Bringing home a new puppy is, of course, exciting and full of chaos. However, many new puppy parents need help figuring out where to begin with training. What do you teach your puppy first? What’s most important? To help get you started, here are five helpful exercises your puppy can be taught after the first week they arrive at your home and they’re settled into their new environment.

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1. Teaching Food Lure

The first thing to focus on with your new puppy is teaching them to use food lures. This is the process of getting your puppy to follow your hand with a treat, which you’ll need for future training when positioning them for commands like “sit,” “down,” or even getting them to come to you. Here’s how to do it:

• Hold a piece of food in your hand, ensuring it’s close enough to their nose but not too high, which may cause them to jump.
• Slowly guide the treat in the direction you want your puppy to go; make sure she follows the food and moves with you.
• As your puppy follows the treat, reinforce the movement by saying positive cues.

This exercise helps your puppy begin to focus and learn to move in specific ways.

2. The Importance of Teaching “Yes”

Teaching your puppy the word ‘Yes’ is one of the most important early training steps. This word is like a bridge between the behavior and the reward. “Yes” is a way to communicate that the puppy did something right. Here’s how to teach it:

• Get your puppy’s attention (usually with a treat).
• When all four paws are on the floor, say “Yes” enthusiastically and immediately reward them with a treat.
• Repeat this process 10 times to help them connect the word’s sound to a positive response.

Using “Yes” as a marker lets your puppy know they’ve done something right, and it will be a key part of their learning process for this exercise.

3. Teaching Your Puppy to Sit

Next, one of the most fundamental commands: “sit.” It’s a simple but crucial step in puppy training. Here’s how to teach it:

• Again, use the food lure method. Hold the treat near the puppy’s nose and slowly move it upwards, guiding the puppy into a sitting position.
• When your puppy’s bottom touches the ground, immediately say “Yes” and reward them with the treat.
• Repeat this multiple times until your puppy understands the “sit” command and associates it with the treat.

Being patient and gentle and moving at your puppy’s pace is essential. Make sure to give them breaks so they don’t become too overwhelmed.

4. Learning Their Name

Getting your puppy to recognize their name helps build a foundation for future training and bonding. Here’s a quick guide:

• Hold a treat near your puppy’s nose and say their name. When they look up at you, praise them and give them the treat.
• Repeat this process a few times so they start to associate their name with positive reinforcement.
• Gradually, you’ll be able to call your puppy’s name and get their attention, even if there are distractions.

As with all training, consistency is key. Repeat this exercise daily, and your puppy will soon respond to their name.

5. Handling Exercises for Socialization

One of the most overlooked but crucial aspects of early puppy training is getting them comfortable with handling. This is essential for their long-term well-being, as they’ll need to be touched and handled for grooming, visits to the vet, and general comfort in social situations. Here’s how you can practice this:

• Gently touch your puppy’s paws, ears, mouth, and collar. Reward them with a treat when they stay calm.
• Gradually build up to touching more sensitive areas, ensuring they learn that touch is safe and non-threatening.
• Practice regularly so that your puppy becomes comfortable being handled in various situations.

This handling exercise ensures that your puppy will not become stressed or fearful when you trim its nails, put on a collar, or clean her ears.

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Patience and Consistency Are Key

Remember, puppies are still learning how to live in the human world. Be patient and consistent in your training. Some puppies might not get the hang of things immediately, and that’s okay! They are still young and adapting to their new environment.

With consistency, patience, and lots of positive reinforcement, your puppy will grow into a well-behaved and happy dog. Enjoy the process—puppyhood goes by fast!

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