Puppy Training 101: The First 6 Months With A New Puppy
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time, filled with cuddles, chaos and plenty of learning. The first six months of puppyhood are critical for setting the foundation for a happy and well-behaved dog. With the right puppy training essentials, a solid routine and lots of patience, you’ll help your pup thrive in their new environment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect and how to train your puppy during these formative months.
Understanding Your Puppy’s Development
Every puppy grows at their own pace, but the first six months cover several important stages of development. From 8 to 12 weeks, your puppy is adjusting to being away from their mother and littermates. This is the best time to begin gentle training, socialisation and crate introduction. Between 3 to 6 months, your pup will become more independent and curious, and you may notice the start of teething and testing boundaries. It’s vital to use positive reinforcement and keep a consistent routine during this time.
Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come, and gradually introduce more complex tasks. You’ll find everything you need in our collection of puppy training essentials to support you through each phase of development.
Creating A Consistent Routine
Puppies thrive on routine. Set regular times for feeding, toilet breaks, play and sleep. Feeding your pup high-quality food is essential for their growth, so consider exploring our range of nutritious dry food or wet food options, specially formulated for puppies. You might also want to look into New Zealand-made pet food to support local and provide premium nutrition.
Toilet training should be part of your early routine. Take your pup outside frequently, especially after meals and naps. Celebrate every successful bathroom break with praise or treats from our delicious puppy treats range.
Socialisation, Play And Exercise
Socialising your puppy between 8 and 16 weeks is crucial for building their confidence and reducing anxiety. Gently expose them to different people, pets, sounds and environments. Positive playtimes also help build strong bonds, and you can keep your pup engaged with our interactive puppy toys.
Daily walks and play sessions provide both physical and mental stimulation. Long walks or hot days may call for hydration support—check out our range of pet hydration essentials to prevent dehydration during activity.
Addressing Behavioural Challenges Early
Puppies are naturally curious and may chew, nip or bark excessively. These behaviours are normal but need to be redirected early with the right tools. Chewing, for example, often occurs during teething. Try providing teething-safe toys and using healthy distractions like calming supplements if your pup struggles with overstimulation or anxiety.
If your puppy seems especially anxious or has trouble settling, consider exploring our calming essentials collection for effective solutions like diffusers, chews, or calming sprays.
Must-Have Products For Your First Six Months
To make your transition smoother, you’ll want to stock up on tried-and-true puppy gear. Petdirect is your one-stop puppy shop with everything you need in one place, from feeding bowls and grooming tools to leads, collars, toys and more.
Our top rated picks are also worth a look if you’re not sure where to start. You can even set up auto-delivery for recurring essentials so you never run out of food, treats or training pads during those busy first few months.
A Positive Start For A Lifetime Together
Your puppy’s first six months can be some of the most rewarding and pivotal times for both of you. Stay patient, positive and consistent. Give your pup the best start with proper nutrition, routine, and training support—and always reward progress with love and the occasional treat. Visit Petdirect to discover our full range of puppy training essentials and our puppy shop to help you along every step of the journey.
