There are six standard puppy training commands: Heel, Come, Stay, Sit, Stand, and Down. With a new puppy it’s not that important where you begin their training. The important thing is to practice sometime everyday and to never be in a hurry to go to the next lesson. When you train your dog you do not set the pace for learning, you puppy does.

Puppy training sessions should last only two to five minutes long which is just about the length of your pup’s attention span. If you push them longer than that they will stop paying attention to you.

Try and end every training session with a near perfect performance. That could be one two-second sit, or three little “heeling” steps next to you. Tell them how “perfect” it was. Lay it on them! Really let them know how pleased you are they got it right.

Do not start a training session immediately after your puppy has eaten because they’ll be sleepy and any treat rewards won’t be as enticing. However, you can practice at anytime throughout the day, even if it is a three-second “stay.” Your puppy will love the attention.

Motivation for a puppy to do anything at all lies first in their desire to please you. Realistically,
treats run a close second. Dog biscuits do not make good training treats because they take too long to chew. Tiny bits of plain cheese are the perfect taste treat. A thin slice of hot dog will perk up the interest of almost any dog that’s not concentrating.

Rewards come in three forms: treats, pats and verbal praise. To grade your “student’s” qualification for a reward, consider a treat the equivalent of an “A,” a pat a “B,” and verbal praise a “C.” Any two together equal an A+, so be very careful not to go overboard or you’ll run out of appropriate compensation and the pup will quit.

Verbal praise has a range from ecstatic (for the first few correct responses from a very young pup) to a calm “good dog” as your dog grows up and becomes more expert. Don’t overuse cheese or hot dog treats when practicing. As each word command is fully learned, gradually cut back on the treats and substitute “good dog” or just a big smile.

What you say to a puppy and how you say it can determine how quickly they learn. All conversation is perceived by the dog as meaningless sound. Try this: In the midst of some long-winded chit-chat, say their name emphatically and watch them take notice.

When using the one word training commands, remember that lesson. Their name gives you their attention; one word tells them what to do. It is “Sparky, SIT” - loud and clear. Never, “Sparky, Sit. Sit. Sit. “Sparky, you’re not listening - I said Sit. SIT, Sparky! “That is called nagging, and Sparky will tune you out. The puppy is not being disobedient or stubborn. They are just confused - totally! And avoid sounding like a drill sergeant! Smile, speak clearly and let the dog do the barking!

Learn what to do on the first day when you bring home your New Puppy.