The Importance of Starting Puppy Training the Moment You Get Home

Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s greatest joys—but it’s also the start of your puppy’s

lifelong education. From the second your puppy joins your family, it’s learning. Every action, every interaction, every routine teaches your puppy something—good or bad.

Even when you’re not intentionally training, your puppy is still learning from you. So it’s up to you to decide what it learns.

💡 Every Moment Counts

That adorable thing your puppy does today might not be so adorable later. Maybe you think it’s cute when your tiny puppy jumps up on your leg—but when it’s a 70-pound adult, you may feel differently!

That’s why I always say: reward what you want to see, and ignore what you don’t.

When a puppy sits politely, I pet the sitting puppy. I don’t acknowledge a jumping puppy. That teaches them: sitting earns attention; jumping does not. Puppies are constantly seeking rewards (pets, praise, attention, etc.). If you reach down to push a puppy off your leg, they will view that as a reward because the received attention.

🚪 Teaching Manners Around Doors

One of my favorite early lessons is learning not to rush the door. Here’s how I do it:

• Use your puppy’s kibble or training treats.

• Stand by the door, and when the puppy sits calmly, offer a treat.

• Open the door just a crack. If the puppy moves toward it, close the door gently.

• Try again. When the puppy stays sitting, reward with a treat.

• Gradually open the door wider, rewarding calm behavior each time.

  
  

You can eventually step outside with your puppy still sitting patiently—because it has learned that calmness, not rushing, gets rewarded.

🦴 The Chewing Stage

Puppies explore the world with their mouths. But if you allow them to chew your hands, it may seem harmless now—but it won’t be cute when they’re older.

Your hand should never be something a puppy chews on. Redirect immediately to a toy or chew. If necessary, I use a gentle correction: tucking their lip under their tooth just enough to make it uncomfortable. Dogs naturally learn bite inhibition from each other this way—it’s how they teach, “That hurts.” If it doesn't feel good to chew on you, they will not continue to do so.

🍽 Turning Mealtime Into Training

Every feeding session can be a training session. I hand-feed puppies their meals one kibble at a time for calm, focused behavior. They quickly learn that sitting quietly earns food.

Short, simple sessions like this build powerful habits. I always say—train habits first, commands later.

🗣 Be Careful With Words

Puppies don’t know words yet. You must teach what each word means.

For example, the word “come” should only ever be used when you’re certain your puppy will actually come to you. Otherwise, you’re teaching that ignoring “come” is acceptable.

Start with fun, happy phrases like “puppy-puppy-puppy!”—and as the puppy starts moving toward you, then add the word “come.” Never use “come” to pull them away from something they love; it should always lead to praise or treats.

🧠 Consistency Builds Confidence

Training isn’t about strictness—it’s about clarity. Puppies thrive on consistency. When your responses are predictable, your puppy learns faster and feels secure.

Training also exercises your puppy’s brain, which is just as important as physical activity. Mental exercise wears a puppy out in the best way—it builds focus, balance, and patience. A puppy who spends time problem-solving and thinking during training actually sleeps better and doesn’t need nearly as much physical exercise to be satisfied.

Consistent, calm training builds both mental strength and emotional confidence in your puppy.

🚻 Potty Training Tips

Potty training success comes down to diligence. Keep your puppy on a long leash with you indoors—so it can’t sneak off to potty out of sight. When you can’t supervise, use the crate.

If you never allow a mistake, your puppy learns quickly. But if your puppy has accidents, it’s not disobedience—it’s communication breakdown. Consistency is everything.

I also love using a bell for potty training. I tie a small bell to the door at nose level for the puppy. Each time we go outside, I gently help the puppy ring the bell with its nose before stepping out. Over time, the puppy learns to ring the bell on its own when it needs to go out.

When you go outside after the bell rings, make sure it’s strictly potty business. I recommend keeping your puppy on a leash during these trips so you can walk long enough for them to go potty, but not allow playtime. This teaches that ringing the bell means “I need to go potty,” not “I want to play outside.” It keeps communication clear and helps prevent excessive bell ringing for attention.

🎓 My Favorite Training Program: Baxter & Bella

If you’re not fully sure how to train your puppy—or just want some guidance along the way—my favorite online training program is Baxter & Bella. (Use the Discount Code: SDGGOLDENS for 25% off)

It’s a one-time payment that gives you lifetime access to an amazing step-by-step system. You’ll get:

• Daily and weekly training plans that walk you through each stage

• Video lessons you can watch anytime

• Access to live trainers for one-on-one support

• Group Zoom classes and Q&A sessions

It’s an incredible resource to have in your pocket, whether you’re working on basic manners or tackling more advanced goals.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Your puppy is learning from you every single moment—whether you realize it or not. Be intentional with every interaction. Reward calmness, set boundaries, and communicate clearly.

If you put in the effort early, you’ll have a well-mannered, confident, and joyful dog for years to come.

And remember—I’m always happy to help if you have questions or need ideas along the way!

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