Training your new puppy
Start on day one with short, upbeat lessons, rewards your puppy loves, and lots of gentle new experiences.
General care guidance. Needs vary by species, age and health. Your veterinarian can tailor a plan for your pet.
Start right away
Puppies can start simple training as soon as they come home, often at about 8 weeks old.
Keep lessons to five to 10 minutes, and always end on a good note.
Teach one thing at a time, like sit, down or come, before you add the next.
Reward what you want to see
Use tiny, tasty treats, happy praise or a quick game with a favorite toy as rewards.
Skip yelling and leash jerks. The AKC advises against that kind of punishment, and animal behavior vets (AVSAB) recommend reward-based training for all dogs.
Potty and crate basics
Set a routine from the first day. Take your puppy out often and reward it right after it goes potty in the right spot.
Make the crate a safe, cozy place. Never use it as a punishment.
New people, places and a class
A puppy's most important time for getting used to new things ends at around three months of age. Keep new sights, sounds and people calm and positive.
Join a puppy class as soon as your vet says it is safe. Choose an instructor who uses positive reinforcement.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked November 1, 2026. These are original starter summaries; read the full guidance below.
Puppy Basics, one short lesson a day.
Potty training, the crate, the first vet visit, feeding and socializing, in plain words. See the lessons
First 30 Days with your puppy.
A week-by-week checklist, a shopping list and a feeding schedule. Print it and stick it on the fridge.
Join the Gotcha Day club.
Tell us your pet’s name and the day they came home. Every year we send a happy Gotcha Day note.