
Anyone who has ever raised a puppy knows that training these adorable little monsters can be challenging.
While most puppies can learn the essentials within six to eight weeks (such as potty training and basic commands), there are plenty of variables to consider if you wonder how long it takes to train a puppy.
Puppy brains can get easily confused, especially when your puppy is also busy adapting to a new household with new rules.
A well-trained puppy does not happen overnight.
It generally takes puppy parents six months to a year to fully train a puppy (including house training, crate training, basic commands, and more advanced behaviors).
Be patient with your furry little friend and yourself — training a puppy isn’t easy.
Training a dog, especially a young puppy, requires calm, patience, and repetition.
At what age should I begin training my puppy?
Most people will adopt a new puppy at eight weeks old. You can start with basic training as early as eight weeks, though it will take several weeks before your puppy catches on.
However, when your puppy enters your home, you can build a consistent routine of frequent potty breaks, mealtimes, play times, mini-training sessions, and naps.
Start training using simple command words, even if your puppy doesn’t respond. You’re creating a safe structure where your puppy will learn, making training go faster.
How do I train a puppy?
Usually, puppies would learn the rules from their mom; in the mom’s absence, you are now the primary role model for your puppy’s good behavior.
As such, it’s up to you to set a daily schedule and uphold expectations.
Fully training your puppy takes time, and the different behaviors you’d like to train in your dog will require varying amounts of effort; plus, you may need to wait until your puppy reaches a certain age before teaching more advanced commands.
How do I house-train my puppy?
Young puppies have small bladders, so your little guy (or girl) will require plenty of bathroom breaks.
Still, you can start potty training your new puppy at eight to ten weeks old. Puppies should be let outside every few hours.
Frequent opportunities to relieve themselves outside will help your tiny canine get used to the expectation to go potty outside.
When you head out the door with your pup, select a simple cue or command, such as “go potty,” and repeat that word or phrase every time. You can even combine potty training with leash training.
To simplify the housebreaking process, you might even consider walking on a leash to a patch of grass or bush; this way, your puppy will associate that area with going to the bathroom.
Offer praise when your puppy follows through, and always have a treat or toy ready when you head back indoors.
It takes about six weeks of intentional puppy potty training. That being said, it’s still very likely that your new puppy will have accidents.
It’s all part of the learning process, so clean up the area and try again. Stay positive, and don’t punish your puppy.
Keep sticking to your daily routine and schedule frequent potty breaks at the same times every day.
How do I crate-train my puppy?
New puppy owners can begin crate training as early as eight to ten weeks old.
While not every dog owner chooses to crate-train their pups, crating is an exceedingly helpful strategy for reducing your puppy’s risk of developing separation anxiety. It may even help it get used to sleeping through the night.
When you crate-train successfully, your puppy’s crate will serve as a place of safety and security.
Select a location for your puppy’s crate that inspires comfort, like the family room.
Make sure the crate has a cozy bed or blanket. When placing your puppy in or around the crate, keep your voice cheerful and supportive (crates should never be used as a punishment). Leave a path of treats to the open crate door and, eventually, into the physical crate.
Don’t force it; it may take your puppy several days to get comfortable entering the crate.
From there, begin feeding your puppy meals in the crate and practice longer periods with the crate door closed (with you remaining nearby).
Soon, your puppy will be comfortable remaining in the crate for short periods without you around.
You can start crating your puppy for several hours and even overnight at six months. All said and done, it may take up to six months to successfully crate train your puppy.
How do I teach basic commands?
You don’t need to hire a dog trainer for basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “down.
Practicing simple commands, such as “sit,” can begin as early as eight weeks. Once you start practicing, your puppy can learn these commands in as little as one week.
To train your dog to “sit,” try to minimize distractions and gather a few treats or your puppy’s favorite toy.
Stand before your puppy and calmly repeat the command to sit, holding a treat in your hand. When your tiny canine does sit, offer positive praise and give it the treat. Step away, allow your puppy to follow, and repeat the process several times.
“Down” is a slightly more advanced command, so you may need to wait until your furry friend is at least ten weeks old.
You should employ a similarly repetitive process as the “sit” command requires, but you may need to lure your puppy into lying down by bringing a treat in front of the snout down to the floor.
Release the treat when your puppy has fully brought its elbows and tummy to the floor.
Mastering basic commands will take about six weeks of consistent training.
However, with a strong foundation, your puppy can learn more complicated commands in less time.
As such, you can start incorporating more complicated commands once your puppy is at least twelve to fourteen weeks old.
“Stay,” “fetch,” and “drop it” are more advanced commands, and they require your puppy to develop impulse control and a longer attention span.
Should I enroll my puppy in obedience classes?
Hiring a personal dog trainer or signing your puppy up for positive reinforcement classes can be costly, but a basic obedience class is typically cost-effective.
Obedience training classes are usually held once a week for six weeks.
These puppy schools can benefit first-time dog owners, foster or rescue dogs, difficult puppies, or owners who cannot train their dogs properly.
You can enroll your puppy in obedience training classes as early as eight weeks old (make sure your pup is up to date with vaccinations).
Formal classes offer many perks for your puppy, including plenty of socialization and playtime with other dogs. Above all, investing in an obedience class will help you train your puppy even faster.
It’s never too late to teach your dog new rules or a new trick.
No matter your dog’s age, the most critical aspect of training is patience, consistency, and positivity (oh, and a bag of your puppy’s favorite treats, of course).
Avoid making puppy training mistakes
Here are some common training challenges, tips on handling them, and common mistakes:
Potty training issues
Challenge: Accidents in the house.
Tip: Establish a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks. Take your puppy outside immediately after waking up, eating, or after playtime. Praise them when they go outside.
Mistake to avoid: Punishing your puppy for accidents. This can create fear and confusion. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement.
Biting and nipping
Challenge: Puppies often use their mouths to explore.
Tip: Redirect this behavior by providing appropriate chew toys. When they nip you, let out a sharp “ouch” to indicate they’ve hurt you, and immediately give them a toy to chew on instead.
Mistake to avoid: Encouraging rough play that involves biting. This can reinforce the idea that it’s OK to bite.
Jumping
Challenge: Puppies tend to jump on people when they’re excited.
Tip: Teach them an alternative behavior, like sitting, when greeting people. Reward them when they keep their paws down.
Mistake to avoid: Giving attention (positive or negative) when your puppy jumps up. This can inadvertently reinforce the behavior.
Leash pulling
Challenge: Puppies pulling on the leash during walks.
Tip: Use positive reinforcement to encourage walking calmly by your side. Stop walking and wait for them to return to your side before proceeding.
Mistake to avoid: Jerking the leash or yelling. This can create a negative experience associated with walks.
Lack of focus
Challenge: Your puppy gets distracted by noises, people, or other animals.
Tip: Practice training in a quiet environment before gradually introducing distractions. Use high-value treats to keep your puppy’s focus on you.
Mistake to avoid: Trying to train in busy or overwhelming environments too soon. It’s essential to build a solid foundation first.
Separation anxiety
Challenge: Distress when left alone.
Tip: Gradually decrease the time spent with your puppy. Start with short absences and gradually increase. Create a positive association by giving them treats or toys when you leave.
Mistake to avoid: Giving too much attention before you leave or right after you return. This can increase their anxiety around separation.
Inconsistent with commands
Challenge: Confusion about commands and expectations.
Tip: Use the same word for commands consistently, and ensure everyone in the household is on board with the same terminology and training approach.
Mistake to avoid: Inconsistency can confuse your puppy. Be as uniform as possible in your training.
Ignoring socialization
Challenge: Fear or aggression in new experiences.
Tip: Supervise your puppy as you expose it to new people, new environments, and other pets. Make each experience positive through treats and praise.
Mistake to avoid: Skipping socialization opportunities. This is vital for developing a well-adjusted dog.
Remember, patience and consistency are vital to train a puppy. Celebrate small victories, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Final thoughts on how to train a puppy
Training a puppy is a rewarding yet challenging journey that requires patience, consistency, and a lot of love.
Starting early and establishing a routine creates a nurturing environment that promotes learning and good behavior.
Remember, every puppy learns at their own pace, so it’s important to celebrate small victories along the way.
Whether you’re focusing on potty training, crate training, or teaching basic commands, the key is to remain positive and supportive.
With time and dedication, you’ll help your furry friend become a well-behaved companion and strengthen your bond.
Enjoy the process, and cherish the moments you share as your puppy grows and learns.