Puppy Training Basics: First Commands, Socialisation & House Rules

Training isn't just about teaching tricks — it's about building a language between you and your dog. Puppies who receive consistent, positive training are calmer, more confident, and far less likely to develop behavioural problems that lead to rehoming.

The science is clear: positive reinforcement (rewarding desired behaviour) is more effective and less damaging than punishment-based methods. Puppies trained with positive methods learn faster, retain commands longer, and develop fewer anxiety-related behaviours.

"The first 16 weeks of a puppy's life are the most critical learning period they'll ever have. What they experience — and what they don't experience — during this window shapes their behaviour for life." — Dr. Sarah Chen, DVM

If you're still preparing for your puppy's arrival, start with our new puppy checklist to make sure you have everything ready.

Start with these five foundation commands. Keep sessions to 5 minutes or less — puppies have the attention span of... well, puppies. End every session on a success, even if it's a simple one.

1. Name Recognition

Say your puppy's name. The instant they look at you, mark it ("yes!") and reward with a treat. Repeat 10 times. Within a day or two, they'll whip their head around at their name.

2. Sit

Hold a treat above their nose and slowly move it back over their head. Their bottom will naturally drop. The moment it touches the floor, say "sit," mark it, and reward.

3. Come (Recall)

Start indoors with minimal distractions. Crouch down, say "come" in an excited voice, and reward generously when they arrive. Never call your puppy to you for something unpleasant (bath, crate) — recall must always predict good things.

4. Stay

Ask for a sit, then hold your palm up and say "stay." Wait 2 seconds, then reward. Gradually increase duration. Don't increase distance and duration at the same time.

5. Leave It

Place a treat in your closed fist. When your puppy stops trying to get it (even briefly), mark and reward with a different treat from your other hand. This teaches impulse control — critical for safety around toxic substances.

Socialisation is not just "meeting other dogs." It's about exposing your puppy to a wide range of experiences in a positive, controlled way during the critical socialisation window (3–16 weeks).

Socialisation Checklist

• People: Men, women, children, people wearing hats/uniforms/sunglasses, people with walking aids
• Animals: Vaccinated dogs of various sizes, cats (if safe), farm animals from a distance
• Surfaces: Grass, gravel, metal grates, wet floors, carpet, stairs
• Sounds: Traffic, thunder (recordings work), vacuum cleaner, doorbell, fireworks sounds
• Environments: Car rides, vet clinic visits (just for treats — no procedures), town centre, park
• Handling: Paw touching, ear checking, mouth opening, collar grabbing, gentle restraint

Important: Socialisation is about quality, not quantity. One frightening experience can undo ten positive ones. If your puppy shows fear, increase distance and reduce intensity — never force exposure.

Before your puppy is fully vaccinated, carry them in public areas rather than letting them walk where other dogs may have been. Puppy classes with vaccinated dogs in clean environments are safe from 8 weeks.

House training is the number one priority for most new owners — and the number one source of frustration. Be patient: most puppies aren't fully reliable until 6 months of age, and some take up to a year.

The Routine That Works

• Take your puppy outside immediately after waking, eating, drinking, and playing
• Go to the same spot each time — scent association helps
• Wait quietly. When they go, praise enthusiastically and reward with a high-value treat
• Set a timer: every 1–2 hours during the day for puppies under 12 weeks
• At night, puppies can typically hold it for their age in months + 1 hour (a 3-month-old = ~4 hours max)

When Accidents Happen

• Never punish — rubbing their nose in it, shouting, or physical correction does not work and damages trust
• Clean with an enzymatic cleaner (not bleach or ammonia-based — they smell like urine to dogs)
• If you catch them mid-accident, calmly interrupt and carry them outside

Frequent accidents beyond 6 months may indicate a urinary tract issue — see our urinary problems guide and consult your vet.

• 1. Training sessions too long — 5 minutes is enough. Three 5-minute sessions beat one 30-minute marathon
• 2. Inconsistent rules — if the puppy isn't allowed on the sofa, everyone in the household must enforce it
• 3. Repeating commands — saying "sit... sit... SIT!" teaches them to ignore the first two. Say it once, then lure the behaviour
• 4. Using the crate as punishment — the crate should be a safe haven, not a prison. Feed meals inside it, leave the door open during the day
• 5. Delaying socialisation — waiting until vaccinations are complete means missing the critical window. Controlled exposure to vaccinated dogs and safe environments is appropriate from 8 weeks

For a complete month-by-month guide to your puppy's first year, including when to start each type of training, see our puppy first year guide.