How to Train a Puppy or Dog at Home: What to Teach First, in Order
A realistic first-month plan for training a puppy or new dog yourself: what to teach in week one, how long sessions should be, and which problems to tackle first.
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The short version
Week one: the foundations
- Teach a marker word. “Yes!” means a treat is coming, so you can tell your dog the exact moment they got it right.
- Teach their name. Say it once; when they turn, mark and pay.
- Teach eye contact. Looking at your face becomes the way to make good things happen.
- Teach settle on a mat. A place to lie down and do nothing, which you’ll use at dinner and when guests arrive.
Week two: the core cues
- Sit: your dog’s way of saying please.
- Down: the start of a real settle.
- Stay: change only one of time, distance or distraction at once, and always release.
- Leave it: turn away from something tempting. The reward comes from your other hand.
- Drop it: let go of what’s in your mouth, taught as a trade.
From day one: the things that can’t wait
How long and how often to train
What to do when it isn’t working
- Make it easier. Go back to the last step your dog could do and repeat it a few times.
- Change one thing at a time. A new room, a longer wait and a bigger distraction all at once is three new lessons.
- Check the basics. A puppy who is overtired, hungry, needs the toilet or hasn’t had a chance to sniff and play can’t concentrate.
- Get everyone doing the same thing. Mixed rules are the most common reason a behavior sticks around.
- Don’t punish mistakes. It doesn’t tell your dog what to do instead, and it makes them less willing to try.
When to get in-person help
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start training my puppy?
The day they come home, usually around eight weeks. Start with the marker word, their name and a potty schedule. Keep sessions to a few minutes.
Can I train my dog myself, or do I need a trainer?
Most everyday manners can be taught at home with short daily practice and clear steps. A trainer or behaviorist is worth it for aggression, serious fear or separation anxiety, or if you want someone to watch your technique in person.
How long does it take to train a puppy?
Basic cues such as sit and down often come within days. Reliable behavior around distractions takes months of practice, and adolescence, from about six months, usually brings a temporary dip. Think of it as a habit you keep up, not a course you finish.
Is it too late to train an older dog?
No. Adult and senior dogs learn the same way puppies do. Habits they’ve practiced for years take longer to change, so manage the situation while you teach something new.
How many treats is too many?
Use tiny pieces and take them out of the daily food allowance. Many people train with part of their dog’s regular kibble at home and save the special treats for harder places.
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