How to Train Your Puppy, According to an Expert
Training a puppy is one of the most rewarding parts of bringing a new furry friend into your life.
With the right methods, patience, and consistency, you can set your puppy up for a lifetime of good behavior and a strong bond with you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through research-backed training techniques and expert advice to help you succeed—step by step.
How Long Should Puppy Training Sessions Be?
One of the biggest mistakes new puppy parents make is overdoing training.
Puppies have short attention spans and learn best in short, focused sessions.
Each session should last about 5 to 10 minutes
Train 3 to 5 times a day
Focus on just one behavior per session
Spreading out short sessions throughout the day helps prevent burnout and increases retention.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), frequent but brief training leads to better long-term learning.
What Are the Best Treats for Puppy Training?
Treats are powerful tools in dog training. They reinforce the behaviors you want and keep your puppy motivated. But not all treats are equal.
Use small, soft, and smelly treats
Treats should be easy to chew and quick to eat
Keep a variety of high-value treats (like boiled chicken or cheese) and low-value treats (like kibble)
Soft treats prevent distractions, and high-value options keep your pup engaged during more challenging tasks.
Always keep treats handy in a pouch or pocket so you’re ready to reward on the spot.
How to Reward Your Puppy Effectively
Timing is everything when it comes to rewards.
The faster your reward follows the behavior, the better your puppy will understand what you’re teaching.
Say a marker word like “Yes!” or use a clicker the moment the behavior occurs
Immediately follow it with a treat
Use praise and play in addition to food rewards for variety and deeper bonding
Clicker training, introduced by renowned behaviorist Karen Pryor, is a widely used method that helps you clearly communicate with your dog through consistent timing.
Luring: Should You Use Treats to Guide Behavior?
Yes! Luring is a popular and effective technique for teaching basic commands like “sit,” “down,” or “spin.”
Here’s how to do it:
Hold a treat right in front of your puppy’s nose
Slowly move it to guide them into the position you want
For “sit,” move the treat up and over their head
For “down,” move it low and straight to the floor
Once they do it, mark the behavior and give the treat
Repeat this a few times. Then, start saying the command before the lure. Eventually, you can remove the treat and use only the hand gesture and verbal cue.
Using Verbal Cues and Hand Signals Together
Pairing sound and behavior helps your puppy learn commands faster and more clearly.
Use clear, simple commands like “sit,” “down,” or “come”
Speak in a calm and positive tone
Always use the same word and gesture for each behavior
Over time, your puppy will respond to your voice alone. This consistency builds trust and understanding between you and your dog.
Modern, Research-Backed Training Approaches
Dog training has evolved a lot in recent years. Today, top trainers and researchers focus on positive, science-based methods.
Positive Reinforcement
This is the most effective and humane training approach.
You reward good behavior, which increases the chances it will happen again.
Studies show that dogs trained this way are more confident and eager to learn.
Relationship-Based Training
This method emphasizes your bond with your puppy. It encourages communication, trust, and mutual respect.
You’re not just teaching commands—you’re building a lifelong relationship.
Professional trainers and animal behaviorists agree that punishment and dominance-based methods are outdated and harmful. Instead, modern training is about collaboration, not control.
Final Tips for First-Time Puppy Owners
Keep training short, fun, and consistent
Use treats wisely to reinforce good behavior
Be patient—learning takes time
Avoid punishment—it damages trust and slows learning
End each session on a positive note
Conclusion: Puppy training
Training your puppy isn’t just about obedience—it’s about communication, trust, and teamwork.
By using short sessions, choosing the right treats, and practicing positive reinforcement, you’ll not only teach your puppy good manners but also strengthen your lifelong bond.
Top 10 Questions About Puppy Training
1. When should I start training my puppy?
It's best to begin training your puppy as soon as you bring them home, typically around 8 weeks old.
Early training helps establish good behaviors and strengthens your bond.
2. How do I socialize my puppy?
Socialization involves exposing your puppy to various people, environments, and other animals to build confidence and reduce fear.
Introduce them gradually to new experiences, ensuring each interaction is positive.
3. What are the first commands I should teach my puppy?
Start with basic commands like "sit," "stay," "come," "down," and "heel." These foundational commands promote good manners and safety.
4. How can I prevent my puppy from biting?
Puppies often bite during play or teething.
To discourage this behavior, redirect them to appropriate chew toys and avoid rough play that encourages biting.
5. How do I house-train my puppy?
Establish a consistent routine by taking your puppy outside frequently, especially after eating, drinking, or waking up.
Reward them immediately after they eliminate outside to reinforce the behavior.
6. Is crate training beneficial for my puppy?
Yes, crate training provides a safe space for your puppy and aids in house-training.
Ensure the crate is appropriately sized and introduce it gradually to create positive associations.
7. How do I handle my puppy's excessive barking?
Identify the cause of the barking, such as boredom or fear, and address it accordingly.
Provide mental and physical stimulation, and teach the "quiet" command using positive reinforcement.
8. What should I do if my puppy is afraid of certain situations or objects?
Gradually expose your puppy to the feared situation or object in a controlled manner, pairing the exposure with treats and praise to build positive associations.
9. How can I stop my puppy from jumping on people?
Teach your puppy to sit when greeting people. Ignore jumping behavior and reward them for sitting calmly to encourage polite greetings.
10. Should I use punishment to correct my puppy's behavior?
No, positive reinforcement is more effective and fosters a trusting relationship.
Reward desired behaviors and redirect or ignore undesired ones.
This concludes our look at the puppy training methods provided by experts.
I hope this article was of some help to those who are raising a puppy for the first time, and I would appreciate it if you could share this article with anyone who needs it.
