So You Got a Puppy—Now What?

Getting a puppy is hugely exciting—you collect your supplies, you bring them home, and…then you realize just how much your new friend doesn’t know. Puppies don’t have a clue about where to go to the bathroom, how to sleep through the night, or how to get around the block on a leash. Which means you’re going to have to teach them.

In this guide, we’ll offer step-by-step instructions for everything you need to cover, starting on day one. That includes:

  • Introducing gear and learning to walk on leash
  • Potty training
  • Crate and sleep training
  • Basic cues
  • Socialization to new people, places, and animals
  • Advanced skills
  • Training solutions for common puppy behavior issues
  • Getting professional help

Puppy training is a marathon, not a sprint. Our experts recommend working at your puppy’s pace, keeping an eye on their energy levels and ability to engage with training. If your puppy is looking tired or frustrated, wrap things up on a positive note and come back later when you’re both fresh. If you’re the one feeling stuck, reach out to a local dog trainer for ongoing guidance and a customized training plan for your new pup.

With a little practice and a lot of snacks, you’ll be cruising around the neighborhood and sleeping through the night in no time.

Introduce Your Puppy’s Gear & Start Leash Training

Leash training is the practice of getting your puppy accustomed to walking nicely on a lead. It takes a lot of hours of work before your pup will be ready to walk calmly by your side without zig-zagging, tugging, or lunging—so it’s a good idea to start training early. You’ll also want to get your puppy used to other key walking and safety gear, like their collar and their harness.

Potty Training

There’s no getting around it: potty training a puppy is a slog. The goal is to teach your puppy the right places to eliminate—whether that’s the yard, a designated pee spot in an apartment, or a patch of grass on a balcony. It’s a key part of getting a puppy used to life at home. We review different techniques to suit different puppies and living situations, plus the timeline you can expect for your pup’s breed and experience level.

Crate, Sleep & Separation Training

If you’d like to crate train your dog, puppyhood is a great time to do it. Done right, crate training can help with both potty training and sleep training. Crates offer your pup a safe place to retreat to when they’re tired or want some peace. And they’re a good tool to start practicing the brief periods of separation that help your puppy stay confident when they’re solo.

Starting Obedience With Basic Cues

For lots of pet parents, this is where the fun really starts—teaching your puppy the basic cues they'll need to stay safe, whether that's at home or out in the world. It’s what people picture when they think of dog training: cuing a perfect sit, asking for a “down,” or watching your puppy master “stay.” These are the most important cues, plus how and when to teach them.

How To Socialize a Puppy to New People, Places, and Things

As your puppy learns to listen and trust you, don't forget to take training outside the home. Socialization is the process of strategically introducing a puppy to new things and pairing them with positive associations. It’s one of the best things you can do for a new pup, since it reduces the risk of behavior issues later in life and makes it easier to do everything from finding a pet sitter to enjoying a dog-friendly café. The problem? The window is short—just the first 12 to 16 weeks of your dog’s life—and there’s a lot to fit in. Here’s how to do it.

Progressing to Advanced Training Cues

Once your puppy has the basics down, you can start working on more advanced cues. The next level of training tends to be a mix of practical skills, fun tricks, and games to build focus. All of them will help you continue to bond with your new friend as you learn together.

Training Solutions to Common Puppy Behavior Issues

Puppy training isn’t easy, and some bumps along the way are pretty much guaranteed. Mouthing, chewing, jumping, and barking are all part of the package. We’ll review how to respond to all of these, plus the general skills—like reading puppy body language and gauging exercise needs—that can help.

Getting Help

Puppy training is complicated—what one pup sails through another will struggle with, and vice versa. Professional training can offer a huge advantage, whether you choose group classes for socialization and obedience, tailored one-on-one sessions, or virtual classes and apps. Cost, format, and style will vary, but the number one rule is the same: don’t be afraid to ask for help early and often.