next.

Not Taking Training Outside of the House

Puppies may behave perfectly inside the house but become distracted outdoors. Make sure to practice commands in a variety of environments, such as parks or streets, where there are distractions. This will help your puppy understand that commands apply everywhere, not just at home.

How Long Should Training Sessions Last?

Puppies have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep training sessions brief yet frequent.

Balancing Playtime and Learning

Training should be fun for both you and your puppy. Incorporate short sessions of 5-10 minutes, two to three times a day. Follow up with playtime or a walk to balance the learning with activities they enjoy.

Signs Your Puppy is Ready for a Break

Look out for signs of frustration or fatigue. If your puppy starts to lose focus, becomes distracted, or shows signs of frustration like barking or whining, it’s time to end the session. Training should always end on a positive note, even if it means asking your dog to perform a simple command they already know.

How Often Should You Practice Commands?

Repetition is key when training a puppy. Practice commands several times a day, but avoid long, drawn-out sessions. Focus on short bursts of training throughout the day to keep your puppy engaged and eager to learn.

Tips for Continued Training Success

Training doesn’t stop once your puppy has learned the basics. To ensure long-term success, continued practice and reinforcement are essential.

Stay Consistent Even as Your Dog Grows

As your dog grows, continue practicing the commands they’ve learned. Even if they master a command, occasional practice ensures they remain sharp and responsive. Consistency is key to maintaining good behaviour into adulthood.

Incorporate Commands into Daily Routines

Try incorporating training into daily routines. Ask your dog to "sit" before meals, "stay" while you answer the door, or "come" during playtime. This helps your dog understand that commands apply to real-life situations, not just training sessions.

When to Seek Professional Training Help

If you’re struggling with training or if your puppy exhibits behaviour issues that seem beyond your control, consider seeking professional help. Puppy training classes or one-on-one sessions with a certified dog trainer can provide the guidance and structure needed to address specific challenges.

Training your puppy is an investment that pays off for a lifetime. By teaching your puppy essential commands like "sit," "stay," and "come," you’re setting the stage for a well-mannered, safe, and happy dog. Remember that training is an ongoing process, so be patient and consistent, and always use positive reinforcement to encourage the behaviour you want.

At Pet PaWz, we know how important it is to start your puppy’s training journey on the right foot. From delicious training treats to durable toys and leashes, we have everything you need to make your puppy’s training experience fun and effective. Explore our wide range of puppy products and accessories at Pet PaWz, and set your furry friend up for success today!