Puppy Training Tips to Set Your Dog Up for Success from the Start

Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—experiences a dog owner can have. That adorable little face, those clumsy paws, the puppy breath—it’s easy to get swept up in the fun. But those first six months? They’re some of the most important weeks of your dog’s entire life.

At Choice Dog Training Co., we’ve worked with countless puppies over the years, and one thing has always been clear: how you guide and support your dog early on will shape their behavior, confidence, and relationship with you for years to come. Whether you’ve just brought home a puppy or are preparing for a new addition, here’s what science proves are most important in those early months:

Puppy Training tips coming in...3, 2, 1

Build Structure, Not Stress

Forget about perfect obedience right now. The focus should be on building structure, setting expectations, and teaching your puppy how to live peacefully in your world. That means consistent routines—when to eat, where to go potty, how to rest quietly—and gentle guidance. A structured environment helps your puppy feel safe and gives them the confidence to explore and learn.

Crate Training and Calmness

One of the first things we like to teach is crate training—not as a punishment, but as a place of rest and comfort. Puppies thrive when they have a calm space to retreat to. Teaching them to settle, especially when nothing exciting is happening, is a gift you’ll thank yourself for later.

Socialization That Builds Confidence

When people hear “socialization,” they often think their puppy needs to meet every person and dog they see. But real socialization is about experiences, not exposure. Walking on different surfaces, hearing new sounds, riding in the car, visiting the vet—those are the moments that matter. The key is to take it slow and make those experiences positive, not overwhelming.

Engagement Before Obedience

We want your puppy to learn more than “sit” and “down”—we want them to look to you as a partner. Engagement is everything. It’s what keeps your dog connected to you even when there are squirrels, loud noises, or new people around. Playing together, offering rewards for check-ins, and building relationship-focused routines are more important than getting the perfect heel on day one.

Prevent Problems Before They Start

A lot of behavior issues we see in adult dogs—jumping, barking, reactivity, separation anxiety—start with little habits that were either misunderstood or unintentionally rewarded during puppyhood. Puppies don’t come “pre-trained,” but they do come ready to learn. Our job is to teach them what’s okay and what’s not, with kindness and clarity.

The First Six Months Matter

Raising a puppy isn’t about having all the answers or being perfect. It’s about showing up every day with consistency, patience, and a willingness to learn alongside your dog. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.

At Choice Dog Training Co., we offer customized puppy training that fits your life, your goals, and your dog’s unique needs. Whether you need help with the basics or just want to start off on the right paw, we’re here to help guide the way.

This puppy can be trusted at the beach thanks to reliable training from these puppy training tips!