By Jen Flatt Osborn

If you think learning how to train your puppy is about as easy as learning how to speak Arabic, you’re in the right place. You don’t need to be an astrophysicist or even a scientist, but you do need to have patience and be consistent.

Or you might think something as innocent as a newborn baby and whose breath always brings a smile would be as simple to train as teaching a beaver how to build. The process may not be as easy as you think, but the benefits will be worth it.

Now let’s talk about…

> How to prepare your new puppy for training
> When to start the next phase of training
> When to start training your furry one
> The best ways to use a crate
> How to socialize your new best friend
> When to start training your puppy
> Teach your dog how to sit 

…And you’ll be well on your way to having a well-behaved dog.

How to prepare your new puppy for training —

Your furry one has just arrived…He’s never seen our world before – its sounds, smells, weirdness – and introductions to these things are necessary.

Simple training needs to begin from day one. Just like a toddler, they’re like sponges walking around soaking up everything.

He needs to be handled by everyone in the household (the easy part). Gently touch him everywhere, especially in the places that can be sensitive: The tail, paws, and face.

Lay him on his back and rub his tummy. This way he becomes comfortable in a submissive position.    

Take him around your home to let him smell everything including other animals. Dogs use their noses like we use our eyes to identify things. Also, hearing different voices speaking to him is crucial to help him get comfortable with males and females.

All these things can be done when he’s less than eight weeks old.

When to start the next phase of training your puppy —

Right around six weeks, introduce new scenarios and situations. Do things like:

– Open an umbrella inside the house.
– Wear a hat. Better yet, ask everyone to wear one. 
– Play with new toys. (Toys that look like small animals, especially those that make noise, aren’t recommended since this reinforces prey/predator behavior and may be problematic.)
– Make loud noises. Now’s the time to vacuum.
– Let them sit with you in a running vehicle.
– Allow kids to hoot and holler up a storm when they’re around him

These situations help your puppy feel secure that nothing bad will happen when things are different.

The best ways to use a crate –

Crates are often misunderstood but when introduced early, they can be one of your dog’s favorite places.

First, make sure you get a crate that’s the right size. One that’s too small will make it impossible to turn around or lie down. One that’s too big will encourage them to urinate/defecate on one end and lie down on the other.

So, like Goldilocks, find one that’s just right. Crate your puppy when:

> You can’t be with them, meaning holding or watching them. If you’re cleaning, yes; If you’re watching TV, no.

> Everyone’s sleeping

> You give them a break if they get overly excited

> The door to the outside is open like when you’re bringing in groceries


Crates are their homes…Their dens. To have one is hardwired, since they’re direct descendents of wolves, and you’d be surprised how much they can enjoy them.

How to socialize your new best friend —

Socialization doesn’t only include making sure your pup is introduced to family members. Staying inside four walls won’t help his growth mentally or emotionally.

Make sure you take him to the dog park (field trip!), just make sure there are calm, non-aggressive dogs around. Go to Petsmart. It’s a goldmine for canines.

Not only do they have food, treats, and accessories, there are employees who adore animals AND who can give you tips and answer questions.

Take your pup to a friend’s house who has a dog that likes other dogs. You can both get some socialization in! Visit a body of water or even a humane shelter where you can walk him with another dog.

All of these journeys will also get him familiar with riding in a car. Win-win!   

When to start training your puppy —

Eight weeks old is the sweet spot to start obedience training Scooby. Taking him to classes is ideal, but not everyone can do that. So let’s learn…

Teach your dog how to sit —

Sidebar. We obviously wouldn’t be able to include all obedience training commands in one blog so we’ll focus on teaching him how to sit.

Positive-reinforcement training is the name of the game in training. This means rewarding your puppy when he does something good and avoiding physical punishment completely.

Since a puppy, in general, is usually small, teaching your pup how to sit is basically simple.

1. Begin after they’ve eaten and have been outside to “do their business.” This removes distractions and helps them be more receptive to commands.
2. Now go get the treats/kibble!
3. As you say the word “Sit,” gently push their backside down, facing them, to the floor. While you hold them there, give them ONE kibble. Most people over-treat their dogs while training which doesn’t do them any favors.
4. Praise them.
5. Repeat the process.

OR…

1. Facing them, hold the kibble over his head, then move it towards his tail. Naturally, the dog starts to look up and back and his backside will go to the ground.
2. Treats and praise all around.
3. Repeat.

I mention two methods because every dog is unique. Some will sit readily with physical touch and others may learn with the second technique. You might try both and see how they respond.   

Always praise them immediately upon sitting and try to speak to them naturally…Not in the high-pitched tone most use when they’re talking to dogs. You know the one…

“Oh you sweet little doggie-woggie, you’re just a-DOR–uh-ble!” This can signal being overly excited and canines don’t communicate that way.

Here’s where the challenging part comes in and it’s so important. Train every day. It’s quick – around 10-15 minutes to start – since puppies will quickly get tired. Just be sure to train several times a day. This repetition will teach them training is a natural part of life.

To wrap it up –

Above all, training is bonding. It’s an opportunity to form a tighter relationship between you and your dog.

Plus, training your puppy isn’t only your responsibility, it’s a high honor – One that will solidify both of your positions in the pack.

So go enjoy one of the best relationships you’ll ever have.