Puppy Training Basics: Your First Week Guide

Congratulations on your new furry family member! The first week with your puppy is crucial for setting the foundation of a lifelong bond built on trust and understanding. Here's everything you need to know to start on the right paw.

Why Start Training Immediately?

Many new puppy parents think they should wait until their puppy is older to start training. This couldn't be further from the truth! Puppies are like little sponges, ready to absorb everything you teach them from day one.

Key benefits of early training:

• Establishes routine and structure
• Builds confidence in your puppy
• Prevents bad habits from forming
• Strengthens your bond

Essential First Week Goals

1. House Training Success

House training doesn't have to be stressful. The key is consistency and patience.

The golden rules:

• Take your puppy outside every 2 hours
• Always go outside after meals, naps, and playtime
• Choose a specific spot in your yard for potty breaks
• Reward immediately when they go in the right place

2. Basic Commands

Start with these three essential commands:

"Sit"

• Hold a treat above your puppy's nose
• Slowly move it back over their head
• As their bottom touches the ground, say "Sit" and give the treat

"Stay"

• Start with your puppy in the sit position
• Hold your hand up in a "stop" gesture
• Take one small step back
• If they stay, immediately return and reward

"Come"

• Start in a small, enclosed space
• Get down to their level and call their name + "Come"
• Make yourself exciting - clap, use a happy voice
• Always reward when they come to you

3. Building Trust and Confidence

Your puppy is learning about the world, and you're their guide. Here's how to build unshakeable trust:

• Use positive reinforcement only - no scolding or punishment
• Be patient - accidents and mistakes are part of learning
• Create positive associations - make training fun and rewarding
• Respect their limits - short, frequent training sessions work best

Creating a Training Schedule

Puppies learn best with structure. Here's a sample daily schedule:

Morning (7 AM)

• Potty break
• Breakfast
• 5-minute training session (sit/stay)

Midday (12 PM)

• Potty break
• Playtime
• Short training session

Evening (6 PM)

• Potty break
• Dinner
• Training session + socialization

Bedtime (9 PM)

• Final potty break
• Calm settling time

Common First Week Challenges

Puppy Won't Stop Biting

This is completely normal! Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Here's what to do:

• Redirect to appropriate chew toys
• Stop play immediately if they bite too hard
• Never use your hands as toys

Accidents in the House

Expect accidents - they're part of the learning process. When accidents happen:

• Clean thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner
• Don't punish - just take them outside immediately
• Increase the frequency of potty breaks

Puppy Seems Overwhelmed

Moving to a new home is a big adjustment. Signs of overwhelm include:

• Excessive sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Hiding or reluctance to explore

Solution: Go slow, provide a safe space, and let them adjust at their own pace.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Essential supplies:

• High-value treats (small, soft pieces)
• Comfortable collar and leash
• Variety of chew toys
• Baby gates for safe spaces
• Cleaning supplies for accidents

Mindset tips:

• Celebrate small wins
• Stay consistent with commands and rewards
• Remember that every puppy learns at their own pace
• Focus on building a relationship, not just obedience

Looking Ahead

By the end of your first week, your puppy should be starting to understand:

• Where their potty spot is located
• Their name and basic commands
• That you're a source of good things (treats, praise, play)
• The basic rhythm of your household

Remember, this is just the beginning of an amazing journey together. Each small step you take this week builds the foundation for a happy, well-trained, and confident dog.

Next Steps

Ready to dive deeper? Our next article covers "Socialization: Your Puppy's Window to the World" - essential reading for weeks 2-4 of your puppy's development.

Have questions about your specific situation? Don't hesitate to reach out to our community of fellow puppy parents!

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Sarah Mitchell is a certified professional dog trainer with over 10 years of experience helping families build strong relationships with their dogs. She specializes in positive reinforcement training and puppy development.