The First 15 Lessons for Your Puppy  

Bringing home a puppy is the start of an incredible journey filled with joy and bonding. These early months are necessary for building a strong foundation and teaching your puppy the essential skills they need to thrive. So, let’s look into 15 ways to give your puppy the best possible start.

Responding to His Name

Start in a quiet environment with fewer distractions. Say your puppy’s name in a cheerful tone and immediately reward him with a treat or praise when he looks at you. Repeat this several times a day, gradually increasing the distance and distractions.

Establishing Eye Contact

Eye contact is a fundamental part of communication and obedience training. Begin by holding a treat near your face and encouraging your puppy to look at you. Practice this during short training sessions and throughout the day to reinforce the behavior.

Training Through Play

Integrate training into playtime to make learning enjoyable. Use toys that your puppy loves as rewards during training sessions. For example, ask him to sit before throwing a ball or tug toy. It not only teaches commands but also builds excitement for training.

Basic Husbandry Practices

By familiarizing your puppy with basic grooming routines (like brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning), you ensure they remain cooperative during these tasks throughout their life. This prevents anxiety and makes regular sessions easier for both you and your pet.

Engaging with Toys

Interactive toys provide mental stimulation. They challenge your puppy’s problem-solving abilities and keep their minds active, needed for their cognitive development. Moreover, chewing on appropriate toys helps soothe their gums and prevents them from chewing on inappropriate items like furniture or shoes.

Socialization and Exposure

Early and positive experiences with various people, animals, environments, and situations help puppies become well-adjusted adults. These experiences build their confidence, reduce their fear of new things, and lay the groundwork for good behavior, preventing future issues like fear, aggression, or anxiety.

Crate Training Basics

Introduce a crate gradually with bedding and toys. Encourage exploration and mealtime inside, gradually closing the door for short periods. Supervise closely until your puppy is comfortable staying inside for longer periods.

Potty Training on Command

This activity involves associating a specific word or phrase (“go potty”) with your puppy’s elimination. Use this command consistently when guiding them to their potty area. When they go potty after hearing the command, reward them promptly with praise and treats.

Car Travel Preparation

Help your puppy become comfortable with car travel by starting with short, positive experiences. Place him in a secure carrier or use a safety harness designed for dogs. Begin with short trips to enjoyable destinations, such as a park or a friend’s house, and gradually increase the duration of the trips.

Developing Self-Control

Puppies naturally have lots of energy and curiosity, which can lead to behaviors like jumping, mouthing, or excessive barking. By instilling self-control, these behaviors can be managed before they escalate. When they learn to wait, maintain composure, and focus amidst distractions, they can follow commands effectively.

Teaching an “Off” Switch

An “off” switch prevents them from overwhelming others with excessive play and teaches them to calm down. Training involves structured breaks, rewarding calm behavior, and gradually increasing their ability to stay calm.

Introduction to a “Place” Command

Teach your little dog to go to a designated place, such as a bed or mat, on command. Start by luring him to the spot with a treat and rewarding him for staying there. With time, increase the duration so that he remains in his “place” and add distractions for impulse control.

Mastering Basic Obedience

Commands such as “come” and “stay” help keep puppies safe, preventing them from running into dangerous situations or wandering off. Basic obedience forms the basis for more advanced training activities like agility, therapy work, or specialized tasks.

Getting Comfortable with Collars and Leashes

To help your puppy get comfortable with collars and leashes, start indoors with a lightweight collar. Let them investigate it before gently securing it around their neck. Once they’re used to the collar, introduce the leash indoors, using treats to create healthy associations.

Learning Loose Leash Walking

Training your puppy to lose leash walking early is like giving them the keys to polite doggy society. It sets them up for success on walks and makes outings enjoyable for both of you. Plus, it builds their confidence and strengthens your bond.