DIY dog training guide

Let me be straight with you—if you brought a dog into your home and didn’t plan on training them, you’re setting yourself—and the dog—up for failure. I’ve been a vet for a decade and run a sanctuary full of dogs that people gave up on. Not because the dogs were bad. Because the humans didn’t bother to teach them how to be good.

Training isn’t optional. It’s not “if I have time.” It’s your job. And if you’re not going to hire a professional, you better roll up your sleeves and do it yourself—the right way.

The good news? You can train your dog at home. You don’t need to be a certified trainer, and you don’t need thousand-dollar programs. You just need consistency, structure, and the will to stick with it. This guide gives you exactly that—clear, no-nonsense steps to get your dog on track, no matter the breed, size, or age.

Step 1: Establish Leadership—Day One

You’re not your dog’s roommate. You’re their leader. That means you set the tone and the rules. Be clear, be calm, and don’t negotiate.

Start with:

Consistent routines for feeding, walking, and sleeping
Controlled greetings (no jumping, no chaos)
Calm, firm commands (not yelling, not baby talk)

Dogs crave structure. You either provide it, or they’ll create their own—and trust me, you won’t like their version.

Step 2: Master the Basics

Every dog, I don’t care if it’s a Pomeranian or a Pit Bull, needs to know these commands cold:

Sit
Stay
Come
Down
Leave it
Heel

How to teach it:
Use food rewards, hand signals, and short sessions (5–10 minutes at a time). Start in a quiet space and gradually add distractions.

Say the command once. If you repeat it five times, your dog learns to wait for four useless words before doing anything. Be precise. Be patient. And when they get it right—reward fast.

Step 3: Use the Crate, Not the Couch

If your dog’s free-roaming the house from day one, you’ve already lost. Use a crate. It’s not a punishment; it’s a tool. It helps with potty training, separation anxiety, and self-soothing.

Let your dog earn freedom. You don’t get promoted before your first day on the job—neither should they.

Step 4: Correct the Behavior, Not the Dog

If your dog messes up, correct the behavior in the moment. Don’t scold them three minutes later—they have no idea what you’re mad about.

Bad timing is worse than no training.

Pee on the rug? Interrupt immediately and take them outside.
Jumping on guests? Block the jump and have them sit.
Chewing your shoes? Swap in a toy—then praise when they choose it.

Always redirect, correct, and follow up with praise for doing it right. That’s how dogs learn.

Step 5: Socialize Like You Mean It

Don’t wait for “the right time.” Socialize your dog early and often.

Expose them to people, dogs, noises, surfaces, and environments.
Keep it positive but structured—don’t just let them run wild at the dog park.

A well-socialized dog is a stable dog. And stability matters when life throws curveballs—like a new baby, a move, or a thunderstorm.

Step 6: Don’t Skip Mental Work

A tired brain is a good brain. Toss in some DIY enrichment games (see my brain training article) or teach them new tricks. Training isn’t just about stopping bad behavior—it’s about keeping that working mind engaged.

Five minutes of focused training beats 30 minutes of chaotic fetch.

What You Need to Drop—Now

Let’s talk about what not to do:

Don’t yell. It scares your dog and teaches nothing.
Don’t use physical punishment. It breaks trust.
Don’t train when you’re angry. You’ll ruin the session.
Don’t give mixed signals. If you allow jumping today, expect it tomorrow.

You’re either consistent, or you’re confusing. And confusion leads to chaos.

Final Word: DIY Means You Still Show Up

DIY doesn’t mean lazy. It means hands-on, every day, no excuses. You don’t get a good dog by accident. You get one by showing up—calm, consistent, and committed.

So take the leash. Take control. Be the kind of person your dog needs you to be.

Because trust me—it’s a whole lot easier to train your dog than to fix the mess later.