When Should My Puppy Start Obedience Training
When Should My Puppy Start Obedience Training?
Start early for the best results—then keep sessions short, fun, and consistent. Here’s a simple timeline and plan.
The Early Days: 7–8 Weeks
Begin basics immediately: name-response, sit, come. Keep it positive and bite-sized; puppies learn fast when it’s fun.
Formal Training Classes
At 10–12 weeks, a puppy class offers structure, distraction-proofing, and professional guidance.
Consistency is Key
Use the same cues
Everyone in the home should use identical words/hand signals.
Reward generously
Mark & reward desired behaviour; end sessions on a win.
Common Challenges
Distracted pup? Train in a quiet room, then add distractions gradually. House-training setbacks? Tighten routine and supervise more.
FAQs
How long should sessions be?
3–5 minutes, several times daily. End before your puppy loses interest.
What rewards work best?
Tiny, high-value treats and praise. Keep treats pea-sized.
When do I start leash training?
As soon as your puppy is comfortable wearing a collar/harness—practice indoors first.
Conclusion: Start early, keep it positive, and practice daily. You’ll see big results fast.
Socialisation: Why It Matters
Expose your puppy (safely) to varied people, sounds, surfaces, and gentle dogs. Pair each new thing with treats to build confidence.