Puppy Training Basics: Essential Skills for a Well-Behaved Dog

When you bring home a new puppy, you're not just getting a cute companion—you're starting a puppy training basics, the foundational skills that shape a dog’s behavior for life. Also known as early dog training, it’s not about commands alone—it’s about building trust, setting boundaries, and teaching your pup how to live in a human world. Without these basics, even the sweetest puppy can grow into a dog that jumps, barks nonstop, or chews your shoes. And yes, it’s doable—even if you’ve never trained a dog before.

Good puppy training basics start with house training, the process of teaching your puppy where to go potty. This isn’t magic. It’s routine: take them out after meals, naps, and playtime. Reward them when they get it right. Most puppies can hold it for their age in months plus one hour—so a 3-month-old can wait about 4 hours. Accidents happen, but yelling won’t fix them. Clean up with enzyme cleaner, not vinegar or bleach. It’s about consistency, not punishment. Then comes puppy obedience, learning simple commands like sit, stay, and come. These aren’t tricks—they’re safety tools. A dog that comes when called won’t run into traffic. A dog that sits before meals learns patience. Start with 5-minute sessions, twice a day. Use treats your pup loves, but keep them small. And always end on a win—even if it’s just a quick sit before the treat. Don’t skip puppy socialization, exposing your pup to new people, places, sounds, and other animals. The window is narrow: between 8 and 16 weeks, your puppy’s brain is wired to accept new things without fear. A walk to the park, meeting a calm adult dog, hearing a vacuum cleaner—these aren’t optional. They’re essential. Skip this, and your dog might grow up scared of delivery people, loud noises, or even other dogs.

There’s no magic formula, but there are common mistakes. Don’t wait until your puppy is 6 months old to start. Don’t use shock collars or yell. Don’t assume they’ll "grow out of it." That’s how you end up with a 2-year-old dog that pulls on leash, barks at strangers, and won’t listen. The best puppy training basics are simple, consistent, and kind. And they’re not just for the puppy—they’re for you. You’re learning patience, timing, and how to communicate without words.

What you’ll find below are real posts from owners and trainers who’ve been there—tips on crate training, stopping puppy biting, handling potty accidents, and what to do when your pup ignores you. No fluff. Just what works.