Getting a new puppy is super exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming, right? You want to do everything you can to help your furry friend grow into a well-behaved dog. Luckily, there are tons of great puppy training videos out there that can make the process much easier and more fun. Whether you’re trying to teach basic commands or just want to understand your pup better, these resources are a game-changer.
Key Takeaways
- Watching puppy training videos can simplify teaching commands like ‘come,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘down.’
- Reputable channels offer clear, step-by-step instructions for common training challenges.
- Podcasts provide training insights for busy owners on the go.
- Different trainers have unique styles; finding one that fits your approach is important.
- Consistent practice and positive reinforcement are key to successful puppy training.
1. Teach Your Dog Come
The ‘come’ command is arguably the most important cue you’ll ever teach your dog. It’s a safety net, a way to reconnect, and frankly, a lifesaver in many situations. Getting this right from the start, and making it a positive experience, sets a great foundation for all future training.
When teaching ‘come’, the goal is to make it the most rewarding thing your dog can do. Think of it as a fun game, not a chore. You want your dog to eagerly run to you whenever called. This isn’t about force or punishment; it’s about building a strong, positive association with returning to you.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to start:
- Start in a quiet, distraction-free area. Begin indoors or in a fenced yard where your dog can focus.
- Use a happy, encouraging tone. When you say "come," make your voice sound exciting.
- Reward generously. As soon as your dog starts moving towards you, praise them. When they reach you, give them a high-value treat, a favorite toy, or enthusiastic petting. Make it a party!
- Keep sessions short and fun. Aim for just a few minutes at a time, multiple times a day. End on a positive note, even if it means luring them the last few steps for a big win.
Never call your dog to you for something unpleasant, like a bath, nail trim, or to be punished. If you need to do something they dislike, go get them instead. This helps maintain the positive association with the ‘come’ command. If your dog has had a scare, like the Ozzy example where he wouldn’t come when called, it’s important to rebuild that trust and make coming to you the best option. You can find great videos that demonstrate how to teach this in a few minutes without any harsh methods, which is fantastic for building that trust. Remember, consistency is key, and making it a game will help your dog learn quickly and happily. This training can help prevent issues like dogs running off and not returning, which can be a serious problem. Preventing dogs from running off is a common goal for many owners.
2. Teach Your Puppy Stay
Teaching your puppy to stay is a really important step in their training journey. It might seem like a lot of work when they’re just a little fluffball, but trust me, it pays off big time as they get older. The idea is to teach them to hold a position until you give them a release cue.
Here’s a simple way to start:
- Start Small: Begin with very short durations. Ask your puppy to stay for just a second or two, then reward them. Gradually increase the time.
- Distance is Key: Once they can stay for a few seconds, start adding a little distance. Take one step back, then return and reward. Slowly increase how far away you move.
- Introduce Distractions: As your puppy gets better, add mild distractions. This could be you moving around a bit, or someone else walking by at a distance.
- Use a Release Word: Always use a clear release word, like "Okay" or "Free," to let your puppy know they can move. This helps them understand when the stay is over.
It’s all about building trust and clear communication. Don’t get discouraged if your puppy doesn’t get it right away. Consistency is way more important than perfection when you’re first starting out. Keep training sessions short, fun, and positive. Remember, a puppy that can stay reliably is a safer and more well-behaved companion.
3. Teach Your Puppy Down
Teaching your puppy to go down is a really important step in their training journey. Some trainers even say it’s the first command you should tackle. Why? Because a dog that knows ‘down’ can more easily learn ‘sit’ and ‘stand’, and move between those positions smoothly. It gives them a solid foundation.
It’s all about teaching the ‘down’ from a standing position, not a ‘sit and then crawl down’ method. This direct approach is usually clearer for puppies and dogs to grasp. If you’re starting with a young pup, you’ve got a blank slate, which is fantastic. Even if you’re working with an older dog who has some habits, you can make learning ‘down’ a fun game.
Here’s a simple way to get started:
- Lure them: Use a tasty treat. Hold it near your puppy’s nose and slowly move it down between their front paws and then slightly forward. Your puppy should naturally follow the treat with their nose, lowering their body.
- Mark the moment: The instant their elbows touch the ground, say "Yes!" or use a clicker, and give them the treat.
- Add the word: Once they’re reliably following the lure into a down position, start saying the word "Down" just as they begin to lower themselves.
- Fade the lure: Gradually make the hand motion smaller and eventually stop using the treat in your hand, just using the motion. Then, start using just the verbal cue.
Remember to keep training sessions short and positive. You want your puppy to associate learning ‘down’ with good things!
Sometimes puppies get a bit wiggly or try to stand back up. That’s totally normal. Just reset and try again, maybe with a slightly different lure motion. Patience is key here, and celebrating those small successes will go a long way.
4. Teach Your Dog to Sit
The sit command is probably the first thing most people think of when they consider dog training. It’s super common, and honestly, most dogs kind of figure it out on their own eventually. But teaching it properly, and maybe even before other commands, can make a big difference.
Getting your dog to sit is a foundational skill that opens the door to more complex training. It’s not just about getting your dog to plop down; it’s about teaching them to respond to your cue and to control their impulses. A solid sit is useful in so many everyday situations, like waiting at the door, before crossing the street, or even just to get a treat.
Here’s a simple way to get started:
- Get Ready: Grab some small, tasty treats your dog loves. You’ll want to have them easily accessible, maybe in a treat pouch or your pocket.
- The Lure: Hold a treat right in front of your dog’s nose. Slowly move the treat up and back over their head, towards their tail. As their nose follows the treat, their rear end should naturally lower into a sit.
- Mark and Reward: The moment their butt hits the floor, say "Yes!" or "Good!" and give them the treat. Timing is key here – you want to mark the exact moment they sit.
- Add the Cue: Once your dog is reliably following the lure into a sit, start saying the word "Sit" just as you begin the luring motion. Eventually, they’ll associate the word with the action.
- Fade the Lure: Gradually make the hand motion smaller and less obvious. You want your dog to respond to the verbal cue "Sit" without needing a treat right in their face.
It might seem straightforward, but sometimes dogs get a bit confused. If your dog backs up instead of sitting, you might be moving the lure too far back. Try moving it more upwards. If they jump up, you might be holding it too high. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.
Remember, consistency is everything. Practice in short, fun sessions multiple times a day. Keep it positive, and celebrate every little success. Your dog will pick it up faster than you think!
5. Teach Your Dog Leave It
This is a big one, folks. Teaching your dog the "leave it" command is super important for safety and just general good manners. Think about all those times your dog might try to snatch food off the counter, grab something gross off the sidewalk, or even chew on something they shouldn’t. "Leave it" is your go-to command for those situations.
The core idea is to teach your dog that ignoring something tempting is way more rewarding than going for it. It’s not just about saying "no"; it’s about teaching them to disengage from something they want. This command is critical for preventing your dog from eating something harmful or dangerous, whether it’s on a walk or even something you accidentally dropped at home.
Here’s a simple way to start training:
- Step 1: The Treat in the Hand Method. Start with a treat in your closed fist. Let your dog sniff and paw at your hand. The moment they back off, even for a second, say "yes!" and give them a different treat from your other hand. Repeat this until they consistently back away from the closed fist.
- Step 2: The Treat on the Floor Method. Once they’re good with your hand, place a treat on the floor and cover it with your hand. Repeat the process: if they try to get it, cover it; if they back off, reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
- Step 3: Introducing the Word. When they reliably back away from the covered treat on the floor, start saying "leave it" just as you cover it. Gradually, you’ll be able to lift your hand, and they’ll still resist the temptation because they’re waiting for the reward from you.
- Step 4: Increasing Difficulty. Start using less tasty items, then move to more tempting things. Practice in different environments, like your living room, then the backyard, and eventually on walks. Always make sure you’re ready to reward them for successfully leaving it.
It’s really important to be consistent with this command. If you tell your dog to leave something, you mean it. Don’t let them have it after they’ve been told to leave it, or you’ll confuse them. The goal is for them to understand that "leave it" means never touch it, not just "wait a second."
This command takes practice, but it’s one of the most useful tools in your training toolbox. It really helps keep your dog safe and well-behaved.
America’s Canine Educator
When you’re looking for a trainer who doesn’t shy away from the real stuff, Tom Davis over at America’s Canine Educator is your guy. He’s got this YouTube channel where he shows you exactly what dog training is like, the good, the bad, and the messy. It’s not all sunshine and perfect pups; he keeps it real, which is why I’ve learned so much from him.
He really gets into the why behind dog behavior, which is super helpful for figuring out your own dog. If you’re serious about understanding dog psychology and building a solid relationship with your dog, you should definitely check out his videos.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Unedited training sessions showing real-life challenges.
- Clear explanations of dog behavior and motivation.
- Practical advice you can actually use with your own dog.
Davis believes in showing the whole picture of dog training, not just the highlight reel. This honest approach makes his content incredibly informative for anyone wanting to improve their dog’s behavior and their bond.
He’s a great resource if you want to go beyond the basics and really understand your dog’s mind. Just search for "America’s Canine Educator" on YouTube.
McCann Dog Training
McCann Dog Training is a fantastic resource, especially if you’re just starting out with puppy training or need to brush up on basic obedience. They’re known for being top obedience champions in Canada, so you know their advice is solid.
Their YouTube channel is packed with helpful videos covering all sorts of common training scenarios. It’s a great place to get clear, actionable steps for teaching your dog things like "sit," "stay," and "come." They really break down the process so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
They focus on positive reinforcement methods, which makes training a more enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. It’s all about building a good relationship through clear communication and consistent practice.
If you’re looking for straightforward guidance on foundational skills, McCann Dog Training is definitely worth checking out. They make learning fun and effective.
The Canine Paradigm Podcast
If you’re looking for a podcast that really gets into the nitty-gritty of dog training and behavior, you’ve got to check out The Canine Paradigm Podcast. Hosted by Tom Davis, this show doesn’t shy away from the less glamorous parts of working with dogs. It’s not all sunshine and perfect obedience; sometimes, it’s messy, and that’s okay.
Tom’s approach is incredibly honest and raw, which is why I’ve learned more from him than from many other trainers online. He covers a lot of ground, from basic pet dog training to more complex behavior modification. It’s a great place to learn about dog psychology too.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Real-world training scenarios, not just the highlight reel.
- Discussions on common behavior problems and how to tackle them.
- Insights into the ‘why’ behind dog behavior.
This podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone serious about understanding their dog better and improving their training methods. It’s available on Apple and Spotify, so you can easily listen while you’re out and about.
Mindful Dog Talk
Hailing from Toronto, Hannah, the voice behind Mindful Dog Talk, has a real talent for breaking down why our dogs do the things they do. She really gets into the common misunderstandings that pop up between us and our canine pals. If you’ve ever attended any training sessions with me, you’ll probably notice a lot of overlap in her explanations – we’re definitely on the same page.
Her approach focuses on building a better connection through understanding. It’s not just about commands; it’s about recognizing the subtle cues and motivations behind your dog’s actions. This podcast is great for anyone looking to get a clearer picture of dog behavior and improve their communication with their pet. You’ll find yourself nodding along, thinking, "Yes, exactly!" a lot.
Here are a few things you can expect to learn:
- Understanding your dog’s body language.
- Identifying common human-dog miscommunications.
- Building a stronger, more empathetic relationship.
- Practical tips for everyday interactions.
It’s refreshing to hear someone explain these concepts so clearly. It makes you realize that a lot of "problem" behaviors are just dogs trying to communicate something, and we’re not always picking up on it. This podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to be a more mindful dog owner. You can catch it on Apple and Spotify.
Training Without Conflict Podcast
If you’re looking for a podcast that really gets into the nitty-gritty of dog training and behavior, you’ve got to check out the Training Without Conflict Podcast. Hosted by Ivan Balibanov, who is a big name in competitive obedience, this show doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows in dog training, and Balibanov is known for being super honest about that.
He brings on a lot of other well-known trainers for interviews, and they don’t always agree. This leads to some really interesting discussions, even on topics that can be a bit controversial in the dog training world. It’s a great place to hear different perspectives and learn from people who have been doing this for decades.
You can learn a ton about dog psychology and training methods by listening to these conversations. It’s a good way to get a more rounded view of how dogs learn and how we can best communicate with them.
This podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone serious about understanding dog behavior. You can find it on Spotify and Apple. It’s definitely worth a listen if you want to go beyond the basics and really dig into what makes dogs tick.
Want to make your dog a better friend? Learning the right way to train can make a big difference! We’ve got tips on how to pick the best training class for your furry pal. Find out what makes a good trainer and what skills your dog should learn. Ready to start? Visit our website for more helpful advice and to find the perfect training course for you and your dog!
Keep Learning and Training!
So, you’ve checked out some great videos on training your new puppy. Remember, consistency is key, and every dog learns at its own pace. Don’t get discouraged if things don’t click right away. Keep practicing those commands, make it fun, and celebrate the small wins. There are tons of resources out there, like the channels and podcasts we mentioned, that can offer even more tips and support as you and your furry friend continue your training journey together. Happy training!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important commands to teach a puppy first?
The ‘come’ command is super important for your puppy’s safety. ‘Stay’ and ‘down’ are also key for basic manners and control. Teaching these early makes training easier later on.
How do I teach my puppy to ‘come’ when called?
Make it fun! Use a happy voice and a reward, like a treat or a favorite toy. Practice in short bursts, and always praise your puppy when they come to you. Avoid calling them if you know they won’t come, as this can weaken the command.
Is it hard to teach a puppy to ‘stay’?
Teaching ‘stay’ is a fundamental skill. It’s best to start with short durations and small distances, gradually increasing them. Always use a release word like ‘okay’ to let your puppy know they can move.
Why is the ‘down’ command important?
The ‘down’ command is useful for calming your dog and is a basic obedience skill. It’s often easier to teach this before ‘sit’ because it helps dogs understand how to move into different positions more smoothly.
What does ‘leave it’ mean for a dog?
‘Leave it’ means your dog should ignore something you don’t want them to touch or pick up. This is crucial for safety, especially when you’re out and about, to prevent them from eating something harmful.
Where can I find more dog training videos?
There are many great resources online! YouTube channels like America’s Canine Educator, McCann Dog Training, and podcasts such as The Canine Paradigm and Mindful Dog Talk offer a wealth of information for dog owners.