Training7 min read

Puppy Training Basics: Building Good Habits Early

How to start training your puppy from day one — covering recall, crate manners, loose-lead walking, and the reward-based methods that actually work.

Start earlier than you think

Training begins the moment your puppy arrives home, whether you intend it to or not. Every interaction teaches something: letting a puppy jump up and then rewarding it with attention teaches jumping up. Consistency in the first weeks shapes habits that persist for years, so it is worth being intentional from day one even before formal sessions begin.

Short, frequent sessions work far better than long ones. Two to three minutes several times a day is enough for an eight-week-old puppy. Puppies fatigue mentally faster than physically, and a tired puppy that has lost focus will learn very little. End each session on a success — even a small one.

Reward-based training and why it works

Modern dog training is built on positive reinforcement: rewarding the behaviour you want so it becomes more likely to happen again. For puppies, this means using small, high-value treats — soft pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or a commercial training treat — delivered immediately after the desired behaviour. The reward needs to come within one to two seconds or the puppy cannot make the connection.

Punishment-based methods — shouting, physical corrections, or alpha-roll techniques — have been consistently shown to increase anxiety and reduce a dog's willingness to offer behaviour. They also damage the relationship between dog and owner. Positive reinforcement is not just kinder; it is more effective for the vast majority of domestic dogs.

The four foundations: name, sit, recall, and settle

Name recognition is the first skill worth building — a puppy that turns to look at you when called by name is already paying attention, which is the foundation of everything else. Say the name once in an upbeat tone, reward any eye contact or turn toward you, and repeat many times a day in quiet surroundings before adding distractions.

A reliable recall — coming when called — is the most important safety behaviour a dog can learn and one of the most commonly under-trained. Start in the house, use an enthusiastic tone, and reward generously every single time. Never call a puppy to you for something it finds unpleasant, such as the end of a play session; go and collect it instead. 'Settle' — lying calmly on a mat — is equally valuable for life in a busy household and can be taught from eight weeks using a simple mat and reward routine.

Crate training and alone-time confidence

A crate is not a punishment — used correctly, it becomes a puppy's chosen rest space. Introduce it gradually: feed meals near the crate, then inside it with the door open, then with brief door closures while you remain in the room. Build duration very slowly over days and weeks. A puppy that is comfortable in its crate is easier to settle overnight and safer when left alone.

Separation anxiety is common and preventable. From the first week, practise leaving your puppy alone for very short periods — even just stepping out of the room for a minute — so that your absence becomes unremarkable. Puppies that are never separated from their owners in the early weeks often find being alone deeply distressing later on.

Loose-lead walking and socialisation

Loose-lead walking is one of the harder skills to teach but makes daily life considerably more enjoyable. Begin in the garden or a quiet space before adding the distraction of pavements. Reward your puppy for walking beside you and change direction when it pulls — pulling should never result in reaching the interesting thing ahead. Consistency among all household members is essential; if one person allows pulling, progress stalls.

Puppy classes run by an accredited trainer — look for members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) or the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) — provide structured socialisation and a qualified eye on your technique. Classes are particularly valuable between eight and sixteen weeks, when puppies are most receptive to new experiences. The social exposure to other puppies, different people, and varied environments is worth as much as any specific behaviour learned in the session.