Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting, life-changing experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of teaching them how to behave in a home environment. The early weeks of a puppy's life are critical for learning essential skills that will shape their behavior as they grow into adulthood. Understanding when and how to start training will ensure your puppy learns the necessary commands, socializes well, and becomes a well-behaved member of the family.

Weeks 8-9: Setting the Foundation

At 8 weeks old, your puppy is ready to begin their training journey. This period is often when puppies are introduced to their new homes, so it’s important to start with the basics to help them adjust.

• Socialization: This is a crucial time to begin socializing your puppy. Expose them to a variety of environments, sounds, and people. Introduce them to family members, other pets, and controlled environments like the vet's office or a friend’s home.

• House Training: Puppies at this age have small bladders, so regular potty breaks (every 1-2 hours) are necessary. Start by taking them outside after meals, play, and naps. Establish a potty area, and use positive reinforcement like treats or praise when they relieve themselves in the right spot.

• Crate Training: Introduce your puppy to a crate, which will become their safe space. Gradually get them used to spending time in it by rewarding calm behavior and ensuring they associate the crate with comfort.

Focus on keeping sessions short (5-10 minutes), as puppies have short attention spans. The goal is to establish trust and consistency.

Weeks 10-12: Introducing Basic Commands

During weeks 10-12, your puppy's learning capacity expands, making it a great time to introduce basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come."

• Sit and Stay: Start with simple commands like "sit" and "stay." Hold a treat above their nose and gently push their bottom down, saying "sit." Once they do, reward them with the treat. For "stay," have them sit, step back, and reward them for staying in place for a few seconds. Gradually increase the time and distance.

• Come: Use a leash or short distance to start teaching the "come" command. Encourage your puppy to come to you with an upbeat tone and reward them when they do. Always use positive reinforcement to build trust and encourage good behavior.

• Leash Training: Start introducing your puppy to a leash in a calm, controlled environment. Let them wear it around the house for a few minutes each day to get used to the feeling. Practice short walks, rewarding them for walking beside you.

Consistency is key. Keep training sessions fun and rewarding to maintain your puppy's enthusiasm for learning.

Weeks 13-16: Expanding Socialization and Skills

This period is often called the critical socialization window, and it’s essential for shaping your puppy’s behavior. They are still curious and eager to explore the world, so use this time wisely.

• Socialization with Other Dogs: Continue socializing your puppy by arranging playdates with other vaccinated dogs. Supervised play helps them learn appropriate play behavior and develop confidence in interacting with other dogs.

• Exposure to New Environments: Take your puppy on car rides, walks in the park, or even trips to a pet-friendly store. The goal is to expose them to different environments and help them feel comfortable in various settings.

• Refining Basic Commands: Continue reinforcing "sit," "stay," and "come" commands, but start working on duration and distance. Puppies should be able to stay for longer periods and come when called, even in slightly more distracting environments.

• Handling and Grooming: Start getting your puppy used to being handled. Gently touch their paws, ears, and mouth. Introduce grooming tools like brushes and nail clippers to prevent anxiety during grooming sessions. This early introduction helps make future vet visits and grooming sessions less stressful.

Weeks 17-20: Advanced Training and Preventing Bad Habits

As your puppy grows, their curiosity and energy will increase. This is a great time to start addressing more advanced training techniques and preventing any undesirable behaviors from taking root.

• Preventing Jumping: Puppies may start jumping on people as a way to greet them. Teach them to sit when someone approaches instead. Ignore jumping behavior and reward them when they sit calmly.

• Impulse Control: Begin working on impulse control exercises, such as "leave it" and "wait." Place a treat in front of your puppy and say "leave it." Reward them only when they refrain from grabbing it. For "wait," use food or toys as rewards to teach them patience.

• Reducing Separation Anxiety: Begin getting your puppy used to being alone for short periods. Start by leaving them in their crate or a safe room for a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing the duration. This helps prevent separation anxiety and teaches them to be calm when you leave.

• Loose Leash Walking: By now, your puppy should be getting used to walking on a leash. Work on loose leash walking, where they walk beside you without pulling. Reward them for staying by your side and gradually introduce more distracting environments.

Weeks 21-24: Building Confidence and Continuing Education

As your puppy approaches six months, they’ll be more confident and independent. Now is the time to continue reinforcing good behavior and introduce more challenging tasks.

• Recall Training: Continue working on the "come" command, especially in distracting environments like parks. Recall training is essential for your puppy’s safety, and they should come to you immediately when called, regardless of distractions.

• Advanced Commands: Introduce more advanced commands such as "down," "heel," and "place." These commands help with overall behavior management and can be incredibly useful in public settings.

• Continued Socialization: Make sure your puppy is still meeting new people, dogs, and experiencing different environments. The more varied their experiences, the more adaptable and well-behaved they will become.

• Training Classes: At this stage, you might consider enrolling your puppy in a formal training class. Professional guidance can help refine their skills and ensure they continue to progress. It’s also a great way to bond with your puppy in a controlled setting.

Months 6-12: Transitioning to Adolescence

As your puppy matures, they will begin to test boundaries. This is the adolescent phase, where training becomes even more important to reinforce everything they’ve learned so far.

• Consistency: Continue practicing all commands learned so far, but expect some setbacks as your puppy’s independence grows. Be patient and consistent, rewarding good behavior and ensuring that rules remain clear.

• Off-Leash Training: If your puppy has a reliable recall, you can begin off-leash training in a safe, enclosed area. Always carry treats or toys to reward them for staying close and coming when called.

• Mental Stimulation: Keep your puppy’s mind sharp by introducing puzzle toys, agility exercises, or scent games. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, especially as your dog becomes more energetic and curious.

Conclusion

Training your puppy is a rewarding experience that requires time, patience, and consistency. By following this week-by-week timeline, you’ll ensure your puppy develops into a well-behaved, confident adult dog. From basic commands to advanced training and socialization, each stage of your puppy's development is an opportunity to teach them essential life skills.

Remember, no two puppies learn at the same pace, so be flexible and adapt the timeline to your dog’s needs. Celebrate the small victories, remain patient through setbacks, and always use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. With dedication and love, your puppy will grow into a loyal, well-trained companion who brings joy to your life for years to come.