15 Expert Pup Training Tips for a Well-Behaved Dog

A well-behaved dog doesn’t just happen by accident—it takes consistent training and a lot of patience. To help you navigate the ups and downs of puppy training, we’ve gathered 15 expert tips that promise to make your furry friend the best-behaved dog on the block.
Begin Your Training from Day One

You may be tempted to let small mistakes slide in the beginning. But the problem with this is that when your dog becomes fully grown, those cute little mistakes you probably overlooked now become super annoying. Address bad behaviors immediately; you won’t have to worry about them later.
Slowly Introduce Your Puppy’s to Your Home

To prevent accidents in the house, gradually introduce your puppy to your home. Begin by confining your puppy to a small area, then slowly expand his territory as he learns. Allow access to an additional room each month without mishaps in his designated space.
Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward-based training is one successful method for teaching dogs. Instead of punishing unwanted behavior, focus on rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime. This approach makes training enjoyable for your dog and strengthens your bond. Give rewards immediately after the desired behavior to reinforce the connection.
Socialize Early and Often

Early socialization helps prevent fear and aggression issues later in life. Take your dog to parks, pet-friendly stores, and on walks around the neighborhood. Gradually expose them to different experiences in a controlled manner. The more positive interactions they have, the better adjusted they’ll become.
Short, Fun Training Sessions

To keep your dog interested, keep training sessions easy and fun. Sessions lasting 5-10 minutes are ideal, especially for puppies with shorter attention spans. Short play breaks should be included to keep things interesting. Remember, quality over quantity is important.
Teach Basic Commands First

Start with basic commands before teaching them more complex ones. These foundational commands build trust between you and your dog. Once mastered, they provide a basis for teaching other tricks and commands. Be patient and make sure also to celebrate small victories to keep both you and your pup motivated.
Keeping Your Puppy’s Crate Close To Your Bed

Place the crate near your bed. By keeping the crate nearby, you can quickly respond to your pet’s needs at night and ensure they feel safe and comfortable in their new environment. But as they begin to grow, gradually push the crate away from your bed until they get used to being independent sleepers.
Practice Patience with Potty Training

Puppies can typically control their bladder for about one hour per month of age, but it’s recommended that they go outside every two hours. Avoid punishment for accidents; clean calmly and redirect them outside. You should also be aware that it’s totally normal for your pup to have a few potty accidents in the first weeks, so don’t be too hard on them or yourself.
Leash Training for Walks

Regular practice will help your dog learn to walk calmly on a leash. Start by allowing your pup to get used to wearing a leash indoors. Gradually introduce short walks, using treats to encourage them to walk by your side. If they pull, stop and wait until they return to you before continuing.
Understand Your Dog’s Body Language

Dogs communicate often through their body language, so learning to read these signals is essential. Notice signs of stress, such as lip licking, yawning, or avoiding eye contact. Recognizing these cues can help you address issues before they escalate.
Train Your Puppy to Stop Biting

Every dog parent knows how puppies love to chew, often on fingers and toes. To curb biting, end playtime if your puppy bites too hard. Also, learn to walk away and take a short break when your puppy gets carried away. Redirect your puppy to chew toys instead of your hands to teach appropriate behavior.
Implement the “Leave It” Command

Teaching your dog the “leave it” order can prevent many unwanted behaviors or distractions. Begin by placing a treat before your dog and covering it with your hand. When they stop trying to get it, say “leave it” and reward them with a different treat. Practice this in various situations to reinforce the command.
Use Hand Signals Along with Verbal Commands

Dogs often respond well to visual cues, which makes this method particularly effective. For example, you can use a hand signal, such as raising your palm, when teaching the “sit” command. Repeat the signal consistently until your dog associates it with the action. This dual approach can improve your dog’s responsiveness.
Engage in Mental Stimulation

A mentally engaged dog is unlikely to develop behavioral issues, so keeping your dog mentally stimulated is just as important as physical exercise. Interactive games help keep dogs’ minds engaged. Additionally, teaching new tricks can provide valuable mental stimulation.
Practice Calm Greetings

Excited jumping when greeting people can be an issue down the line, especially for people not accustomed to dogs. To address this, teach your dog to remain calm when meeting new people. Encourage guests to ignore your dog until they are sitting quietly. Reward your pup for calm behavior with praise.