Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting, joyful adventure — and a big responsibility.
The first three months are the most critical for shaping your puppy’s behavior, confidence, and future relationship with you.
This guide will help you master the essential commands with easy, step-by-step instructions and realistic tips, giving your puppy the perfect foundation for a happy, well-mannered life.
Why Early Puppy Training Matters
Training during your puppy’s early months helps:
- Build trust and communication between you and your dog
- Prevent future behavioral issues
- Encourage good manners from the start
- Boost your puppy’s confidence in new situations
Quick Fact:
Puppies experience a critical socialization period from 8 to 16 weeks — the habits they learn now stick with them for life.
Tip:
Focus on positive reinforcement — reward what you want to see more of, and your puppy will learn faster and happier!
Setting Up for Success: Essentials Before You Start
Before teaching commands, make sure you have:
- High-Value Treats: Small, soft, and delicious (like bits of chicken or cheese).
- A Clicker or Marker Word: Like “Yes!” to signal the exact moment your puppy does the right thing.
- Short Sessions: Keep training sessions 5–10 minutes long to match short puppy attention spans.
- Patience and Positivity: Mistakes will happen — stay encouraging and upbeat.
Example:
Emma’s Golden Retriever, Charlie, struggled with “Stay” at first. Instead of getting frustrated, Emma shortened the training session, praised every small success, and built up slowly — now Charlie’s “Stay” is rock-solid!
The Top Commands to Teach in the First 3 Months
1. Sit
Why:
“Sit” is the foundation for polite behavior — waiting at doors, greeting guests, etc.
How to Teach:
- Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.
- Slowly move it up and back over their head.
- As their head follows, their bottom naturally drops into a sit.
- The moment they sit, say “Sit” and reward.
Tip:
Practice before meals to build focus and anticipation for rewards.
2. Come
Why:
A reliable “Come” can save your puppy’s life one day.
How to Teach:
- Start indoors, at a short distance.
- Say your puppy’s name and “Come!” in an excited, happy tone.
- When they move toward you, reward generously.
Important:
Never punish your puppy if they come to you, even if they took their time. Always make coming back a celebration!
3. Stay
Why:
“Stay” builds patience and impulse control.
How to Teach:
- Ask your puppy to sit.
- Open your hand like a “stop” sign and say “Stay.”
- Take one small step back, then immediately return and reward if they didn’t move.
- Gradually increase distance and duration.
Tip:
Always release your puppy with a cue like “Okay!” so they know when it’s time to move.
4. Leave It
Why:
Teaches your puppy to avoid dangerous or unwanted items.
How to Teach:
- Show a treat in your closed hand and say “Leave it.”
- When your puppy stops trying to get the treat, reward them with a treat from your other hand.
- Build up by placing treats on the floor and covering them with your hand.
Real-Life Use:
This command is a lifesaver if your puppy tries to pick up something harmful during a walk!
5. Down
Why:
A calm “Down” command helps with settling in public spaces and at home.
How to Teach:
- Start with your puppy sitting.
- Hold a treat near their nose and slowly move it to the ground.
- As they follow, their body should naturally lower.
- Say “Down” and reward when they lie flat.
Patience Tip:
Some puppies need extra encouragement — reward any lowering movement at first and build gradually.
6. Name Recognition
Why:
Your puppy’s name should mean “Pay attention to me!”
How to Teach:
- Say your puppy’s name once.
- When they look at you, immediately reward.
- Practice everywhere — during walks, meals, and play.
Important:
Avoid using their name negatively (e.g., “Max, NO!”) — you want it to always be a positive cue.
Seasonal Tips for Training Your Puppy
Each season offers unique training opportunities and challenges:
Spring: Fresh Start
- Begin outdoor training sessions in mild weather.
- Work on recall (“Come!”) in safe, enclosed parks.
Summer: Stay Cool
- Train early in the morning or late evening to avoid heat.
- Practice short sessions indoors if it’s too hot outside.
Fun Idea:
Teach “Find it!” games by hiding treats around a shady yard.
Fall: Focused Learning
- Crisp air makes outdoor training easier.
- Practice loose leash walking on scenic hikes.
Winter: Indoor Adventures
- Short, frequent indoor training sessions keep energy levels balanced.
- Teach new tricks like “Spin” or “High Five” to engage a restless pup.
Pro Tip:
In cold or snowy areas, invest in a non-slip mat for indoor training to prevent slips and injuries.
Real-Life Puppy Training Success Stories
Anecdote 1: The Power of “Leave It”
When Sarah’s curious Labradoodle, Benny, tried to snatch a chicken bone from the sidewalk, her early “Leave It” training paid off. Benny froze on command, and Sarah avoided a dangerous vet visit!
Anecdote 2: Recall Wins
Mike’s adventurous Corgi, Luna, loved chasing squirrels. Thanks to consistent “Come” training with high-value treats, Luna returned instantly, even when temptation was strong — keeping her safe and off busy roads.
Conclusion
The first three months of puppyhood are precious — and powerful.
With patience, positivity, and these essential commands, you’ll lay the groundwork for a lifetime of good behavior, trust, and joyful companionship.
Remember: short, happy sessions lead to big results. Celebrate every little success, adapt your training with the seasons, and most importantly, enjoy every goofy, wonderful moment with your growing best friend. 🐾
Training today builds the amazing dog you’ll cherish forever — one sit, one stay, and one wagging tail at a time.