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Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s purest joys. Those curious eyes, clumsy paws, and endless tail wags can melt even the toughest heart. But amid all that cuteness comes a big responsibility—teaching your puppy the skills they need to grow into a well-behaved, happy dog.
Basic command training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about communication, trust, and safety. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pet lover, the following step-by-step guide will help you get started.
🐾 Step 1: Build a Foundation of Trust
Before diving into training, focus on bonding. Spend quality time playing, feeding, and gently grooming your puppy. Use their name often in a positive tone so they associate it with good things. Trust is the foundation on which all training rests—without it, learning becomes stressful for both of you.
🐶 Step 2: Choose Your Training Tools
You don’t need a mountain of equipment, but a few essentials will make training easier:
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A comfortable collar or harness
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A sturdy leash
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High-value treats (small, soft, and irresistible)
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A clicker (optional, for clicker training)
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Lots of patience
🗣️ Step 3: Start with Their Name
Before learning commands, your puppy must respond to their name.
How to teach it:
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Say your puppy’s name in a cheerful voice.
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When they look at you, immediately reward them with a treat or praise.
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Repeat several times a day for short sessions.
This step lays the groundwork for attention—essential for all future commands.
📋 Step 4: Teach the Essential Commands
1. Sit
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Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.
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Slowly move your hand upward, so their head follows and their bottom naturally lowers.
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Say “Sit” as they begin to lower, and reward once they’re in position.
2. Stay
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Ask your puppy to “Sit.”
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Open your palm in front of them and say “Stay” firmly.
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Take a small step back; if they hold the position, reward immediately.
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Gradually increase distance and time.
3. Come
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Put your puppy on a leash in a distraction-free area.
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Crouch down, open your arms, and say “Come” in an excited tone.
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Gently reel them in and reward when they reach you.
4. Down
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Ask your puppy to “Sit.”
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Hold a treat to the floor and slide it away from them.
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As they follow the treat into a lying position, say “Down” and reward.
5. Leave It
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Hold a treat in your closed fist.
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When your puppy stops pawing or licking, say “Leave it” and reward with a different treat.
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This command can prevent them from eating harmful objects.
⏳ Step 5: Keep Sessions Short and Fun
Puppies have short attention spans—training should be 5–10 minutes per session, multiple times a day. End each session on a positive note so they look forward to the next one.
🏆 Step 6: Be Consistent
Use the same words, tone, and gestures every time. Everyone in the household should follow the same rules to avoid confusing the puppy.
🌟 Step 7: Gradually Add Distractions
Once your puppy masters a command at home, practice in new environments—your backyard, a park, or during walks. This teaches them to obey even with distractions.
❤️ Final Tip: Training Is a Relationship, Not a Task
Your puppy isn’t just learning commands—they’re learning to trust and understand you. Celebrate small wins, stay patient through setbacks, and remember: every treat, praise, and moment of connection shapes the dog they’ll become.
Bottom Line: Basic command training sets the stage for a lifetime of good behavior, safety, and companionship. Start early, train with kindness, and enjoy watching your little ball of fur grow into a confident, well-mannered best friend.
