Puppy Training Basics: First Commands to Teach

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Training a puppy is not about drilling obedience. It is about teaching your puppy how to live happily in a human world. A handful of simple cues, taught with patience and rewards, will make everyday life easier and set the stage for more advanced learning.

How puppies learn

Puppies learn by association. Behaviors that earn rewards are repeated, and behaviors that do not are not. That is why reward-based training works. Use small, soft treats and praise. Timing is critical: reward within a second of the behavior. Many trainers use a marker word like "yes" or a clicker to say "that is it." See our guide to positive reinforcement.

The method: lure, mark, reward

1. Lure. Use a treat to guide your puppy into position.
2. Mark. Say "yes" the instant it happens.
3. Reward. Give the treat.
4. Add the cue. Once your puppy does the behavior reliably, say the cue word just before luring.
5. Fade the lure. Use an empty hand, then a hand signal.
6. Add distractions. Practice in new places.

First cues to teach

1. Name

Say your puppy's name in a cheerful voice. When it looks at you, mark and reward. Repeat in different rooms. The name should always mean "pay attention to me."

2. Sit

Hold a treat near the nose and move it slowly up and back over the head. As the nose rises, the bottom lowers. Mark and reward. See our step-by-step guide to teaching sit.

3. Come

Start indoors. Say your puppy's name and "come" in a happy voice, then back away. Reward generously when it arrives. Never call your puppy to punish it. See our recall training guide.

4. Down

From a sit, lure the nose down to the floor between the front paws with a treat. Mark and reward when the elbows touch the floor. Be patient.

5. Leave it

Hold a treat in a closed fist. When your puppy stops sniffing and backs off, mark and reward from your other hand. Gradually progress to open palm and floor treats. This cue can prevent your puppy from eating dangerous things.

6. Wait

Ask your puppy to sit at a door or before eating, take a step back, then release with "okay." Start with a second or two. Build up gradually. This teaches impulse control.

7. Settle

Reward your puppy for lying calmly on a mat. Over time, increase the duration. This helps with calm behavior.

Tips for success

• Keep sessions short, one to five minutes. See our guide to how long training sessions should be.
• Train before meals, when your puppy is hungry and motivated.
• Use a variety of rewards, including treats, toys and praise.
• Practice in different places.
• Be consistent. Everyone should use the same cues.
• End on a success.
• Avoid repeating the cue. Say it once, then wait.
• Do not punish mistakes. Simply try again, or make it easier.

Common problems

• Puppy is distracted. Move to a quieter place or use better treats.
• Puppy jumps for the treat. Hold the treat closer and lower it, and wait for four paws on the floor.
• Puppy gets frustrated. Take a break or simplify.
• Puppy only obeys with a treat in sight. Gradually hide treats and use a variable reward schedule.

Beyond the basics

As your puppy masters these skills, add loose leash walking, stay and more tricks. Consider enrolling in a class. See how to choose a puppy class.

The takeaway

Training is a conversation between you and your puppy. Keep it short, positive and consistent, and enjoy watching your puppy learn.