Best Commands to Teach a New Puppy for Fast, Easy Training Success

Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) experiences. Those puppy eyes, tiny paws, and boundless energy are irresistible, but before you know it, your adorable fluff ball is chewing on your shoes and ignoring your calls. That’s where training comes in! Teaching your pup the best commands to teach a new puppy early on sets the foundation for a well-behaved, happy, and confident dog. As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), I’ve seen firsthand how the right commands can transform puppy chaos into calm cooperation.

Why Early Training Matters

Puppies are like little sponges. Their brains are primed to soak up new information, making the first few months the ideal time to introduce essential commands. Plus, early training helps prevent future behavior problems, strengthens your bond, and makes life easier for both of you.

Think of it this way—would you rather teach your puppy to sit and stay now, or wrestle a full-grown, 60-pound dog who refuses to listen later?

Essential Training Tips Before You Start

Before we dive into the must-know puppy commands, here are a few golden rules to keep in mind:

• Consistency is key: Use the same words and hand signals each time.
• Keep sessions short and fun: Puppies have short attention spans—5-10 minutes is ideal.
• Reward generously: Treats, praise, and even playtime make great reinforcements.
• Practice in different environments: A puppy who listens at home may struggle in the park—practice everywhere!

The Best Commands to Teach a New Puppy

These core commands are the building blocks for a well-mannered dog. Start with the basics and build up as your pup gets the hang of things.

1. Sit – The Foundation of Good Manners

“Sit” is usually the first command I teach because it’s simple and super useful. Whether you need your pup to settle down before meals or politely greet visitors, “sit” is a lifesaver.

How to teach it:

1. Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.
2. Slowly move your hand upward—your pup’s head will follow, causing their bottom to lower.
3. As soon as their butt touches the ground, say “Sit!” and reward immediately.
4. Repeat a few times daily until your pup gets it.

Trainer Tip: If your puppy jumps instead of sitting, try rewarding them the moment their bottom touches the ground—even if it’s just for a second!

2. Stay – The Ultimate Patience Booster

Teaching “stay” isn’t just about obedience; it’s about keeping your pup safe. Imagine opening the front door and your puppy bolts out—yikes! “Stay” helps prevent these situations.

How to teach it:

1. Start with your puppy in a “sit” position.
2. Hold up your hand like a stop sign and say “Stay.”
3. Take one step back. If your pup stays put, reward them.
4. Gradually increase the distance and duration before rewarding.

Trainer Tip: Puppies naturally want to follow you, so begin with short distances and build up to longer ones over time.

3. Come – The Life-Saving Recall

One of the most important commands, “Come” can save your pup’s life. Whether they slip out the door or get too excited at the dog park, a solid recall ensures they return when called.

How to teach it:

1. Start in a quiet area with minimal distractions.
2. Get down to your puppy’s level and excitedly say “Come!”
3. When they run to you, reward them with treats and praise.
4. Gradually practice in busier environments.

Trainer Tip: Never call your puppy to punish them! You want them to associate “Come” with positive experiences.

Final Thoughts for This Stage

Starting with these three commands—Sit, Stay, and Come—lays the groundwork for a well-trained, obedient pup. But training is a journey, and consistency, patience, and lots of treats will get you there. In the next section, we’ll dive into even more essential commands to round out your pup’s skills!

Now that your puppy is getting the hang of sit, stay, and come, it’s time to expand their training with a few more must-know commands. These next cues will help improve their manners, build confidence, and make everyday life easier—for both of you. Plus, teaching your pup new things strengthens your bond and keeps their brain engaged (a tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy!).

4. Down – Teaching Calmness and Self-Control

“Down” is one of my personal favorites. It’s perfect for situations where you need your puppy to settle, whether you’re eating dinner, chatting with guests, or waiting at the vet’s office. Plus, teaching a solid “down” helps prevent jumping up on people (a common puppy habit!).

How to teach it:

1. Start with your puppy in a sitting position.
2. Hold a treat near their nose and slowly lower it to the floor, moving it away from them slightly.
3. As they follow the treat, their body should naturally lower into a lying position.
4. As soon as they lie down, say “Down!” and reward them.
5. Practice daily, gradually removing the lure so they respond to the verbal cue alone.

Trainer Tip: If your puppy keeps popping up, try rewarding smaller steps—like when their elbows touch the floor—before asking for the full down position.

5. Leave It – Stopping Bad Habits Before They Start

Have you ever dropped a piece of food, only for your puppy to swoop in like a furry vacuum cleaner? That’s where “Leave it” comes in handy! It teaches them impulse control and can prevent them from eating something dangerous.

How to teach it:

1. Hold a treat in your closed hand and let your puppy sniff it.
2. Say “Leave it” and wait for them to stop trying to get the treat.
3. As soon as they back off, reward them with a different treat (not the one in your hand).
4. Repeat, gradually increasing difficulty by placing the treat on the floor or moving it.

Trainer Tip: Never let your puppy get the treat they were told to leave. Instead, always reward them with a different one—this reinforces that “leave it” means they won’t get what they’re after.

6. Drop It – Avoiding the Tug-of-War

Puppies love to grab things—your socks, the TV remote, or even something dangerous like a chicken bone. “Drop it” teaches them to let go of whatever’s in their mouth without turning it into a game of chase.

How to teach it:

1. Give your puppy a toy they enjoy.
2. Once they’re holding it, present a high-value treat near their nose.
3. As soon as they drop the toy to take the treat, say “Drop it!” and reward.
4. Repeat, gradually phasing out the treat bribe so they respond to the verbal cue.

Trainer Tip: If your pup is reluctant, try trading the toy for something even better, like a tasty chew or a game of tug.

7. Wait – Building Patience in Your Puppy

“Wait” is different from “stay.” While “stay” means your puppy shouldn’t move until released, “wait” is more about short pauses—like waiting at the door instead of dashing outside or holding off on snatching a treat.

How to teach it:

1. Hold a treat in your hand and close your fist around it.
2. Say “Wait” and slowly open your hand.
3. If your puppy lunges for the treat, close your hand again.
4. Repeat until they wait patiently before getting the treat.

Trainer Tip: Once your pup understands the basics, use “wait” at doors, before meals, and when getting in and out of the car.

Putting It All Together

At this point, your puppy is well on their way to being a well-mannered companion. Training doesn’t just teach obedience—it builds trust, strengthens your relationship, and makes life more enjoyable for both of you. Keep practicing, stay patient, and remember to have fun along the way!

By now, your puppy is well on their way to mastering essential commands. But real-life training isn’t just about getting your dog to obey in a controlled setting—it’s about ensuring they listen in everyday situations. To bring everything together, let’s dive into real-world examples, key takeaways, and additional tips to help your puppy succeed.

Case Studies & Real-Life Examples

Every puppy is unique, and their training journey reflects that. Here are a few real-world examples where proper training made a huge difference:

Case Study 1: The Runaway Puppy

One of my clients, Sarah, had a high-energy Labrador Retriever named Max. At five months old, Max loved sprinting through the yard but refused to come back when called. After practicing the “Come” command using high-value rewards and a long lead, Sarah saw a complete turnaround. Now, Max reliably returns even when distracted by birds or other dogs.

Case Study 2: Jumping on Guests

A Golden Retriever puppy named Bella had a habit of jumping on every visitor at the door. Teaching her “Sit” and reinforcing calm greetings with treats and praise helped curb the behavior. Now, Bella automatically sits when the door opens, waiting for her well-earned belly rubs.

Case Study 3: Counter Surfing Disaster

Charlie, a mischievous Poodle, once snatched an entire pizza from the counter. His owners implemented “Leave It” training, rewarding him for ignoring tempting food. Within weeks, Charlie learned that keeping his paws on the ground meant more rewards than stealing snacks.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Remember

• Start early: Puppies learn best during their first few months.
• Be patient and consistent: Every dog learns at their own pace.
• Use positive reinforcement: Treats, praise, and play make training enjoyable.
• Practice in different environments: A well-trained puppy listens anywhere, not just at home.
• Make training fun: If you’re enjoying it, your puppy will too!

FAQs

How long does it take to train a puppy?

It depends on the puppy! Some learn basic commands in a few weeks, while others take longer. The key is consistency—practice daily, even for just 5-10 minutes.

What if my puppy isn’t listening?

First, check if they’re distracted, tired, or overstimulated. Try moving to a quieter area, using higher-value treats, or breaking commands into smaller steps.

Can I train my puppy without treats?

Yes, but treats are a powerful motivator, especially for young pups. As they learn, you can gradually replace treats with praise, toys, or playtime.

Bonus: Additional Resources or DIY Tips

If you want to dive deeper into puppy training, check out these additional resources:

• American Kennel Club (AKC) Puppy Training Tips
• Victoria Stilwell’s Positive Reinforcement Training
• ASPCA Behavior and Training Advice

DIY Training Tip: Keep a small pouch of treats with you throughout the day. Every time your puppy naturally performs a desired behavior (like sitting before you ask), reward them. This helps reinforce good habits outside of formal training sessions.

Appendix: References, Disclaimer, and Call to Action

Disclaimer: Every dog is different, and training takes time. If you’re struggling with behavioral issues, consider consulting a professional trainer.

Ready to turn your puppy into a well-trained companion? Start practicing today, and remember—training is a journey, not a destination. Have fun, be patient, and enjoy every step of the process!

Tarra N