Short answer: Use positive reinforcement: mark the moment your dog does what you want with a clicker or ‘yes’ and pay immediately with a high-value treat. Keep sessions short (5 min, multiple times daily). Focus on Sit, Down, Come, Leave It, and Loose-Leash Walking first. Avoid physical punishment (AVSAB 2007 position).
What you should actually do
- Marker training: a clicker (or the word ‘yes’) paired with food teaches dogs exactly which behavior earned the reward.
- Reward valence matters: cooked chicken, hot dog, or freeze-dried liver beats kibble for hard environments.
- 5-min sessions multiple times daily beats one 30-min session. Dogs learn in short bursts.
- Punishment-based methods (shock, prong, alpha-roll) increase fear, aggression, and chronic stress (Ziv 2017, Vieira de Castro 2020).
- Find a certified positive trainer: CCPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC, PPG – never an ‘alpha,’ ‘balanced,’ or ‘pack leader’ marketing-only label.
The single most important skill for the first 6 months is RECALL (‘come’). Practice 50+ times a day in low-distraction environments with very high-value rewards. Never recall a dog to do something they dislike (nail trim, bath, end-of-park) – poison the cue and you’ll spend years undoing it.
Socialization (under 16 weeks) is more important than obedience for long-term behavior. Expose puppies to many people, sounds, surfaces, and gentle dogs in positive contexts before the socialization window closes.
Dig deeper
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace a hands-on veterinary examination. Drug doses depend on your dog’s complete clinical picture, concurrent medications, and the exact product formulation. Always confirm dosing with your veterinarian before administering any medication, and contact a 24-hour veterinary emergency service or animal poison control immediately if you suspect a medication overdose or adverse reaction. Editorial standards: every drug dose published on PuppaDogs is cross-checked against multiple authoritative veterinary references and reviewed by PuppaDogs Veterinary Editorial Team before publication.
