Bringing home a new puppy is one of life's most exciting moments. Along with all the cuddles and playtime comes the important job of teaching your puppy how to become a happy, well-mannered companion.
The good news? Training doesn't have to be complicated. With patience, consistency and plenty of positive reinforcement, your puppy will quickly begin learning the behaviours you want to encourage.
Here are our top puppy training tips to help you get started.
1. Start Training From Day One
Puppies begin learning the moment they arrive home. While you don't need to teach complex commands straight away, you can immediately start introducing simple routines and rewarding good behaviour.
Keep training sessions short—around 5 to 10 minutes—and always end on a positive note.
Consistency is key, so try to use the same words and rewards every time.
2. Reward Good Behaviour
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective training methods.
Rather than focusing on mistakes, reward your puppy whenever they do something you'd like them to repeat.
This could include:
- Sitting calmly
- Coming when called
- Walking nicely on the lead
- Going to the toilet outside
- Settling quietly in their bed
Small, tasty treats help your puppy make positive associations and keep them engaged during training.
3. Choose Healthy Training Treats
Training often means giving lots of rewards, so choosing natural treats is important.
Look for treats that are:
- High in protein
- Easy to break into small pieces
- Free from artificial colours
- Suitable for puppies
Our Chicken Strips are perfect for training as they can easily be torn into bite-sized rewards, helping you reward little and often without overfeeding.
4. Keep Sessions Fun
Young puppies have short attention spans, so training should feel like a game rather than a chore.
Aim for several short sessions throughout the day instead of one long lesson.
Finish with praise, play or another favourite activity so your puppy looks forward to learning.
5. Socialise Your Puppy
Introducing your puppy to new people, places, sounds and experiences helps them grow into a confident adult dog.
Take things slowly and allow your puppy to explore at their own pace.
Always create positive experiences by offering praise and rewards when they remain calm and curious.
6. Help Them Through Teething
Puppies naturally explore the world with their mouths, and teething can make them want to chew even more.
Instead of letting them chew furniture or shoes, provide appropriate natural chews to satisfy this instinct.
Suitable puppy chews can help:
- Occupy busy minds
- Redirect unwanted chewing
- Encourage appropriate chewing habits
- Provide a longer-lasting enrichment activity
Always supervise your puppy while they're enjoying any chew and choose products suitable for their age and size.
7. Be Patient
Every puppy learns at their own pace.
Some commands may take a few days, while others might take several weeks to master.
Stay calm, reward progress and avoid punishment. Building trust is far more effective than correcting mistakes.
Remember—your puppy is learning everything for the very first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start training my puppy?
You can begin as soon as your puppy comes home, usually from around 8 weeks of age. Start with simple routines and basic commands using plenty of praise and rewards.
What are the best treats for puppy training?
Small, natural treats that are easy to break into pieces work best. High-protein options like Chicken Strips make excellent rewards without unnecessary ingredients.
How long should puppy training sessions last?
Keep sessions between 5 and 10 minutes. Several short sessions each day are far more effective than one long training session.
My puppy keeps biting everything—is this normal?
Yes! Chewing is completely normal, especially during teething. Providing safe, natural chews can help redirect this behaviour away from furniture and household items.
How often should I reward my puppy?
Reward every successful behaviour while your puppy is learning. As they become more reliable, you can gradually reduce treats while continuing to use praise and affection.
Building Good Habits for Life
Training isn't about creating a perfectly behaved puppy overnight—it's about building trust, confidence and communication.
By using positive reinforcement, healthy natural treats and plenty of patience, you'll help your puppy develop into a happy, confident companion.
Whether you're teaching their first "sit", celebrating successful toilet training or simply rewarding calm behaviour, every small success is another step towards a lifetime of adventures together.
