At last, he’s home and you just got a new family member. As early as you can, train your puppy on how to be part of your family. Here are some tips and how:
Use your puppy’s name consistently
Your puppy does not need a special type of name to learn well. Use the same name consistently, pair it with good things, and avoid repeating it over and over when your puppy is distracted. You want the name to become a cue to look toward you.
Implement the house rules.
Determine what he can and can’t do even before he becomes domestic. Is he allowed at the mattress or the furnishings? Are elements of the house off-limits? How about personal space on the dining table? Plan a house rule that will avoid confusion on both sides.
Set up his private den.
Dogs need his own, private sleeping place. From short periods, leave him alone in his den. Give him treats if you see that he stays calm and quiet.
Help your puppy settle into the new home
Keep the first few days calm and predictable. Provide a safe sleeping area, regular bathroom breaks, gentle play, and plenty of rest. Familiar bedding or a soft blanket can help the space feel comfortable without adding anything hot enough to cause a burn.
Teach him to come when called.
The command to be mastered first is to teach him to come using his name. Use positive reinforcement when he does. You can also try it when he is busy with something that interests him.
Reward his good behavior.
Positive reinforcement means rewarding the behaviors you want to see again. Use toys, treats, affection, praise, or a dog training clicker paired with rewards. Mark the behavior you like and reward it promptly so your puppy can connect the action with the outcome.
Take care of the jump up.
Ignore him when he jumps up for greeting. Avoid patting or praising your dog when he’s in that position.
Teach him on “dog time.”
Timing matters. Reward good choices right away, and when your puppy does something you do not want, calmly interrupt and redirect him toward an appropriate behavior. Consistency helps your puppy understand what earns rewards without relying on harsh corrections.
Redirect puppy biting
Puppy nipping is common. Redirect teeth onto an appropriate toy, pause play briefly if biting continues, and reward calm interaction. Avoid rough reactions that make the game more exciting or frightening.
End training sessions on a positive note.
Don’t forget to reward your pup throughout the training. He deserves it because he has worked hard on it. It can be a treat, some petting, lots of praise or five minutes of play.
For more on household rules, read our guide to dog boundaries. For broader training principles, see our positive dog training tips.