Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of questions. How do you stop them from biting? When should you start training? What if they don’t listen?
Training a puppy isn’t about controlling them, it’s about building a relationship based on trust, structure, and communication. At Eli Dog Trainer, we’ve helped hundreds of puppy owners across Toronto turn those early weeks and months into the foundation for a lifetime of good behaviour.
Whether you’re raising your first dog or want a smarter approach than what you’ve tried in the past, this guide will walk you through how to train your puppy with purpose and confidence.
Related Article: When to Start Training a Puppy
Why Early Puppy Training Matters
Puppies are learning constantly, whether you’re intentionally training them or not. From 8 to 16 weeks, they go through a critical development period where experiences shape their behaviour and how they view the world.
Training early helps:
- Build confidence and reduce anxiety
- Prevent bad habits before they form
- Teach boundaries and structure
- Strengthen your bond with your dog
- Set the tone for lifelong obedience
If you don’t give your puppy clear directions, they’ll fill in the gaps themselves. That’s where issues like jumping, biting, leash pulling, and ignoring commands can start.
When to Start Training a Puppy
The short answer? As soon as you bring them home.
At 8 weeks old, your puppy is ready to start learning basic rules, routines, and commands. Don’t wait until they’re “older” or “settled”, by then, you’ll be undoing bad habits instead of shaping good ones.
Early training focuses on:
- Potty training
- Name recognition
- Leash basics
- Crate comfort
- Simple commands like “sit,” “come,” and “no”
- Socialization with people, dogs, and environments
The earlier you start, the easier it is to guide their behaviour in the right direction.
Related Article: When to Start Dog Training & Why Timing Matters
How to Train a Puppy: Core Areas to Focus On
Let’s break training into the five key areas every new puppy owner should focus on.
1. House Training (Potty Training)
This is usually priority number one, and for good reason. Accidents in the house can quickly create stress and confusion for both you and your puppy.
Tips:
- Set a schedule: Take them out first thing in the morning, after meals, naps, and play.
- Reward immediately: Praise or treat them the second they finish outside.
- Limit freedom: Use a crate or confined space when you can’t supervise.
- Clean up properly: Use enzymatic cleaners to remove odours that trigger repeat accidents.
Consistency is key. If your puppy doesn’t learn where to go, it’s usually because the rules weren’t clear or consistent.
2. Crate Training
Crate training isn’t cruel; it’s one of the best tools for teaching structure, creating boundaries, and keeping your puppy safe when unsupervised.
Benefits:
- Helps with potty training
- Gives your puppy a safe, calm space
- Prevents chewing or destructive behaviour
- Prepares them for vet visits, grooming, and travel
Start slow. Make the crate positive by feeding meals inside, giving treats, and keeping sessions short. Never use it as punishment.
3. Basic Obedience
Teaching basic commands early helps your puppy understand your expectations and builds communication between you.
Start with:
- Sit
- Come
- Down
- Stay
- Leave it
- No (to interrupt undesired behaviour)
Use clear, calm commands, followed by immediate rewards. Puppies don’t speak your language, your job is to help them understand what words like “sit” or “come” actually mean.
At Eli Dog Trainer, we teach obedience in real-world environments, not just quiet backyards, so your dog learns to respond under distraction.
4. Leash Training
Walking your dog should be calm and enjoyable, not a tug-of-war.
Start early with:
- A properly fitted collar or harness
- Short, slow walks around your yard or quiet streets
- Rewards for walking beside you without pulling
- Stopping the walk if they lunge, bark, or pull
Leash training is about teaching calm focus, not just walking straight. If your puppy pulls ahead or darts side to side, it’s time to reset.
5. Socialization
Proper socialization doesn’t just mean letting your puppy meet a few dogs at the park. It means exposing them to a wide variety of people, places, sounds, surfaces, and experiences in a positive way.
This includes:
- Kids, seniors, people with hats, wheelchairs, etc.
- Other dogs of different sizes and energy levels
- Buses, elevators, bikes, and different flooring surfaces
- Handling their paws, ears, and mouth (prepping for vets and groomers)
Puppies that aren’t socialized early often become reactive, anxious, or aggressive later. That’s why socialization is a core part of every puppy program at Eli Dog Trainer.
How Long Should You Train Each Day?
Puppies have short attention spans, so training should be:
- Short (5–10 minute sessions)
- Frequent (3–5 times per day)
- Playful (end on a win)
- Consistent (same rules, same commands)
Training isn’t just about sessions, it’s about how you interact with your puppy all day long. Every walk, meal, and game is a chance to reinforce good behaviour.
Mistakes to Avoid When Training a Puppy
Even well-meaning owners can accidentally create confusion or bad habits. Here are some common mistakes:
- Inconsistency: Saying “off” one day and “down” the next confuses your dog. Use the same words every time.
- Repeating commands: Don’t say “sit, sit, sit…”, say it once and wait.
- Letting them rehearse bad behaviour: If they’re chewing shoes or barking at the door, redirect them immediately.
- Training only at home: Your puppy needs to learn to behave in public, not just in your living room.
- Expecting too much too soon: Puppies don’t become perfectly trained overnight. Celebrate small wins and keep building.
Related Article: Why Is Professional Dog Training Important for Every Dog Owner?
Why Work With a Professional Trainer?
Yes, you can train your puppy on your own, but it’s easier, faster, and more effective with guidance. A professional trainer helps:
- Identify and correct early problem behaviours
- Customize a plan for your dog’s personality
- Teach YOU how to communicate clearly
- Build confidence in both you and your puppy
- Avoid confusion or trial-and-error methods
At Eli Dog Trainer, we work with you in real time, teaching practical obedience and leadership tools that work in the real world, not just in theory.
We also offer private sessions, group training, and specialized K9 training for families who want protection dogs with obedience built in.
Training Creates a Bond That Lasts
Training isn’t just about making your dog behave. It’s about creating a calm, respectful relationship where your puppy sees you as a leader, not just a food dispenser.
When done right, training:
- Builds mutual trust
- Reduces anxiety in your dog
- Makes daily life easier (vet visits, walks, guests)
- Gives your dog confidence to handle the world
We don’t use harsh methods or quick fixes. We build habits that last.
Start Strong, Stay Consistent
Raising a puppy is work, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. The habits you create now will shape your dog’s behaviour for life.
If you want help building that foundation, Eli Dog Trainer is here to guide you every step of the way. With a blend of real-world experience, structure, and positive reinforcement, we help puppies become confident, respectful companions, one lesson at a time.
Need help training your puppy in Toronto? Contact Eli today to schedule your first session. Let’s set your puppy up for success from day one.
