5 Essential Puppy Training Tips for Beginners
Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting experiences—you’ve got this adorable ball of energy bouncing around, ready to explore the world (and probably chew on everything in sight). But as cute as they are, puppies don’t come pre-programmed to sit politely or know that your favorite shoes aren’t a chew toy. That’s where training comes in!
When I first got my puppy, I remember thinking, How hard can this be? I had visions of us strolling through the park, him perfectly heeling by my side, responding to every command like a pro. Reality? He was more interested in chasing leaves, pulling on the leash like a sled dog, and ignoring me completely. That’s when I realized that training isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about building communication, trust, and consistency.
If you’re a first-time puppy parent, don’t worry! Training takes time, but you’ll set your pup up for a lifetime of good behavior with the right approach. These five essential tips will help you get started on the right paw. Let’s dive in!
Start with Basic Commands
Before you jump into advanced tricks or expect your puppy to behave perfectly, it’s important to start with the basics. Teaching fundamental commands like sit, stay, come, and down sets the foundation for good behavior and helps create a strong bond between you and your pup.
When I first started training my puppy, I quickly realized that short, fun training sessions worked best. I remember trying to teach him to sit while he was zooming around the living room, and let’s just say it didn’t go as planned. But once I grabbed some treats and found a quiet space, he caught on fast!
Here’s a simple way to teach sit:
• Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.
• Slowly move your hand up so their head follows, and their bottom naturally lowers.
• The moment they sit, say “sit” and give them the treat.
• Repeat a few times in short sessions.
Using positive reinforcement—rewarding your pup with treats, praise, or even their favorite toy—helps them associate commands with good things. Keep training sessions short (about 5-10 minutes) and fun to keep your puppy engaged.
Once your pup masters sit, move on to stay and come. These commands are especially useful for keeping them safe in real-world situations, like when they get too excited and start running toward something they shouldn’t.
Training takes patience, but trust me, the effort is worth it. Before you know it, your puppy will respond like a champ and show off their new skills to everyone they meet!
Establish a Consistent Routine
Puppies thrive on consistency. Just like babies, they feel more secure when they know what to expect. Establishing a daily routine for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and training will help your puppy settle into their new home and learn faster.
When I first brought my puppy home, I thought I could just “wing it” with potty training and mealtimes. Big mistake! The first few days were filled with accidents, random bursts of energy at 2 AM, and lots of confused looks from my pup. Once I set a routine—taking him out first thing in the morning, feeding him at the same times each day, and scheduling regular potty breaks—things started to click.
Here are some key areas where consistency makes a huge difference:
• Potty Training: Take your puppy out at the same times every day—first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime. Praise them when they go in the right spot.
• Feeding Schedule: Serve meals at the same times each day to regulate digestion and potty habits.
• Training Sessions: Keep training short and frequent, and try to practice at the same times daily so your pup gets used to learning.
• Sleep & Playtime: Puppies need a balance of play and rest. Too much excitement before bed can lead to restless nights (trust me, I learned the hard way!).
By sticking to a routine, your puppy will learn what’s expected of them, making training smoother and reducing stress for both of you. Plus, it helps avoid bad habits before they start—because no one wants a puppy who thinks 3 AM zoomies are a great idea!
Socialization is Key
One of the most important things you can do for your puppy is to expose them to new experiences, people, and other animals early on. Proper socialization helps prevent fear-based behaviors and aggression later in life, making your pup more confident and well-adjusted.
I’ll never forget the first time I took my puppy to a busy park. He had only been around a few people at home, so when he saw kids running, bikes zooming by, and other dogs playing, he froze. I realized then how crucial socialization was. With gradual exposure and plenty of positive reinforcement, he became more comfortable, and now he greets every new experience with curiosity instead of fear.
Here are some great ways to socialize your puppy:
• Introduce New People & Animals – Let your puppy meet a variety of people (men, women, kids, people with hats, sunglasses, beards, etc.) and other friendly, vaccinated dogs in a controlled setting.
• Expose Them to Different Environments – Take them for short car rides, let them walk on different surfaces (grass, pavement, carpet), and introduce common household noises like the vacuum or doorbell.
• Use Positive Reinforcement – Reward your pup with treats and praise when they react calmly to new situations. This helps them associate new experiences with positive outcomes.
• Puppy Classes & Playdates – Enrolling in a puppy socialization class or setting up playdates with well-behaved dogs can be a great way to build confidence.
The key is to make each experience positive and not overwhelming. If your puppy seems scared, take things slow and reassure them. A well-socialized puppy grows into a well-behaved dog, making life easier (and more fun!) for both of you.
Focus on Potty Training
Potty training is one of the biggest challenges for new puppy owners, but with patience and consistency, your pup will get the hang of it. Puppies don’t instinctively know where they’re supposed to go, so it’s up to us to set clear expectations and reinforce good habits.
When I first brought my puppy home, I naively assumed that taking him outside a few times a day would be enough. That illusion was shattered when I found a little “surprise” on my favorite rug. I quickly realized that frequent potty breaks, praise, and a solid routine were key to success.
Here’s how to make potty training easier:
• Stick to a Schedule – Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and right before bed. Puppies have small bladders and need frequent potty breaks—at least every 1-2 hours at first.
• Choose a Designated Spot – Whether it’s your backyard or a specific corner of the park, taking your pup to the same potty spot helps them associate that area with bathroom time.
• Reward Good Behavior – The moment your puppy goes potty outside, praise them enthusiastically and offer a treat. Positive reinforcement helps them understand that outside pottying is a good thing.
• Supervise & Limit Freedom Indoors – If you can’t keep an eye on your puppy, use a crate or baby gates to prevent accidents in unwanted areas. Dogs don’t like to soil their sleeping space, so a properly sized crate can help speed up training.
• Accidents Happen—Stay Patient – If your puppy has an accident, clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors and avoid scolding them. Instead, calmly take them outside and reinforce the right behavior next time.
Consistency is everything. The more predictable the routine, the faster your puppy will learn. With time and patience, potty training will become second nature, and you’ll be able to trust your pup in the house without worry.
Redirect Unwanted Behaviors
Puppies are naturally curious and full of energy, which often leads to behaviors like chewing on furniture, jumping on guests, or nipping at fingers. While these behaviors may seem cute at first, they can quickly become frustrating—or even problematic—as your pup grows. Instead of punishing bad behavior, the key is to redirect them toward more appropriate alternatives.
When my puppy went through his “land shark” phase, my hands and ankles became prime targets for his tiny (but surprisingly sharp) teeth. At first, I’d just say “no,” but that didn’t seem to help. What worked? Redirecting him to a chew toy or frozen teething treat every time he started biting. Eventually, he learned that toys—not my hands—were for chewing.
Here are some simple ways to redirect unwanted behaviors:
• Chewing – If your pup is gnawing on furniture or shoes, swap in a chew toy or a frozen treat. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so giving them appropriate options is essential.
• Jumping on People – Instead of rewarding jumping with attention (even if it’s telling them “no”), teach your pup to sit before being greeted. Reward them when all four paws are on the ground.
• Excessive Barking – Determine the cause—boredom, excitement, or alerting to something outside—and provide an alternative, like a toy or a command like “quiet” followed by a treat when they stop.
• Nipping & Play Biting – Puppies play with their mouths, but they need to learn bite inhibition. If they nip too hard, let out a high-pitched “ouch” and stop playing for a moment. This mimics how littermates teach each other boundaries.
The goal isn’t to stop natural puppy behaviors altogether but to teach your pup what is and isn’t acceptable in a way they understand. With patience, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement, your puppy will learn good manners in no time!
Training a puppy can feel overwhelming at times, but remember—it’s a journey, not a race! With patience, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement, your pup will grow into a well-mannered companion before you know it.
By starting with basic commands, setting a routine, prioritizing socialization, focusing on potty training, and redirecting unwanted behaviors, you’re laying the foundation for a happy and well-adjusted dog. And don’t forget to enjoy the process! Puppies may be a handful, but they also bring so much joy, laughter, and unconditional love into our lives.
So take a deep breath, embrace the messy moments, and celebrate the small victories—because every “sit,” every successful potty break, and every wagging tail is a step toward a lifelong bond with your furry best friend. Happy training!
With love and puppy glam,
Chloe & The GlamourDog Team 💖
