Best Training Techniques For Puppies

Puppies are cute, playful, and full of energy, but let’s be clear—they’re also little troublemakers if you don’t train them right from the start. If you let them jump, bite, or ignore commands now, they’ll keep doing it when they’re bigger, stronger, and harder to control.

As a veterinarian with ten years of experience and someone who runs a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats, I’ve seen too many owners wait too long to train their puppies. Then they wonder why their dog doesn’t listen, pulls on the leash, or refuses to come when called.

The good news? Puppies want to learn. They just need clear rules, consistency, and patience. Get it right now, and you’ll have a well-behaved dog for life. Get it wrong, and you’ll spend years fixing bad habits.

Here are the best training techniques to raise a well-mannered, obedient puppy.

1. Start with Structure—No Free-for-Alls

Puppies learn through routine. If you let them run the house, they’ll make their own rules—and trust me, you won’t like them.

👉 How to do it:

Set a schedule for meals, potty breaks, training, and playtime.
Control access to toys and treats—they should earn rewards.
Teach them where to sleep, eat, and go to the bathroom—no guessing.

💡 Pro tip: Don’t let your puppy free-roam the house until they’re trained. Use baby gates or a crate to set boundaries.

2. Reward Good Behavior—Ignore or Correct Bad Behavior

Puppies respond to rewards, not punishment. If you only yell at them when they do something wrong but never reward them for doing it right, they’ll get confused and frustrated.

👉 How to do it:

Use treats, praise, or a favorite toy as a reward.
Reward immediately—puppies need instant feedback.
Ignore bad behavior when possible (like jumping for attention).
Redirect bad behavior (if they bite, give them a chew toy instead).

💡 Pro tip: Puppies don’t understand “no” unless you show them what to do instead.

3. Teach Basic Commands Early—Puppies Can Learn Fast

Some people think puppies are too young to train—that’s nonsense. The earlier you start, the better.

👉 Must-know commands:

Sit – First thing they should learn.
Stay – Helps with impulse control.
Come – Can save their life.
Leave it – Stops them from grabbing dangerous things.
Down – Helps with calmness.

💡 Pro tip: Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun. Puppies lose focus fast.

4. Stop Biting and Nipping Before It Becomes a Problem

All puppies bite and nip—it’s normal. But if you don’t correct it early, you’ll have a dog that thinks biting is okay.

👉 How to stop it:

Redirect to a toy – Every time they bite you, give them a chew toy instead.
Yelp or say “ouch” – If they bite too hard, make a high-pitched noise and stop playing.
Ignore and walk away – If they keep biting, end playtime immediately.