Training Puppies From 8 Weeks to 1 Year Old

Puppy Training Overview: Setting the Stage for a Year of Growth

The first year shapes the dog you will live with for years. Puppies learn fast. They also tire fast. Small, regular sessions build habits that stick and keep training fun. Your goal is a calm, curious pup who understands what earns rewards and what does not.

Start simple. Reward the behaviours you like. Prevent rehearsals of the ones you do not. Keep notes so you can see progress even when days feel messy.

Objectives During the First Year of Training

Build four foundations:

• house training
• calm settling
• reliable recalls in easy places
• polite greetings

Layer in new challenges only when the basic trainings hold.

Essential equipment checklist

Before diving into the specifics of training, it's important to gather the right tools. A sturdy crate, a comfortable leash, a variety of treats for positive reinforcement, and engaging toys are all key to a successful training regimen.

• Crate or playpen for naps and house training
• Flat collar or fitted harness with a light leash
• Treat pouch with small, high value rewards
• Chew toys and food puzzles for mental work
• A mat for “settle” and polite greetings

The First 2 Months Should Focus on Welcoming Your Little Companion

Bringing a puppy home is equal parts joy and learning. Everything is new for them and for you. At 8 to 10 weeks your pup is ready for gentle lessons that feel like games. Set up a simple toilet routine, make the crate a cosy, safe spot, and start easy cues like name, sit, and stay.

Keep sessions short and regular. A few clear reps, then a break. Reward calm choices with tiny treats and praise. End while your puppy is still keen. This patient, positive start sets the tone for the months ahead and helps your pup learn that training is safe, simple, and worth paying attention to.

11 weeks - 4 months: Grow the Puppy's Confidence Through Socialisation and Basic Commands

From 11 weeks to about 4 months your puppy is ready to meet the world in small, happy doses. Say hello to friendly people, calm vaccinated dogs, and everyday sights like prams, hats, scooters, and delivery trolleys. Sit together on a bench to watch traffic from a distance. Let your pup explore different floors, gentle noises, and new smells. Pair each new thing with treats and a soft voice so curiosity grows and worry fades.

Keep the training ticking along. Practise name, sit, and stay every day, then add come and down once the basics feel easy. Keep sessions short and end on a win. If your puppy looks unsure, give space and lower the difficulty. Positive experiences in this window build a sociable dog and help prevent fear and snappy behaviour later on.

Teething and Tackling Troublesome Behaviors

Months 4 to 6 bring sore gums and busy mouths. Chewing and light nipping are normal. Offer safe options like rubber chews, rope toys, and frozen stuffed Kongs to ease discomfort. Keep tempting items out of reach and show your pup what is fair game. If they grab a shoe or sleeve, trade for a toy and praise the switch.

You may also see jumping or louder barking in this phase. Teach “sit to greet” so four paws on the floor earn attention. Reward short pauses of quiet with treats or a calm pat. Keep sessions brief and focused on self control, like sit, wait, and settle on a mat.

Be consistent. Everyone in the family should respond the same way. Clear, repeatable rules turn these growing pains into good habits.

6 Months to 1 Year - Adolescent Training

From 6 to 12 months your puppy hits the adolescent phase. Curiosity spikes and boundaries get tested. Expect good days and wobbly ones. Go back to basics often and keep sessions short so wins stack up.

Rebuild reliability before you add difficulty. Grow “stay” by a few seconds at a time. Add one step of distance, then two. Practise “heel” for short stretches in quiet places before trying it past distractions. Change locations each week so your dog learns the rules apply everywhere.

Give that busy brain a job. Try beginner agility style obstacles, nose work hides, or an entry level obedience class. Reward good choices with food, play, and praise. Finish sessions while your dog is still keen. With steady practice, confidence rises and manners settle in.

Transitioning Your Puppy into an Adult

As your pup nears the first birthday, start shifting from puppy rules to adult manners. Match training to a stronger body and a sharper brain. Stretch walks and hikes a little at a time. Practise real-world skills like waiting at kerbs, settling at a cafe, and greeting people politely. Begin off-leash work only in safe, legal areas, and use a long line until recall is rock solid.

Keep the foundations strong. Refresh sit, down, stay, heel, come, leave it, drop, and settle on a mat. Add difficulty one layer at a time. Duration first, then distance, then distraction. Sprinkle in rewards so good habits stay worth the effort. If things wobble, lower the challenge and bank a few easy wins. Consistent, calm practice turns a lively youngster into a reliable adult companion.

What You Should Do After the First Year of Training

After the first year, take stock. Look at what came together and what still needs work. Celebrate the wins. Choose a few clear goals for the next few months, like faster recalls, calmer greetings, or a longer settle on a mat. Keep notes or short videos so you can see progress even when it feels slow.

Keep learning. Join a local class or club. Try beginner agility, rally, scent work, or a tricks course. Rotate home training so your dog keeps using their brain. One week focus on loose leash, the next on recall and impulse control. Refresh core cues in new places so your dog understands the rules everywhere. Stay proactive. A little practice most days keeps behaviour sharp and your dog happy. It also deepens your bond, which is the real point of all this training.

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