You’ve welcomed a new puppy into your home - congratulations! Now comes the fun part. As a pup parent, it’s up to you to help your puppy become the best version of themselves and to grow into a well-mannered, well-adjusted adult. That starts when they’re still a puppy: welcome to the world of puppy training.

It’s good to remember that training doesn’t just happen during your dedicated training sessions. Every interaction with your puppy is a training opportunity which teaches them what behaviour is OK, and what isn’t. This includes everything from the way you greet them (do you let them jump up on you?) to how you walk them on their lead (do you let them drag you along?).

Also remember that training is life-long. Everything they learn as a puppy, as basic as it might seem, lays the foundation for future training and learning as they grow up. Training is great for dogs, especially for their physical and mental health, so it’s important to train them every day.

You can start puppy training as soon as you bring them home. Here are some quick tips to remember:

• The younger the puppy, the shorter the attention span. Keep sessions short and fun with lots of play time.
• Train them every single day.
• Make sure your puppy is well-rested, and not tired or overstimulated.
• Take them to the toilet before the training session so there are no distractions.
• Fill your pockets with treats which make delicious rewards for good behaviour.
• Choose a quiet, familiar, distraction-free training spot.
• Stock up on special toys to enjoy together on your play breaks.

Training is really important for the first 6 months of your puppy’s life. Here’s what to focus on at every stage.

Your brand new puppy needs to adjust to their brand new home (and owner!). Start with the basics:

• A daily schedule. Puppies like routine and knowing what’s going to happen. Plan out what their day looks like, including meals, toilet breaks, play time, training sessions, naps and before-bed wind down. Read more about 'Why puppies need schedules'.
• Crate and toilet training: These are most important for your puppy to learn right now. Crate training helps them understand their crate is a happy place, and also helps with toilet training.
• Socialisation: Socialisation is so important for puppies as it helps them become confident, well-mannered adult dogs who can handle a wide range of new people, pets and places. Enrol them in puppy training school which takes place in a safe, controlled environment - they’ll need to have had at least 1 vaccination before they start puppy school.
• Being alone: Puppies need to learn to be comfortable and happy when they’re alone. Once they’re settled in their crate, try to leave them by themselves for a while. (Note: A puppy that’s younger than 6 months shouldn’t be left alone for more than 3-4 hours).
• Walking on a lead. Walking nicely on a lead is a big part of a respectful relationship with your puppy. Start getting them used to how it feels by clipping on their lead and letting them drag it around your home. Once they’re familiar with it, take them out for walks and get them used to walking on it without pulling. Aim to always have a gentle curve in the lead.

• Socialisation. As well as puppy school, it’s great for your puppy to meet new people in their home so invite some friends over. Expand their world by taking them on short outings to different places, like dog-friendly restaurants and shops. Treats will help keep them enthusiastic and happy. Read our 'Puppy Socialisation Checklist'.
• Handling. Throughout their life, your dog will be handled a lot - by you, their groomer, the vet, and more. It’s important that they’re comfortable and non-reactive with all types of handling. Get started by offering treats as you gently handle their ears, mouth, paws and tail. Once they’re ok with that, introduce the tools you’ll use like a brush, nail clippers, and a toothbrush.
• Being alone. Continue the work you started when your puppy was younger by leaving them alone for longer periods. Remember this shouldn’t be longer than 3-4 hours. Either leave your home or move to another room where they can’t see you. Stuff a toy with some treats to keep them busy while you’re gone.
• Sit means please. Teaching your puppy to sit is the same as teaching your puppy to say please: it’s basic manners. You can do this by asking them to sit when they want something, like going outside or a favourite toy.
• Nail the basic commands. After ‘sit’, the most important commands for your puppy to learn are recall (coming when you call them), down, and short stays. Use positive reinforcement methods, where you offer praise, play time or a treat when they do what they’re asked. Every puppy should learn basic voice commands.
• Mouthing and biting. You might notice your puppy mouthing, biting and chewing more which means now’s a good time to focus on stopping your puppy from biting. Read more on 'How to ease puppy biting'.

• More socialisation. Puppies have their third and final vaccination before 16 weeks. Once this is done, they’re clear to join the wider world! This means you can take them to more populated areas. Let them take the lead and make sure you don’t force them into situations they don’t feel comfortable with. Your puppy is still too young for busy footpaths and the dog park.
• Walking on a lead. As your puppy gets bigger and stronger, it’s more important than ever that they walk politely on a lead. Focus on not letting them pull. Read more on 'how to lead train your puppy'.
• Build on the basics. Continue to work on the basics, like recall and stay, but move your training sessions outside and extend how long they stay.

• Lead manners. By now your puppy is ready for more lead training. Take them to a range of public spaces with lots of distractions to help them learn to walk politely, regardless of what’s going on around them.
• Keep going! Your puppy might have finished puppy school by now, but training should still happen every day. As well as daily training sessions, consider finding a local trainer or more advanced training courses.
• Continue to treat them. Treats should still form a big part of your training rewards, even as your puppy grows up. Other alternative rewards are play and special toys.

Now you understand puppy training basics, you’re ready to go more in-depth. Read more about:

• Crate training is really important for puppies, helping them feel calm and secure - read more about how to tackle it.
• Toilet training is also a puppy must-do - here’s how to get started.
• Basic commands - sit, come, stay
• Then tackle more advanced tricks

Or read our blog on the common training mistakes some puppy parents make.

We hope this guide helps with training your puppy. If you need any further help or have a question we haven’t answered, contact our friendly Pet Direct Customer Care team on 0800 200 240 or email support@petdirect.co.nz.