15 Key Lessons to Teach Your Puppy Before They Turn 2

Bringing a puppy into your life is an adventure, and you must commit to making this experience easy from the get-go. During their first two years, these lively explorers are growing physically and soaking up lessons that will influence their lives. Imagine these formative months as a window of opportunity, where each training session crafts the blueprint for their future behavior and relationship with you. Here are a few impactful lessons to impart to your puppy before their second birthday.
Mastering Basic Commands

It all starts with the basics. Teaching commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” not only makes daily interactions smoother but also establishes you as the leader in your puppy’s eyes. These foundational commands are the basic steps of good behavior and can be lifesavers in various situations.
Potty Time Success

Potty training is a top priority for new puppy parents. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key. Formulate a regular schedule for bathroom breaks and reward your puppy for doing their business outside. With patience, your puppy will learn to associate outdoor trips with bathroom time.
Social Skills Development

A well-socialized puppy is a confident and adaptable adult dog. Expose your puppy to different surroundings, people, and animals in a controlled and positive manner. This will help them grow up to be friendly and comfortable in various situations, reducing fear and anxiety.
Leash Etiquette

Walking on a leash should be a pleasant experience for you and your puppy. Begin with short walks and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Avoid pulling or jerking on the leash, which can create negative associations. Instead, reward your puppy for walking nicely by your side.
Crate Comfort

A crate provides a safe, cozy space where your puppy can relax. Start by making the crate inviting with soft bedding and a few favorite toys. Gradually, encourage your puppy to spend time in the crate. Your puppy must see the crate as a personal haven, not a punishment.
Gentle Play

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, but it’s necessary to teach them not to bite hard. Use toys as substitutes for your hands and gently discourage biting during playtime. If your puppy gets too rough, stop the play session to show them that biting leads to the end of fun.
Basic Manners

Teach basic manners, like not jumping up on people or begging for food. Consistency is important here, so ensure everyone in your family follows the same rules to avoid confusing your puppy. For begging, establish a routine of feeding your puppy separately from meal times and avoid giving in to those big, pleading eyes.
Reliable Recall

Imagine the freedom of letting your dog explore off-leash, knowing they will return to you promptly when called. Reliable recall is all about building that unbreakable bond and trust. Make it a fun game—call their name, reward them when they come, and shower them with praise. As they get better, challenge them with more distractions.
Handling and Grooming

Get your puppy used to being handled and groomed from a young age. Pair brushing, nail trimming, and bathing with treats and affection to make them a positive experience. Gently touch their paws, ears, and nose regularly so they become comfortable with being handled.
Alone Time

If you ever have to leave your puppy at home for a long time, you wouldn’t want them to feel anxious. Separation anxiety can be challenging, but starting early can make a difference. Make your departures low-key and avoid dramatic goodbyes. This helps your pup see alone time as a normal part of their day. Over time, they’ll learn to entertain themselves.
Sound Desensitization

Loud noises can be unbearable for dogs, often triggering anxiety or fear. To avoid any panic during thunderstorms, fireworks, or other loud events, it’s important to introduce your puppy to various sounds in a controlled manner. Play recordings of everyday noises at a low volume, and keep increasing as they become more comfortable.
Advanced Skills

Now that you’re done teaching the basics, it’s time to uplift your puppy’s training with some advanced skills. This entails making your dog learn to “roll over” or “sit pretty.” These lessons can definitely earn you some claps from your guests. Challenge them with complex commands like “stay” with distractions present or “find it” games.
Positive Reinforcement

Rewarding your puppy with treats, praise, or playtime when they exhibit the desired behavior creates a happy and motivated learner. This method helps your pup associate good behavior with positive outcomes. Instead of focusing on punishment for mistakes, emphasize what they did right.
Playtime Etiquette

You definitely don’t want your dog getting into fights with other dogs when all you hoped for was a peaceful play session. For this, you need to set clear boundaries and guide their interactions. It will help your pup become a well-mannered playmate who enjoys friendly, stress-free playdates.
Bonding Moments

Finally, cherish those special bonding moments with your puppy. These are the times when you build trust and deepen your connection. Engage in activities like playing fetch, brisk walks, or snuggling together. With all this, you can nurture a well-adjusted puppy and create lasting memories that both of you will treasure.