Puppy Training

Welcome to our puppy training resource! Here, you'll find essential tips and advice to help you nurture a well-behaved and happy puppy.

How do I potty train my puppy?

Getting started

Choose a quiet, private toileting area away from distractions and take your puppy there often. Supervise your puppy closely during toilet training and watch for signs they need to go, such as sniffing, fidgeting, or circling. Take them outside immediately and reward them as soon as they finish toileting in the correct place.

Young puppies often do not have full bladder control, as urination is a developmental process, so accidents can happen without the puppy being able to prevent them.

If your puppy toilets in the wrong place, show no reaction. Clean the area thoroughly with a non-ammonia-based cleaner to remove the scent and reduce repeat accidents.

Reward-based training is key

Use reward-based positive reinforcement to make toilet training successful. Reward your puppy every time, or as often as possible, they toilet in the correct place. Rewards must be given immediately after toileting so the puppy makes the correct association. Rewards can include praise, gentle pats, food treats, or a favourite chew toy.

You can also teach a verbal cue for toileting by choosing one word and repeating it each time you take your puppy out.

Practice makes perfect

Consistency is essential. Stick to a regular toileting schedule, use the same area, and repeat the same verbal cue each time. As your puppy improves, gradually increase the time between toilet breaks.

Every puppy learns at a different pace, so patience is important. Focus on rewarding good behaviour and creating a positive environment. If needed, seek help from an accredited behaviourist or reward-based trainer.

Alongside toilet training, provide plenty of exercise, socialisation, and mental stimulation to reduce unwanted behaviours. By staying patient and consistent, you are on the right track to successfully toilet training your puppy.

Crate Training your puppy

Why Crate Train Your Puppy?

When used correctly, a crate is a helpful tool for managing, transporting, and training your puppy. It becomes their safe “den” where they can rest, be unsupervised, or take a break. Crates support housetraining because dogs avoid soiling their sleeping area, and they also prepare puppies for travel, vet visits, grooming, and boarding.

Crates should never be overused. Puppies should only be crated for the number of hours equal to their age in months plus one, and no dog should ever spend more than 10 total hours in a crate per day, even with breaks.

How to Crate Train Your Puppy

Prepare ahead
Set up a puppy-proofed area with a crate, bowls, and toys, using an ex-pen or baby gate to limit access. Puppies should not have free roam while learning crate habits. Choose a crate large enough to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so large they can toilet inside. Add bedding and toys, and avoid extra beds outside the crate.

Introduction
After your puppy toilets outside, place them in their area and toss treats into the crate. Let them explore freely and never force entry. Praise them for going inside and repeat this process frequently during the first week.

Feeding and kongs
Feed all meals in the crate using a bowl, hand-feeding, or stuffed kongs. Keep the door open so your puppy associates the crate with positive experiences.

The first few nights
Have your puppy sleep in the crate each night after a potty break. Ignore initial whining unless it’s a genuine bathroom need. Take them out briefly if needed, then return them straight to the crate. You may place the crate near your bed at first and move it later. Only open the door when your puppy is calm.

Spending time in the crate
Give special chews, toys, and stuffed kongs only in the crate. Praise and reward your puppy whenever they choose to enter it on their own.

Increasing time alone
Gradually increase crate time based on your puppy’s age. Crate them during short absences and always provide toys, bedding, and enrichment.

Crate on cue
Teach your puppy to enter the crate on cue by tossing treats inside while using a verbal or hand signal. Reward each success until the cue is learned.

Troubleshooting
If your puppy is hesitant, lure them in with treats and slowly move food and toys further inside. Ignore whining and never open the door while they are vocalizing. If your puppy shows signs of panic, seek help from a qualified reward-based trainer.

What are the first commands I should teach?

WHAT COMMANDS SHOULD I TEACH MY PUPPY FIRST?

Most dog owners understand how important housetraining is and know that puppies can begin toilet training from around eight weeks of age. What many people don’t realise is that puppies can also start learning basic obedience commands, such as sit, down, and stay, as soon as they arrive home and feel settled.

Below l’ve provided a list of the top 10 training commands to teach your puppy first to make your house a relaxed and controlled place.

Teach Your Puppy Their Name

Teach Your Puppy To Come

Teach Your Puppy To Sit

Teach Your Puppy To Stay

Teach Your Puppy To Leave It

Teach Your Puppy To Lay Down

Teach Your Puppy To Wait

Teach Your Puppy To Focus

Teach Your Puppy To Heel

Teach Your Puppy The Off Command

Why isn’t my puppy listening to me?

WHY ISN'T MY PUPPY LISTENING TO ME?

There are 4 main reasons why your dog won't be listening to you when you give them a command or just want them to behave.

1. Understanding fear

Fearful behaviour in dogs should not be punished. For example, if a loud car scares your dog while you’re out walking, they may try to pull away and ignore commands. Instead of correcting them, reassure your dog and help them understand that they are safe when they are with you.

Similarly, some dogs are afraid to walk over objects like manhole covers. They may refuse to move, not because they are being stubborn, but because they are genuinely scared. In these situations, patience is essential. Take a step back, look at the situation from your dog’s perspective, and allow time and repetition to help them overcome their fears.

2. Confusion

Confusion is another common reason dogs don’t listen, and this is often unintentional on the owner’s part. Everyone in the household must use the same commands. For example, use “sit” rather than switching between “sit down” or “sit here,” and use “come” instead of “come here.”

Dogs learn through consistency and repetition. Over time, they also learn to recognise your tone of voice and body language. Avoid sending mixed signals, as this can slow down training.

Once your dog understands basic commands, you can experiment by adding extra words. Many dogs can still respond correctly, which shows how adaptable they are and can even be a fun way to show off their skills.

3. Distractions

Distractions are a major reason dogs ignore commands. Birds, cars, other dogs, and wildlife can easily steal their attention. To improve focus, say your dog’s name before giving a command, especially with puppies. Hearing their name helps refocus their attention and prepares them to respond.

Positive reinforcement, such as praise, a happy tone of voice, or occasional treats, helps keep your dog engaged. Understanding what motivates your dog will make training more effective and enjoyable.

4. Choice

Sometimes, a dog ignores commands simply because they choose to. This behaviour needs to be addressed. Dogs should understand that when a command is given, it needs to be followed.

Being a calm, confident leader helps your dog trust and listen to you. Dogs are more likely to obey when they know you are consistent and in control. Clear expectations and follow-through are essential parts of successful training.

How much time should I spend training my puppy each day?

Practice, Practice, Practice!

The saying “practice makes perfect” is especially true for puppy training! Schedule several short training sessions each day to teach and reinforce commands. Young puppies can usually focus for 5–10 minutes, while older puppies can handle 10–15 minutes. Mealtimes are ideal for training, as your puppy can earn their breakfast, lunch, or dinner through practice!

Keep sessions short, fun, and motivating so your puppy looks forward to them. Once vaccinations are complete, begin practicing in different outdoor locations to reinforce commands and encourage good behaviour everywhere.

Now that we’ve covered these key topics, it’s time to start your puppy’s training schedule! We’ve created a basic schedule starting at two months (8 weeks) that grows with your puppy through their first year. If your puppy is older and hasn’t mastered certain skills yet, you can go back and fill in the gaps.

Remember, every puppy learns at their own pace. Some may need extra time on certain stages, while others move quickly. Follow your puppy’s speed and don’t rush them—they’ll progress best when ready.

What’s the right age to start obedience classes?

Early Beginnings: The Puppy Stage (8–16 Weeks)

The ideal time to start training is during the puppy stage, between 8 and 16 weeks. Puppies are highly impressionable at this age and eager to learn. This period, often called the “critical socialisation window,” is when they absorb new experiences rapidly, shaping their behaviour for life.

Basic Commands: Begin with simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down,” which lay the foundation for good behaviour.
Socialisation: Expose your puppy to a variety of people, environments, sounds, and other animals. Early exposure helps prevent fearfulness and anxiety later on.
House Training: Start toilet training as soon as possible. Consistent routines encourage good habits.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward-based training with treats, praise, and play encourages repetition of desirable behaviours. Avoid punishment, as it can cause fear or confusion.

The Juvenile Phase: 4–6 Months

As puppies enter the juvenile stage, their curiosity and independence increase. This is a great time to reinforce early training and introduce new skills.

Strengthening Commands: Continue practising foundational commands, gradually increasing duration and introducing distractions for better reliability.
Leash Training: Teach your dog to walk calmly on a leash. Short, positive sessions make training more effective.
Preventing Problem Behaviours: Chewing, jumping, and nipping can escalate during this stage. Redirect unwanted behaviour to appropriate alternatives like chew toys or structured play.
Handling and Grooming: Familiarise your dog with grooming, nail trimming, and vet visits. Regular handling builds trust and reduces stress.

Adolescence: 6–18 Months

Adolescence is similar to the teenage years in humans. Dogs may test boundaries, making training feel challenging. Consistency and patience are essential during this stage.

Advanced Obedience: Build on basic training by teaching more complex commands and off-leash recall. Training classes or structured environments help reinforce good manners.
Impulse Control: Teach commands like “leave it,” “wait,” and “stay” to encourage self-control and prevent behaviours like jumping on guests or rushing through doors.
Mental and Physical Stimulation: Increased energy can lead to destructive behaviours if not managed. Regular exercise, puzzle toys, and training games keep your dog engaged.
Consistency is Key: Some dogs may temporarily forget lessons. Reinforce positive behaviours and revisit earlier training as needed rather than becoming frustrated.

How do I stop my puppy from jumping on people?

Managing Jumping Up

Stay calm
If your dog jumps, don’t react. Wait until all four paws are on the floor, then reward them.

Reward paws on the floor
Dogs learn that keeping all paws down gets attention. Praise or treat them in situations where they usually jump. Anticipate these moments by having treats or a favourite toy ready.

Avoid scolding
Saying “no” can backfire—some dogs see attention as a reward, others may become anxious. Stay calm and ignore jumping.

Be persistent
Dogs may try harder when their usual behaviour doesn’t get a reaction. Consistency is key—over time, they’ll learn calmer behaviours earn rewards.

Teach sitting when meeting people
Have a friend approach and ask your dog to sit. Reward them as long as all paws stay on the floor. If they jump, ignore until they calm down, then reward immediately.

Alternative for active dogs
For high-energy dogs, scatter treats on the ground as someone approaches. Your dog will stay grounded to enjoy them, learning that staying down earns rewards.

Prepare for walks and visitors
Keep treats ready to encourage polite behaviour on walks or when guests arrive. Reward sitting or use scatter-feeding to keep your dog focused and calm.

Should I use treats or toys for training?

Food vs. Toy Reinforcement in Dog Training

Food Rewards: Quick, precise, and versatile. Great for shaping behaviors and many repetitions. Risks: over-reliance, begging, or loss of focus in distractions.

Play Rewards: Motivating, fun, and bond-building. Good for energetic dogs, but less precise and may reinforce unwanted behaviours if uncontrolled.

Reinforcement Rate: Frequent rewards help dogs learn faster. Gradually switch to intermittent reinforcement for long-term retention.

Choosing the Right Reward: Calm dogs learn best with treats; energetic dogs benefit from play. Tailor rewards to your dog’s personality to keep training fun and effective.

Detection Dogs: Avoid overshadowing or contamination of target odors to maintain focus.

Reward Hierarchy: Identify your dog’s preferred treats and toys. Use high-value rewards for challenging tasks and lower-value for easier ones. This boosts motivation, engagement, learning, and strengthens your bond.

How do I correct bad behavior without scaring my puppy?

Understanding Discipline vs. Punishment

Discipline is about teaching your dog what is appropriate, not scaring or harming them. Effective discipline uses distraction, redirection, or withdrawing attention when they misbehave, combined with positive reinforcement when they do the right thing.

Avoid punishing puppies violently
Frustrating behaviors—like indoor accidents, chewing, or nipping—should never be met with hitting or harsh punishment. This damages trust, makes training harder, and can increase aggression as they grow. Positive reinforcement—praise, petting, or treats—helps puppies associate good behavior with rewards.

When to start discipline
Training should begin around 8 weeks, as puppies start to gain independence. Early training focuses on commands, house training, leash walking, and routines, while also building your bond. Between six months and one year, puppies may test boundaries, show more energy, or be destructive. Consistent discipline and training during this stage are crucial.

When is it safe to take my puppy out in public?

Walking a Puppy After Vaccinations in Australia

Puppies can safely visit public places and interact with other dogs about 2 weeks after their final core vaccination, usually around 16–18 weeks old. This final vaccine is typically the third in the core series.

Before full vaccination, puppies should avoid public areas to reduce exposure to infectious diseases. You can carry them outside and allow limited contact with safe environments and people.

When to start walks: Wait 10–14 days after the final vaccine before taking your puppy on outdoor walks. Before this, they can play and exercise safely in your home or garden.

12-week-old puppies: Most won’t have completed all core vaccines at this age, so walks outside the backyard are not recommended, as exposure to other dogs or public spaces could risk serious illness.

How do I get my puppy to sleep through the night?

Your Puppy’s First Night at Home

A puppy’s first night can be tough. They’re used to sleeping with their mum and littermates, so it’s normal for them to cry, bark, or whinge as they adjust to being alone in a new environment. The priority is helping your puppy feel safe and secure. Rather than moving them far away, keep them close by—such as placing their crate in or near your bedroom, or in a central area of the house where family scents are strongest. Offering a shirt or blanket with your scent can also be comforting. While tempting, avoid letting your puppy sleep in your bed, as this can create bad habits and increase the risk of nighttime toilet accidents.

Helping Your Puppy Sleep Through the Night

Good sleep starts with healthy routines. Set a consistent bedtime schedule by limiting food and water before bed, giving your puppy a chance to toilet, and settling them calmly into their crate or bed each night. Make sure your puppy uses plenty of energy during the day through play, enrichment, and walks if they’re fully vaccinated. If not, active play at home works just as well. As bedtime approaches, keep things quiet and relaxed—avoid high-energy games and use familiar items like blankets or soft toys to help your puppy wind down and sleep peacefully.

How do I train my puppy to be alone without anxiety?

Create Positive Associations with Leaving Home

Make departures a positive experience for your puppy by including something they enjoy or that helps keep them mentally engaged. This could be a special treat or a chew toy placed in their crate. Kongs are a great option, as they keep puppies occupied while you’re away and are made from durable rubber designed to withstand strong chewing.

That said, it’s important to consider your puppy’s bite strength and only provide chew toys you are confident they can’t break apart or swallow. Safety should always come first.

You can also set aside a specific toy that is only given to your puppy when you leave the house. When you return, take the toy away and store it out of reach. This helps your puppy learn to associate your departure with something special and enjoyable, teaching them that leaving means good things happen.