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How to Train a Puppy in Its New Home First Day

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ByMelissa

2025-08-27 13:36:16 None
Best Puppy Training Methods

Hello everyone! I wrote the dog training guide series by accident. I love dogs, but when I got my first dog, I struggled to find useful books. The online resources were scattered and lacked a clear system. So I always thought: it would be nice to have a simple and practical dog book.

One night this summer, I was so tempted that I started writing my first book for dog lovers, "Dog Training Guide". I didn’t expect that after finishing the book, so many friends would warmly welcome me. Their encouragement surprised me, and they hope I’ll keep writing.

The principles I followed in writing the Dog Training Guide series are as follows:

  • Useful. This book tries to explain all the important knowledge clearly. It allows dog owners to master the core knowledge of raising dogs through just one book. I try to make the book full of "dry goods" so as not to waste everyone's time.
  • Concise. Concise means reducing all kinds of irrelevant words and pictures. I have browsed a lot of dog books myself, and I feel that many pet books have too many useless parts. For example, many books are filled with lyricism and body praise. They often contain thousands of words but have little to do with dog pictures. In a 100-page book, only 10 pages are useful. So every part of the books I write is as concise as possible, without nonsense or fooling around.
  • Easy to understand. "Dog Knowledge Encyclopedia" I dislike many pet books. They often feel too professional and obscure. I believe the friends who read that book aren’t very professional dog owners. Too much fancy vocabulary or knowledge can scare people off.

Raising a dog is a fun thing, why should we make it so difficult?

I hope the "Dog Training Guides" series shows what’s popular and practical. Raising a dog is an easy thing, isn't it?

After so much anticipation, the newly bought puppy is finally home! After you cheered and ran with the puppy for many laps, did a question pop into your mind? How will I train the puppy in the future? What are the best puppy training methods?

Don't worry! This article will guide you step by step on how to train a puppy effectively. Let's get started!

How to train a puppy when it first enters the house?

The puppy has come home, but don't rush to train it. Here are 3 key points and 5 supplements for essential puppy training tips:

3 basic points to note

1. Before bringing your puppy home, make sure you have these essential items:

Let’s get everything ready!

CategoryItemPriorityNotes
Feeding Food and water bowls High Stainless steel or ceramic are best
Feeding High-quality puppy food High Same brand as breeder initially
Comfort Bed or crate mat High Washable, supportive bedding
Comfort Crate or puppy pen High Appropriate size for your breed
Safety Collar and ID tag High Adjustable collar with contact info
Safety Harness and leash High For walks and outdoor trips
Hygiene Puppy shampoo Medium Gentle formula for puppies
Hygiene Nail clippers Medium Specifically designed for dogs
Training Potty training pads High For initial house training
Training Treats for rewards High Small, soft training treats
Entertainment Chew toys Medium Various textures for teething
Entertainment Interactive toys Low Puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
Health First-aid kit Medium Include puppy-safe items
Health Grooming brush Medium Appropriate for your puppy's coat

2. When a puppy comes home for the first time, it may feel lost. The new surroundings can be scary, and the puppy might panic. Let's place the puppy in a quiet room. Don't disturb it. This way, the puppy can watch and get used to its new surroundings.

We need to stay with it, so it won’t feel scared. We can also spark the dog’s interest by playing with toys. After the dog slowly adapts, it can cultivate feelings with the owner.

3. Take safety measures at home. Puppies are curious by nature and will explore any new objects by sniffing and biting. Take some simple steps to keep fragile objects safe. Move them out of reach. Also, make sure puppies can’t chew on dangerous things like wires. Finally, check that all electrical sockets are turned off.

At the same time, to prevent the puppy from going out, lock the door and close the windows. Keep electrical wires and cleaning and decoration materials out of the puppy's reach.

Additional Notes

1. First of all, don’t stare into your dog’s eyes.

Maybe you like it very much and just want to be friendly to the puppy, but this will make it uneasy. According to the American Kennel Club, prolonged direct eye contact can be perceived as threatening by dogs. So don't stare into the puppy's eyes before the dog is familiar with the environment!

2. Call the puppy's name in a gentle voice.

This allows the puppy to slowly get used to your voice, and the other can relieve the puppy's nervousness. Never yell at the dog or scold it harshly.

3. Approach the puppy slowly and appropriately.

You can slowly approach the dog until you are relatively close to it, then stop. At the same time, observe whether the dog is nervously tucking its tail or showing any signs of retreat. If so, stop and let it get used to your presence.

4. Let your dog get familiar with your smell

If all is normal and the dog seems calm, just squat down. Hold out your hand and let the dog come over to sniff you. Wait for a while and let the dog get familiar with your smell.

Soon, the dog will find that you are not dangerous and relax its guard. At this time, you can slowly reach out and try to touch its back and neck. This is often the beginning of a good relationship. If the dog enjoys your contact, congratulations! It means the dog has accepted you.

5. Feed your dog with treats

Use some of your dog's favorite treats to strengthen your bond. Then, include more petting and fun games. Soon, you will become your dog's favorite person.

Do these points well, and your puppy will quickly adapt to its new home. Use these essential training tips to help with the transition.

Dog Obedience Training

Puppy's First Day Schedule

Follow this schedule to help your puppy adjust to their new home:

TimeActivityTips
7:00 AM Morning Potty Break Take to same spot each time, use a command like "go potty"
7:30 AM Breakfast Use measured portion, same food as breeder initially
8:00 AM Potty Break Again Puppies usually eliminate shortly after eating
9:00 AM Quiet Time/Nap Puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep daily
10:30 AM Play & Training Session 5-10 minute sessions only, focus on positive reinforcement
12:00 PM Lunch & Potty Break Consistent feeding schedule helps with potty training
1:00 PM Quiet Time in Crate Provide safe chew toy, helps with crate training
3:00 PM Afternoon Walk/Play Short walk to explore safely, socialization time
5:30 PM Dinner Last meal at least 3 hours before bedtime
7:00 PM Evening Potty Break Calm time, avoid overstimulation before bed
9:30 PM Last Potty Break Limit water 2 hours before bedtime

How to train a dog to be more obedient?

How can you train a dog to be more obedient? This is central to effective dog obedience training. Some people think of beating and scolding, while others think of educating. Here are some good ways for successful puppy obedience training. You may want to give it a try.

First of all, don’t scold your dog at every turn.

Training a dog just by scolding is hard. It can make the dog think that "human society is terrible" and "people are not trustworthy." Some male dog lovers think verbal punishment doesn’t work as well as corporal punishment. So, when the dog is disobedient, they kick or hit it. However, for the dog, this threatens its life safety, so it develops a rebellious mentality. In this way, the original purpose of training is lost.

Use unified passwords and rules.

In obedience training, commands are the signals for dogs to obey. Therefore, the whole family should use the same command to achieve the best results. For example, when you tell a dog to sit, use the same command. It can be "sit," "crouch down," or "sit down." Everyone in the family should stick to one phrase. Short and clear sentences are easier for dogs to understand. Therefore, try to choose this type of sentence.

The whole family should work together to create clear rules. Everyone needs to agree on what the dog can and can't do. For example, can the dog sit on the sofa? Or can the dog go to the door when guests come? ... Questions like these need answers that fit each family's specific situation and setting. If the rules are formulated by the whole family, there will be no obstacles in implementing them.

When scolding a dog, try to call its name as little as possible.

When a dog does something bad, do you ever scold it by its name? For example, "Lucky, you are a bad boy." This creates a conditioned reflex in the dog, and when it is called by its name, it will be scolded. So, when you call the dog's name again, it will ignore you or even run away.

During the training process, you should only call the dog's name when you give him an order or praise him. In this way, the dog will think that the name is a very pleasant thing, and he will run to you immediately when you call him.

Be loving and patient

Some people think verbal punishment doesn't train dogs as well as physical punishment. So, when the dog is disobedient, they kick or hit it. This is wrong. Think about your children at home. If they do something wrong, will you hit them? Remember: the most important thing to train a dog well is to have a full heart of love for the dog!

Although dogs are smart animals, they cannot learn immediately after being taught once. Instead, they should be taught patiently over and over again. Bad behaviors like scolding and corporal punishment should be stopped. Good dog trainers help dogs see that being with their owners is fun and safe. So, if you want to train your dog well, don't forget to be patient~

Five prerequisites for training a puppy

  • Training a dog sometimes requires some skills. As a kid, my teacher often said: Smart people focus on the key points, while foolish ones only grasp the surface. So what are the key points of puppy training? The following points are very important for the best puppy training methods:
  • Gain trust before starting training. Some friends are impatient and want to train the puppy just after it has come home and is still unfamiliar with it. This is wrong. First, play with the puppy. Then, feed it for a few days. This helps you gain its trust. After that, you can start training gradually.
  • Food temptation is the most important. In training, this article tells you that food is the most attractive. You must first think of the puppy, because only food is the most unbearable temptation. Dogs don't care much about praise or applause. These are just ways people tease themselves.
  • Point food accurately and timely. Pointing food is the water drop of training, which means feeding. When the puppy does something right, give it food right away as a reward.
  • Fixed commands. When training a dog, you cannot say "stand" one moment and "stay still" the next. The dog is only interested in eating and has no energy to distinguish your changing commands.
  • It is best for the puppy to wear a collar when it is being trained. It is best for the puppy to wear a collar when it is being trained. When training, the dog owner can use food in one hand to lure the puppy. They can hold the collar with the other hand to guide it. This makes it easier for the puppy to grasp the key points. This is also foundational for later leash training. (Of course, not all of them need it. This mainly refers to training in place.)

The best time to train a dog

The ideal time to start dog training is about 70 days after the puppy is born.

Train the dog at the right age. If you start too early, its body won’t mature. If you wait too long, it may pick up bad habits. These habits can take time to fix.

Also, start daily training when the puppy arrives. Take it slow and go step by step. At this stage, the puppy hasn't picked up any bad habits. Its strength is still low, making it easier for the breeder.

  • 3-5 months of basic etiquette and obedience training, including:
    • Sitting
    • Lying down
    • Standing
    • Leaning
    • Following commands
    • Barking on cue
    • Waiting patiently
    • Shaking hands
    • Using designated spots for urination and defecation
    • Refusing food
  • 6-8 months, low-intensity running and jumping training can be carried out.
  • Some professional obstacle training can be carried out from 8 months to 1 and a half years old.

Generally speaking, dogs grow fastest in the first year after birth. This year is also the best time to train dogs. But don't think that dogs are too big to be trained. In fact, no matter how old a dog is, it can be trained. However, compared with training from puppyhood, it takes more energy and patience.

This article highlights that your persistence is key, regardless of your training type. It also depends on how well your dog accepts it. Keep training for each action short—5 to 15 minutes is ideal. You can repeat the training as often as needed. This will help build a direct response to your commands and actions, showing success.

Teach you to listen to your dog’s voice

Some friends neglect to communicate with their dogs during training. In fact, this is a very bad habit in dog obedience training.

In this regard, dogs are much better than their owners. Dogs often study their owners' faces to gauge their moods. They also listen closely to what their owners say. They might not get your exact words, but they can sense the overall meaning from your tone.

For a dog: not being able to understand the psychology of a dog may be a pity, but for a dog, it may be a fatal blow.

You can easily communicate with dogs. Just watch their expressions and movements closely. Also, listen to the sounds they make. Doing this helps you understand their thoughts and feelings.

How To Train A Puppy

Zoologists think there are 170 kinds of dog barks. Each type has its own meaning.

  • Short and continuous calls mean "Come and play with me";
  • Only one sound means "Open the door, I want to go out", or "Let's go for a walk together", or "I'm hungry, give me a sausage".
  • When a dog is bitten, it will make a crying sound of “Oh…Oh…”
  • A puppy might make a high-pitched "humming" sound. This can happen if it leaves its mother, feels cold, or has a stomach ache.
  • When a dog feels sad, it will make a nasal sound, which means "sad" and "helpless".
  • Dogs growl to show authority, especially when chasing prey. This sound signals strength to the weak.
  • Dogs often make a low "hu~hu~" groaning sound when they fight or feel angry. This noise shows their disgust or anger.

It is actually very simple to chat with your dog. The key is to listen with your heart, not your ears. Talk to your dog often. This helps you understand them better and makes training easier!

What do different dog body movements mean?

Here I will share with you what emotions different dog actions represent. Understanding this is crucial for effective puppy behavior training. Imagine this: the dog's ears are up, and you’re still pretending to hit it. You're in a bit of danger. Let's learn it first:

Ears

The ears of dogs can rotate. When a dog hears a sound that interests it or a strange sound, it will turn its ears in the direction of the sound. Watch out if a dog's ears perk up and its body tenses. This shows it's alert and may be aggressive. It may attack something it thinks is threatening, so you should stop it in time.

If a dog lowers its ears around other dogs or people, it shows submissiveness. This means it sees the other as having a higher status and won’t attack. On the contrary, it means "let's be friends."

Eyes

The eyes are the windows to the soul, and dogs are no exception. If they stare at other dogs or people, it means they are challenging you. If you're afraid of dogs, try not to look directly at them. This way, they won't think you're challenging them. Dogs, especially smaller ones, are not affected by this. They can be timid but also aggressive.

If it feels threatened and you, a tall and strong man, meet its gaze, it will rush at you and blow the whistle.

If a dog's eyes roam and it won't look straight ahead, it often wants to avoid a fight. Some dogs show this look when they lose to others. Their eyes appear fearful, and their expressions can make people laugh.

But if you want your dog to be obedient and submit to your intimidation, then looking it in the eye is essential. You need to let it know through eye contact that you are firm and invincible.

Tongue

When a dog sticks out its tongue and licks, it is equivalent to a kiss from a human, at least in most cases. If a dog licks its owner's face, it shows love. Licking a stranger's hand or face means the dog likes them and wants to be friends.

Legs

The dog's legs are spread wide, and its body leans slightly forward. This often shows aggression. It also depends on when this happens. If it's at home and the dog is facing you, it stretches its front legs forward. Its body goes down, hind legs stay straight, and its butt is up. This shows the dog is stretching happily.

If you encounter a foreign dog, a low whimper and bared teeth mean you will likely attack the opponent.

Hair

When a dog is scared, its hair will stand up. This is similar to humans. Isn't there a saying that "fear makes the hair stand up"? Dogs do the same thing. When their hair stands up, they look bigger. This helps to scare off opponents.

There are many short-haired dogs that are very obvious. When they are afraid, the hair on their backs will stand up. When the owner sees this situation, he should know that he is very scared now. If you come out to protect him, he will be very grateful to you.

Tail

Generally speaking, a dog's tail standing upright indicates strong dominance, aggression and vigilance. Lowering the tail or tucking it between the hind legs shows obedience and fear. When the buttocks lower and the hind legs bend slightly, it signals extreme anxiety and fear.

There is a saying that a dog wagging its tail means it is happy, but this is not quite accurate.

Puppy Behavior Training

A dog's strong left-right motion and tail wagging can mean: Stay away. If it is staring at a target and slowly wagging its tail, it is a warning signal. So don't assume that a strange dog wagging its tail at you means it likes you. If you act rashly, it will only scare the dog - and it may do something to hurt you.

To really get what your dog is saying, you should explore, study, and summarize over time. You cannot arbitrarily judge its emotions based on the movements of one part of its body. You need to combine the movements of different parts, expressions, eyes and sounds. Over time, you will establish a way to communicate with your dog. Effective communication will make you understand and trust each other better.

Give your puppy a cute name

When your puppy comes home, choose a cute name. This is an important first step in training your new pet.

When you welcome a puppy into your family, you should first give it a name. You can keep using this name for the puppy. Over time, it will learn that this name means it and that others are calling it. So, pick a name for your puppy at home as soon as you can. Also, try not to change it later. This is very important for subsequent training.

When naming your dog, you should choose a name that is easy to pronounce and easy for the dog to remember. Avoid names that are too long or too elaborate. For example, "Buddy", "Princess", "Superman" and the like are all OK. If you call your dog a simple English name like "Lucky", it's not a big problem. But for names like "son of Edward" or "sunlight golden throat bright baby" (this seems to be a line from "Clever Ikkiu"? I can't remember it clearly, haha), "Dog Knowledge Encyclopedia" is better for you to forget it~

In short, the name of a pet fully reflects the owner's feelings towards the pet. So, pick a dog name that helps build a closer bond as you call your pet often.

Puppy Obedience Training

10 correct ways to train your dog

Here are ten great habits for puppy behavior training. I hope everyone can keep them in mind:

  • Build a real friendship with your dog before correcting its mistakes. Don't always treat your dog and you as a king and a slave. You are actually friends.
  • Consider using a dog collar or leash when training. Dog collars and leashes aren’t tools for abuse. Instead, they are essential for dog training and leash training.
  • If you plan to reprimand your dog for its naughty behavior, you must catch it in the act. Otherwise, even if you reprimand it only a few minutes later, the dog will be at a loss.
  • When the dog makes a mistake, you can use noisy objects and low voices to divert its attention. (From this point of view, it seems that men have a little more advantage~).
  • Encourage obedient dogs with good food, fun things, care and praise. You know, dogs are greedy.
  • To fix a dog's bad habits, you need to be persistent and firm. Don’t give up or settle for less.
  • Especially when the puppy looks at you pitifully, you must learn to be ruthless in training. Otherwise, your dog will be even more reluctant to train in the future.
  • After the correction, give the dog the same opportunity. If it does it right this time, reward it immediately. You know, rewards are always easier for people to accept than punishments, and the same is true for dogs.
  • If you don't know how to train a puppy, don't forget to check the Internet or ask your friends. You know, communication and learning are valuable at any time.
  • When training outdoors, dogs must be equipped with collars or dog chains. This is mainly to prevent dogs from hurting children nearby. Remember, not everyone likes dogs as much as you do. While we love our dogs, we must also learn to respect and care for others.
  • Don't feel shy about correcting your dog in public. Just remember to think about your dog's feelings too.

10 mistakes when training dogs:

The following 10 points are incorrect dog training methods. I hope everyone will avoid them during daily training.

  • Firmly put an end to corporal punishment. Corporal punishment is the worst way to train a dog. It forces obedience but harms the bond between you and your pet. Like any other animal, dogs are very wary of humans. From the dog's view, being kicked or beaten for no reason feels like "abuse.""
  • Even if the dog makes you very angry, don't yell at it just because it is disobedient. That will only make the puppy more confused.
  • Don't chase dogs. That will make naughty dogs more excited. It might scare timid dogs, making them feel dangerous. Note: It is especially dangerous on the roadside, both for you and the dog.
  • Do not force a dog that cannot understand commands for the time being. High pressure may cause it to have a bad mood and give up on itself.
  • Do not blindly pull up the collar or collar. This will hurt the dog's neck, and in serious cases, even endanger its life.
  • Even if your dog breaks your expensive glass when it is naughty, don't lock it up in a small dark space. Aerial phobia is not only experienced by humans, but also by dogs, and it will be more afraid than you.
  • Don't punish the dog after the fact. Dogs don't have a good memory like humans, and they will be surprised why you suddenly yelled at them. If you want to educate and punish a puppy, remember to "catch it in the act"!
  • Don’t punish your puppy by depriving him of food and water. This is self-explanatory. Just think about your childhood: Don’t do to others what you don’t want others to do to you.
  • Ignore advice that could harm your bond with your dog, even if it’s from good friends.
  • When something goes wrong, don’t use your dog as a punching bag.

Key points: Through scientific and reasonable training, dogs can become popular family members. Training should not rely on punishments like beatings, scolding, or food rewards. The strong bond between the dog and owner is vital for effective training.

Ten points for dog training

Learning the "10 right" and "10 wrong" ways to train your dog makes you half a pet training expert. This article summarizes the ten elements of dog obedience training for you. I think that after reading this, you'll become a true dog training expert.

  • Praise and caress - Many friends scold their puppies when training them, such as "Stupid! So stupid!". In fact, this is wrong. The purpose of training is to "teach" rather than "scold". The best way is to praise and caress them frequently so that the dog can understand the owner's happy mood.
  • Commands should be clear. Use short, clearly pronounced sentences during training. This helps the dog understand and remember better. Avoid repeating them. When giving commands, don't shout or sound angry. Dogs are very sensitive.
  • Avoid unnecessary praise - Praise your dog only when it is very obedient. If you praise your puppy all the time, it will be confused and it will not know when to get praise. In this way, it will be difficult to carry out the key training.
  • Correction should be timely. If the dog is about to do something wrong, stop it loudly and firmly. If you scold the dog later, it won't know why. It will keep doing what it's not supposed to do.
  • Don’t scold your dog casually - If your dog makes a mistake, don’t scold it until it has mastered the action. Puppies often cannot associate scolding with action.
  • Training anytime and anywhere - Training is not limited by time. In daily life—like when you walk, eat, or have guests—patiently teach your dog what to do and what not to do.
  • Never give up - Dogs are not animals that can be taught once or twice and then remembered and followed. They need to form memories gradually through continuous training. Therefore, as a dog owner, you need to be patient and continue to train your puppy.
  • Cultivate adaptability - Dogs often avoid, bark at, or simply destroy things they don't like. This can sometimes cause great trouble to their owners. In this case, you must first be patient and not impatient. Let the dog move slowly toward what it dislikes. Talk to it in a soft voice to help calm it down. If you beat or scold the dog at this time, it will only make the dog hide further away.
  • Don’t compare your dog to others. Each dog has unique skills. Train your dog at a pace that fits them. You should never compare your dog with other dogs and think, "Our dog is really slow in understanding." You should have full confidence in your own dog.
  • Consult an expert. If you face any issues during training, reach out to an expert or veterinarian.

The above are 10 key points for puppy obedience training. Have you mastered them all? In addition, there are more puppy training tips that will definitely help you!

Dog training common sense: How to reward your dog

When training a dog, you should remember one thing: as long as the dog does something, you must reward the dog in time. Sometimes, praise isn't enough. You need to give the dog something useful.

Generally speaking, there are three ways to reward dogs: petting, food, and toys.

Food Rewards:

Food rewards are the most common way to train dogs. They are especially key during puppy training sessions.

But the food cannot be large or something that the dog doesn't like to eat. The food should be small. If it’s not, it will disappear before you train. Small pieces are easy to hold, so you can tease the dog. This keeps the dog interested in performing well to earn the treat.

Caress Reward:

Although there are no delicious foods or special toys, as long as you can pet the dog, it will also be very satisfied. When the dog behaves well, squat down and pet its head. You can also scratch its neck or under its ears. This shows the dog it has done well and encourages good behavior.

You know, dogs are very aware of their position in their owners' hearts. The more you let them feel that you value them, the better they will behave. This is the same as children.

Toy Rewards:

Puppy Training Tips

When the dog behaves well, toys can also be used as a reward. You can give the toy to it and let it play for a while, or you can play games with it for a while, and the dog will be very happy.

The key point about this reward method is simple: don’t mix the toys you use as rewards with your dog’s regular toys.

Dogs love new things and get bored with the old. So, it's best to store away toys used as rewards. Use them only during training. This will make them attractive to the dog and he will perform well to get the reward.

Training a dog requires constant exploration. Which kind of reward the dog prefers and which one is most effective depends on you! 

FAQ:



Author Melissa is the main operator of this website, responsible for writing and publishing content. This photo was taken at her home, Where she is sitting on the sofa and holding a puppy with a smile

By Melissa

Apex Dog Training Center services in Phoenix adhere strictly to force-free, evidence-based methods that prioritize both your dog’s well-being and long-term behavioral change. Whether you need dog obedience training, puppy training, dog aggression training, or training for dog anxiety, phobias, or a fearful dog, we provide customized solutions designed to help your dog thrive using humane, science-backed techniques. ensuring that every pet parent has access to expert guidance in a way that best suits their dog’s needs.