Getting a new puppy is so exciting! Those tiny paws, floppy ears, and playful attitude bring so much joy. But along with all the fun comes an important question: when should you start training your new puppy?
Many Utah dog owners think puppies need to be older before training begins. The truth is, your puppy starts learning from day one! Let’s find out when to start puppy training and what to teach at each age.
Why Your Puppy Should Start Training Early in Salt Lake City
Puppies are like little sponges. Between 8 and 16 weeks old, they soak up new experiences super fast. This special time is called the “socialization period.”
During these weeks, your puppy’s brain is growing quickly. What they learn now sticks with them for life. Starting training early helps your puppy:
Learn to feel safe around new things
Develop good habits from the start
Build trust with you
Learn how to learn!
It’s much easier to teach good habits from the beginning than to fix bad habits later.
What Is the Best Age to Start Training a Puppy?
The best time to start training is the day your puppy comes home! Most puppies go to their new homes at about 8 weeks old, and training should begin right away.
Don’t worry – we don’t mean fancy tricks or long training sessions. Early training is simple and fun. It’s about teaching your puppy about your home, where to potty, and basic manners.
Remember, everything your puppy does is learning. When they chew on your shoe and you give them a toy instead, that’s training!
Puppy Training Timeline (By Age)
8-10 Weeks Old
At this tiny age, focus on:
Teaching your puppy their name
Where to go potty (taking them out every 1-2 hours)
Getting used to their crate as a safe place
Gentle handling (touching their paws, ears, and mouth)
Meeting new people in a calm way
Keep it positive! Sessions should be just 2-3 minutes, several times a day. Lots of treats, praise, and play make learning fun.
10-16 Weeks Old
Now your puppy can learn:
Simple commands like “sit” and “down”
Walking on a leash (just for fun at first)
Meeting friendly, healthy dogs
Experiencing different places, sounds, and surfaces
More potty training (fewer accidents!)
This is a super important time for helping your puppy feel comfortable with new things. Take them places (carrying them if they aren’t fully vaccinated) and let them see the world in a safe way.
4-6 Months Old
Your growing puppy is ready for:
More commands like “stay” and “come”
Better leash walking skills
Learning to control their excitement
Beginning off-leash reliability in safe areas
Longer training sessions (10-15 minutes)
At this age, puppies start testing boundaries. Stay patient and keep training fun!
6+ Months Old
Your older puppy can work on:
Advanced commands
Behaving around harder distractions
Fine-tuning all their skills
Problem-solving behaviors like “leave it”
Longer focus times
Remember that even adult dogs keep learning throughout their lives!
What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Start Training?
Waiting too long to train your puppy can lead to problems:
They might develop fears that are hard to change
Bad habits like jumping or barking become normal
They miss out on learning how to meet new dogs and people
Training takes much longer and becomes more frustrating
Some behavior problems might never fully go away
Starting early makes everything easier for both you and your puppy.
Tips for Training Your Puppy at Home
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward the behaviors you like! When your puppy sits, give them a small treat, happy praise, or a quick game with their favorite toy. This teaches them, “When I do this, good things happen!”
Keep Sessions Short & Frequent
Puppies have tiny attention spans. Training for 2-5 minutes, several times a day, works much better than one long session. Always end when your puppy is doing well, so they feel good about training.
Be Consistent
Everyone in your family should use the same words and rules. If one person lets the puppy on the couch but another doesn’t, your puppy gets confused.
Pick simple command words and stick with them. “Sit” should always mean “put your butt on the floor.”
Start with One Skill at a Time
Don’t try to teach everything at once! Work on one new skill until your puppy understands it before adding more. This builds confidence and prevents frustration.
Socialize Safely
Help your puppy meet lots of different people, friendly dogs, and experience new places.
The goal is positive experiences. If your puppy seems scared, take a step back and go slower.
Conclusion
The perfect time to start training your puppy is right away, usually at 8 weeks old when they come home. Every interaction teaches them something, so make those lessons positive!
Training is about much more than commands – it’s about building a strong, trusting relationship with your puppy. Be patient, keep it fun, and remember that learning takes time.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, don’t worry! Professional trainers can help. At Train Walk Poop in Salt Lake City, our puppy training programs are designed for each stage of your puppy’s development.
Book a free evaluation session today, and we’ll help your puppy become a well-behaved dog you’ll enjoy for years to come!
