Dog Training Basics: What Every New Owner Should Know

Start training the day your dog comes home. The foundation is positive reinforcement: reward desired behaviors immediately with treats, praise, or play. Timing is critical — the reward must come within 1-2 seconds.

The five essential commands every dog should know: sit, stay, come, down, and leave it. Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes for puppies). Socialization between 8-16 weeks is crucial — expose your puppy to different people, dogs, sounds, and environments.

Consistency from all family members is essential. Never punish after the fact — dogs connect punishment only to what they are doing at that exact moment. Consider crate training as a safe space, not punishment..