Welcoming a puppy into your home is an exciting time—but it’s also the perfect opportunity to start shaping their behaviour for life. Early training is essential for helping your pup understand boundaries, build good habits, and develop a strong bond with you. The lessons you teach now will set the foundation for a happy, confident, and well-mannered adult dog. The key? Start early, stay consistent, and keep it fun.
Begin training your puppy as soon as they arrive home. Puppies are constantly learning, so reinforcing good behaviours early on helps prevent bad habits from forming. Consistency is crucial—use the same words, gestures, and tone of voice to avoid confusing your pup and to reinforce what each command means.
Understanding what drives your puppy is key to effective training. Some pups respond best to tasty, high-value treats like chicken or cheese, while others may be more play-focused. If your puppy isn’t engaging with treats, consider whether they're already full from regular meals or if the treat lacks value. A little trial and error will help you find the right motivator to keep them focused and eager to learn.
Simple commands like sit, stay, heel, and come form the foundation of all future training. These basics aren’t just useful—they're essential for your dog’s safety, especially in public or unfamiliar environments. Mastering these early on creates a smoother path for more advanced commands later.
Graduating from puppy school doesn’t mean the training should stop. Reinforcing commands with short, daily sessions (even just 5–10 minutes) helps prevent bad habits like pulling on the lead, jumping up, or barking excessively. Ongoing training keeps your dog engaged and well-behaved as they mature.
Once your puppy can reliably follow commands at home, slowly begin training in environments with more distractions—like a park, around other dogs, or during a walk. This strengthens their ability to respond even when the world around them is buzzing with activity, which is critical for their safety and your peace of mind.
As your puppy gets older, challenge them with more advanced tricks and tasks. Not only does this provide mental stimulation, but it also strengthens your bond and keeps training sessions fun. Dogs thrive on learning and problem-solving—it’s a great way to support their cognitive development.
Training your puppy is about more than just good manners—it lays the groundwork for a happy, confident life together. Start early, stay consistent, discover what motivates your pup, and keep the learning going. With patience, positivity, and the right tools by your side, your puppy will grow into a well-behaved companion you can be proud of. Support every session—whether it's five minutes or a full walk—with our range of training essentials, from environment-specific harnesses to hands-free treat bags that make training on the go effortless.
