When and How to Start Training Your Puppy
Updated: 3 days ago
The best time to start training your puppy is the day they come home, not with long lessons, but with tiny moments like rewarding them for coming to you, for sitting before their dinner or for settling on their bed. One of the first things I teach in week one is taking a treat nicely from my hand. Puppies are learning all the time anyway, and training just makes sure they're learning the things you'd like.
THE SHORT ANSWER
You can start training a puppy from around 8 weeks, as soon as they come home. Keep sessions to a minute or two, a few times a day, and use rewards your puppy loves. Start with name, come, sit, settling on a mat, handling and toilet training. Use everyday moments, like mealtimes and going out to the garden, as training time. Don't wait for vaccinations to be finished: everything here can be done at home. Calm, reward-based training from day one is the best start you can give your puppy.
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When should you start training a puppy?
From the day they come home, usually around 8 weeks. Young puppies learn quickly, and habits form fast, good and bad. Waiting until 6 months means your puppy has had months to practise jumping up, nipping or running off.
You don't need to wait for vaccinations. Training at home and in your garden is safe. Here's how to start training before vaccinations are done.
What to teach first
1. Their name
Say their name once. When they look at you, say "yes" and give a treat.
2. Come
Call your puppy from a short distance in the kitchen and reward them when they reach you. Make coming to you the best thing in the world.
3. Sit
Hold a treat near their nose and move it slowly up and back. When their bottom touches the floor, say "yes" and reward.
4. Settle on a mat
Reward your puppy for lying calmly on a mat or bed. This is one of the most useful skills of all.
5. Handling
Gently touch their ears, paws and mouth, then give a treat. It makes vet visits and grooming much easier.
6. Toilet training
Take them out often and reward them outside the moment they go. Read our potty training guide.
How long should training sessions be?
For young puppies, a minute or two at a time is plenty, a few times a day. Stop while they still want more. Read more about puppy attention spans.
The best time of day to train
Train when your puppy is awake and alert, but not wild. Good times are:
Just before meals, when they're keen for food
After a short play, once they've calmed a little
Not when they're overtired. That's nap time
Use everyday moments
Ask for a sit before you put their bowl down
Reward them for coming when you call them in from the garden
Reward calm behaviour when visitors arrive
Reward them for settling while you eat
These small moments add up to much more training than any formal session.
Common mistakes
Waiting too long to start
Training for too long
Repeating cues over and over
Telling off instead of showing them what to do
Expecting a puppy to manage around big distractions too soon
RENEE'S TIP
Keep a small pot of treats in each room. When your puppy does something you like, you can reward it straight away, without leaving to find a treat.
QUICK CHECK
ā Start the day your puppy comes home
ā A minute or two at a time
ā Name, come, sit, settle, handling, toilet
ā Use everyday moments
ā Rewards, not telling off
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FAQs
When should I start training my puppy?
From the day they come home, usually around 8 weeks old.
What is the best age to start training a puppy?
8 weeks is a great time to start. Young puppies learn quickly and habits form fast.
What should I teach my puppy first?
Their name, come, sit, settling on a mat, handling and toilet training.
How long should I train my puppy each day?
A minute or two at a time, a few times a day, plus lots of small everyday moments.
Can I train my puppy before vaccinations?
Yes. Everything you need to start can be done safely at home and in your garden.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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