Bringing a new puppy home is one of life's most exciting moments. The tiny paws, the curious sniffing, the way they look up at you with those big, trusting eyes. But alongside all that joy comes a reality every new pet parent quickly discovers: puppies need guidance, consistency, and the right tools to grow into well-behaved, confident dogs.
Training your puppy isn't just about teaching them to sit or shake. It's about building a relationship based on trust and communication. It's about setting your dog up for a lifetime of good behaviour, safety, and happiness. And the good news? You don't need to be a professional dog trainer to get it right. You just need to start early, stay consistent, and have the right essentials on hand.
When Should You Start Training?
The short answer: as soon as your puppy comes home. Most puppies are ready for basic training from around 8 weeks of age. At this stage, their brains are like sponges, absorbing everything about their new environment, the people around them, and the rules of the household.
The first 16 weeks of a puppy's life are often referred to as the "critical socialisation window." During this period, puppies are most receptive to new experiences, sounds, people, and other animals. Positive experiences during this window lay the foundation for a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.
That said, it's never too late to start training. Older puppies and even adult dogs can learn new behaviours with patience and the right approach.
The 5 Must-Have Training Essentials
1. A High-Quality Training Treat Pouch
Positive reinforcement is the gold standard of modern dog training. It means rewarding the behaviours you want to see more of, rather than punishing the ones you don't. And the most effective reward for most puppies? Food.
A training treat pouch clips to your belt or waistband and keeps small, high-value treats within easy reach. This allows you to reward your puppy within 1-2 seconds of the desired behaviour, which is critical for them to make the connection between the action and the reward.
What to look for: A pouch with a magnetic or drawstring closure (so treats don't spill), a washable interior, and enough room for a session's worth of treats. Some pouches also have a separate pocket for your phone, keys, or poo bags.
Best training treats: Small, soft, and smelly. Puppies respond best to treats they can eat quickly without having to stop and chew. Tiny pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats work well. Keep each piece no larger than the size of your pinky fingernail.
2. A Clicker (or Marker Word)
A clicker is a small handheld device that makes a distinct "click" sound when pressed. It serves as a "bridge" between the moment your puppy performs the correct behaviour and the moment they receive their treat. The click tells your puppy: "Yes, that exact thing you just did is what I wanted."
Clicker training is remarkably effective because it provides precise timing. Dogs learn faster when they receive clear, consistent feedback. If a clicker feels awkward, you can use a short marker word like "Yes!" instead, spoken in a bright, consistent tone.
How to charge the clicker: Before using it in training, spend a few minutes simply clicking and immediately giving a treat, repeating 15-20 times. This teaches your puppy that the click sound always means something good is coming.
3. A Well-Fitted Collar, Harness, and Lead
Your puppy will need to learn to walk on a lead, and having the right equipment makes the process smoother for both of you. For young puppies, a lightweight flat collar with an ID tag is essential for identification. For walks, a front-clip harness is generally recommended over a collar, as it reduces pressure on your puppy's delicate throat and gives you more control without discomfort.
A standard 1.8-metre lead (not a retractable one) is ideal for training. Retractable leads teach puppies to pull, because the tension is always there. A fixed-length lead allows you to practise loose-lead walking and maintain consistent boundaries.
Sizing tip: You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar or harness and your puppy's body. Check the fit regularly, as puppies grow quickly and may need adjustments every few weeks.
4. A Crate or Playpen
Crate training is one of the most valuable things you can do for your puppy. A crate provides a safe, den-like space where your puppy can rest, sleep, and feel secure. It also plays a key role in toilet training, as most puppies will naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can use one end as a bathroom. Many crates come with a divider panel that allows you to adjust the space as your puppy grows.
Important: The crate should never be used as punishment. It should always be associated with positive experiences. Feed meals in the crate, offer special chew toys inside, and let your puppy go in and out freely during the day.
A playpen is a great complement to a crate, providing a larger contained area where your puppy can play safely when you can't supervise them directly.
5. Appropriate Chew Toys and Enrichment
Puppies chew. It's a fundamental part of their development, especially during the teething phase (typically between 3 and 6 months of age). Rather than trying to stop chewing entirely, the goal is to redirect it toward appropriate items.
Stock up on a variety of chew toys in different textures and sizes. Rubber toys like Kongs are excellent because they can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter, turning chewing into a rewarding enrichment activity. Rope toys, nylon bones, and textured teething rings are also good options.
Avoid: Cooked bones (they can splinter), toys with small parts that could be swallowed, and anything made of materials that break apart easily.
The 5 Basic Commands Every Puppy Should Learn
Once you have your essentials ready, start with these foundational commands. Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and always end on a positive note.
Sit
Hold a treat just above your puppy's nose and slowly move it back over their head. As their nose follows the treat upward, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground. The moment they sit, click (or say "Yes!") and give the treat. Repeat until they respond reliably, then add the verbal cue "Sit" just before the hand motion.
Come (Recall)
Start in a low-distraction environment. Crouch down, open your arms, and say your puppy's name followed by "Come!" in an enthusiastic tone. When they come to you, reward generously with treats and praise. Recall is arguably the most important command for your dog's safety, so practise it often and never use it to call your puppy for something they find unpleasant (like bath time or leaving the park).
Stay
Ask your puppy to sit, then hold your palm up in a "stop" gesture and say "Stay." Take one small step back. If they remain in place, click and treat. Gradually increase the distance and duration over multiple sessions. If your puppy breaks the stay, simply reset without punishment and try again with an easier version.
Leave It
Place a treat in your closed fist and present it to your puppy. They'll sniff, lick, and paw at your hand. The moment they pull away or look up at you, click and reward with a different treat from your other hand. This teaches impulse control and is invaluable for keeping your puppy safe from things they shouldn't eat or touch.
Down
From a sitting position, hold a treat at your puppy's nose and slowly lower it straight down to the floor, then slide it slightly forward. As they follow the treat, their body should lower into a down position. Click and treat the moment their belly touches the ground.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Training sessions that are too long. Puppies have short attention spans. Five to ten minutes, two to three times a day, is far more effective than one long 30-minute session.
Inconsistent rules. If jumping on the couch is sometimes allowed and sometimes not, your puppy will be confused. Decide on your household rules early and make sure everyone in the family follows them.
Punishing mistakes. Yelling, physical corrections, or rubbing a puppy's nose in an accident are outdated methods that damage trust and slow down learning. Focus on rewarding what you want, and calmly redirecting what you don't.
Skipping socialisation. Expose your puppy to a wide variety of people, dogs, environments, sounds, and surfaces during their first 16 weeks. Positive socialisation experiences are the single best predictor of a well-adjusted adult dog.
Your Puppy Training Journey Starts Here
Training a puppy takes time, patience, and a sense of humour. There will be accidents on the carpet, chewed shoes, and moments where you wonder if they'll ever get it. But every small breakthrough, every time they sit on cue or come running when you call their name, is a step toward a beautiful lifelong bond.
At Vivypet, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our collection includes training treat pouches, interactive enrichment toys, durable chew toys, and everything else you need to set your puppy up for success. Because every great dog starts with a great beginning.
Ready to start your training journey? Browse our Training Essentials collection today.
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