Puppy Training Guide: Socialization, Potty Training, and First Commands
Training your puppy early builds trust, confidence, and lifelong good habits. Here’s how to socialize, potty train, and teach the first essential commands.
Why Puppy Training Matters
Puppies are like sponges in their first months. Early training helps prevent future behavior issues and creates a strong bond between you and your pup.
Step 2: Potty Training
Potty training requires consistency and patience. Puppies usually succeed when routines are predictable.
- Take your puppy out after meals, naps, and play sessions.
- Use the same outdoor spot to encourage habit formation.
- Reward immediately after successful potty breaks.
- Never punish accidents—redirect calmly instead.
Step 3: First Commands
Teaching basic commands helps manage your puppy and builds communication. Start with short, fun sessions (5–10 minutes).
- Sit: Hold a treat above your puppy’s head until they sit, then reward.
- Stay: Teach impulse control with small duration increases.
- Come: Use cheerful tone and rewards to build recall.
- Down: Encourage calmness and control.
Extra Training Tips
- Keep training consistent across all family members.
- End sessions on a positive note.
- Use rewards that your puppy loves (tiny treats, praise, or play).
- Be patient—progress takes time and repetition.
Start Early, Raise Confident Dogs
Socialization, potty training, and first commands are the foundation of a well-behaved dog. With consistency, rewards, and patience, your puppy will grow into a confident companion.
Explore LookPaw’s dog essentials, including collars, and toys to make training easier and more fun.
Step 1: Socialization
Expose puppies to new people, pets, sights, and sounds during their critical 3–14 week window. Positive exposure builds confidence and reduces fear later in life.