Puppy Training Tips


Are you Puppy Prepared?

Puppy Training Tips: Are You Puppy Prepared?

They’re adorable, right? That fluffy face, those little paws… until they keep you up all night, chew everything in sight, and go potty on your living room rug.

Raising a puppy is a rewarding journey, but it comes with challenges. That’s why puppy training is essential right from the start. A well-prepared puppy parent sets the foundation for a confident, well-mannered adult dog.

What Is Positive Reinforcement Puppy Training?

The foundation of my training philosophy is positive reinforcement. This method focuses on rewarding the behaviors you want—using food, toys, praise, or anything your puppy finds valuable. You can even use their regular kibble!

For example: if your puppy goes potty outside, you immediately reward with a treat. This teaches them that going potty outdoors results in something good—and they’re more likely to repeat that behavior.

Positive reinforcement (R+) is science-based, recommended by leading animal behavior organizations, and rooted in the work of B.F. Skinner’s Operant Conditioning. Positive trainers use two of the four quadrants:

  • R+ (adding a reward to increase behavior)
  • P- (removing something the dog values to decrease unwanted behavior)

No fear. No punishment. Just communication, structure, and rewards.

Dog holding a sit position during a training drill.

Puppy Preparation:

 

Puppy Preparation: Before They Come Home

Are you really ready for your puppy? Let’s check:

  • Puppy-proof your home: Remove anything unsafe or valuable from reach—wires, shoes, toxic plants, kids’ toys.
  • Have a plan: Where will your puppy sleep? Eat? Go potty?
  • Other pets? Plan proper introductions and make time for them too.
  • Kids in the house? Teach them the dos and don’ts—no roughhousing, no interrupting meals, and always supervise.

Success starts with structure! The more prepared you are, the easier the transition will be for everyone.

Dog walking politely on a loose leash beside trainer.

Puppies Place:

 

Puppy’s Safe Space: Crate Training

Crate training is a powerful tool for house training, managing chewing, and providing a safe, quiet space for your puppy to rest.

✅ Use a crate that’s the right size—or use a divider.
✅ Introduce the crate positively! Toss treats in, leave the door open, and make it a party.
✅ Place cozy bedding, safe chew toys, and even a familiar-smelling blanket from their breeder inside.
✅ Keep the crate near you. Dogs are social animals and often feel safer nearby.

Never use the crate as punishment. It should always be a happy place where your pup chooses to relax.

Safety tip: Always remove collars or tags before crating.

Puppy being introduced to crate training.

Puppy Feeding Time:

 

Puppy Feeding Time: Tips & Tools

Start with a quality puppy food—ask your vet for recommendations—and buy a small bag to make sure your puppy tolerates it. Then:

  • Use puzzle feeders or slow feeders to prevent gulping and provide mental stimulation.
  • Try freezing kibble in water or broth for cooling enrichment.
  • Set a feeding schedule—most puppies eat 3x a day.
  • Keep feeding times calm and consistent.
  • Feed your puppy in a quiet spot, especially if you have other pets, to avoid resource guarding.

Always supervise mealtimes, and ask kids to give the puppy space while eating.

pupper eating dog food

Puppy toys and teething suggestions:

 

Toys & Teething Relief

Puppies need to chew—it’s how they soothe their gums and explore their world.

🦴 Offer frozen treats or chew toys designed for teething.
🧊 Freeze kibble or treats in ice cube trays for a quick, soothing snack.
🍖 Stuff and freeze Kongs with soft food or peanut butter.
🪥 Provide safe chew options like Nylabones.

Pro tip: Have these items ready in advance so you can redirect chewing before they get your shoes.

At around 8–9 months, when molars come in, chewing may increase again—this is totally normal.

Puppy being introduced to crate training.

Physical and Cognitive Stimulation:

 

Physical & Cognitive Stimulation

Puppies need daily physical exercise and mental enrichment to stay happy and out of trouble.

  • Play games like fetch or tug.
  • Train in short, fun sessions before meals.
  • Provide toys that challenge them, like snuffle mats or treat puzzles.
  • Consider your puppy’s breed traits—are they natural herders, retrievers, or scent hounds? Use those instincts in play and training!

A tired puppy is less likely to get into mischief.

puppy learning to leash walk

Scheduling:

 

Structure & Routine: Your Puppy’s Daily Schedule

Like kids, puppies thrive on routine. Structure your day around:

  • Potty breaks
  • Meals
  • Training time
  • Play and rest
  • Alone time

It’s tempting to spend every moment with your new puppy, especially if you’re on vacation—but gradually teaching them to be alone helps prevent separation anxiety down the road.

In Summary: Be puppy prepared!

Bringing home a puppy is exciting—but preparation is key.
Set up your home, establish a routine, focus on reward-based training, and give your pup the tools they need to succeed.

Disclaimer:

Unless otherwise noted through links or direct quotes, the information in this
article is based on my firsthand experience working with dogs—my own, my clients’, and the
many shelter dogs I’ve had the privilege of training. It also reflects my professional
education, ongoing studies, the numerous dog training webinars I’ve attended, podcasts I
follow, and the wide range of books I’ve read on dog behavior and positive reinforcement
dog training.