Puppy Training Tips

Have you just welcomed a new puppy into your household? There are few things that bring more joy into our lives than the arrival of a new pet. Of course, there’s a lot of work involved in caring for a puppy. You’ll have plenty of work and training to do over the course of the next year, as you go about teaching little Fido the do’s and don’ts of being a Good Boy. A local vet offers some puppy training advice in this article from Hassayampa Veterinary Services, serving Wickenburg and the surrounding communities.

Start Immediately

Don’t wait until Little Fido is older to start working with him. Training should start as soon as you get your furry buddy home. You can (and should) also work on house training and crate training along with teaching commands.

Class Schedule

Our canine friend can learn up to 100 words, but you don’t have to go that far. Start with the basics: Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. (Note: you’ll likely find that Sit is the easiest to teach.)

Don’t Bore Fido

Puppies tire out quickly, and they don’t really have particularly long attention spans, except of course when bacon is involved. Aim for short, frequent sessions.

Be Consistent

It can be easy to forget that dogs don’t understand the nuances of our language. To Little Fido, “Sit” and “Fido, sit down right now” mean the exact same thing. Always use the same words and phrases.

Make It Fun

This is a big one! You should only work with your furry friend when you are feeling cheerful. If you’re in a bad mood, your canine pal will quickly pick up on it. That could cause him to become wary about his training sessions … which is the last thing you want. It’s also important to keep that cute tail going! Incorporate lots of praise.

Offer ‘Pawesome’ Rewards

That bag of treats is a pretty important tool when it comes to training your furry pal. Giving little Fido a yummy snack is a great way to drive a point home. You’ll want to use small portions though: otherwise, your adorable student may quickly get too full, and will probably become more interested in napping than in learning.

Our Advice on Puppy Training Tips in 2025

When should you start training your puppy?

Start training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. Early training, including house and crate training, along with basic commands like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down, sets the foundation for a well-behaved adult dog. Puppies can learn up to 100 words, but focus on these essentials first. Keep training sessions short and engaging, as puppies have limited attention spans. Consistency in commands and offering positive reinforcement through praise and treats are key to effective training. Start immediately to take advantage of your puppy’s early learning stages.

How should you reward your puppy during training?

During puppy training, rewarding your furry friend effectively is crucial. Opt for small, tasty treats to make a positive impact without overfeeding. These rewards should be given immediately after the desired behavior to reinforce the connection between the action and the reward. Additionally, use enthusiastic praise and physical affection, like petting, to offer encouragement. Keeping rewards varied can maintain your puppy’s interest and motivation. If you’re in the Wickenburg area and need further guidance on training or puppy care, feel free to visit us at our local veterinary clinic.

How long should a single training session be for a puppy?

For a puppy, training sessions should be short to match their limited attention span. Aim for sessions lasting about 5 to 10 minutes. Puppies tire and lose focus quickly, making shorter, more frequent training periods more effective. This approach ensures they remain engaged and learning is maximized without overwhelming them. Incorporate several brief sessions throughout the day rather than a single, lengthy one. Consistent, short training intervals help reinforce desired behaviors, making the learning process enjoyable and effective for the puppy and trainer.

What are some signs that your puppy is getting tired or frustrated during a training session?

During training, puppies show signs of tiredness or frustration through decreased attention, yawning, licking their lips, turning away from the trainer, or even lying down. You might also notice whining or barking, indicative of stress or confusion. When these signs appear, it’s crucial to conclude the session on a positive note and give your puppy a break. Recognizing these signals ensures training remains a positive experience. If you’re near Wickenburg and need more personalized advice, our clinic is here to support your puppy’s training journey.

How do you teach your puppy to walk nicely on a leash?

To teach your puppy to walk nicely on a leash, start with the right equipment, like a comfortable harness and a short leash for better control. Begin in a quiet area to minimize distractions. Hold treats in your hand to lure your puppy to your side and reward them for staying close as you walk. Use a cue word like “heel” before you start walking. If they pull, stop immediately. Only continue when the leash is slack, reinforcing the behavior with treats and praise. Keep sessions short, gradually increasing complexity as your puppy learns.

Do you have questions about puppy care? Contact us here at Hassayampa Veterinary Services, your Wickenburg vet, serving Wickenburg and the surrounding communities.