Reward What You Want
Dogs repeat behaviors that result in good outcomes. Instead of focusing on what your dog does wrong, catch them doing something right and reward it.
Dog Training Guide 2025
Training your dog isn't just about teaching tricks — it's about communication, safety, and building a strong bond. Modern dog training is based on positive reinforcement: rewarding the behaviors you want rather than punishing those you don't. This science-backed approach creates confident, happy dogs who are eager to learn.
⏱️
5-10 min
Ideal training session length
🔄
1000+
Repetitions to solidify a behavior
⚡
0.5 sec
Window to mark desired behavior
🐕
7-8 wks
Best age to start socialization
Training Guides by Topic
Select a training topic for step-by-step instructions and expert tips.
🏠
medium2-4 weeks
Potty Training
House train your puppy or dog. Learn the fastest methods to teach your dog where to go.
Read full guide →📦
easy1-2 weeks
Crate Training
Make the crate a safe haven. Proper crate training helps with potty training and anxiety.
Read full guide →🦮
medium2-4 weeks
Leash Training
Stop pulling! Teach your dog to walk calmly on a leash without dragging you everywhere.
Read full guide →📢
hard4-8 weeks
Recall (Come When Called)
The most important command. A reliable recall can save your dog's life.
Read full guide →🔇
medium2-6 weeks
Stop Excessive Barking
Understand why your dog barks and learn humane ways to reduce unwanted barking.
Read full guide →🚫
easy1-2 weeks
Stop Jumping on People
Teach your dog to greet people politely without jumping up.
Read full guide →🦷
easy2-4 weeks
Stop Puppy Biting
Teach bite inhibition and redirect mouthy behavior in puppies.
Read full guide →💔
hard4-12 weeks
Separation Anxiety
Help your dog feel calm when left alone. Reduce destructive behavior and distress.
Read full guide →Core Training Principles
Timing Is Everything
You have about half a second to mark the exact moment your dog does something right. This is why clickers and marker words ("yes!") are so effective.
Set Your Dog Up for Success
If your dog is failing, the task is too hard. Break behaviors into smaller steps. Train in low-distraction environments before adding challenges.
Be Patient and Consistent
Dogs learn through repetition. Everyone in the household must use the same commands and rules. Inconsistency confuses dogs and slows learning.
💡Do This, Not That
❌Rubbing a dog's nose in accidents
✅Take them outside frequently and reward when they go in the right spot
❌Using physical punishment or yelling
✅Redirect to appropriate behavior and reward compliance
❌Expecting instant results
✅Understand that reliable behaviors take weeks or months of practice
❌Training when frustrated
✅End sessions on a positive note and try again later when calm
🎓Essential Commands to Teach First
Sit
The foundation of polite behavior. A sitting dog can't jump on people.
Stay
Keeps your dog safe in dangerous situations and teaches impulse control.
Come (Recall)
The most important safety command. Can literally save your dog's life.
Leave It
Prevents your dog from eating dangerous items or chasing wildlife.
Down
Promotes calm behavior and is useful for settling in public places.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Training
When should I start training my puppy?▼
Start the day you bring them home! Puppies can learn basic behaviors like "sit" as young as 8 weeks. The critical socialization period (3-16 weeks) is the best time to expose puppies to new experiences. Formal obedience classes usually start after vaccinations are complete, around 12-16 weeks.
Is it too late to train an older dog?▼
Absolutely not! Dogs can learn at any age. Adult dogs may even be easier to train than puppies because they have longer attention spans and have outgrown the mouthy, easily distracted puppy phase. The saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" is simply not true.
What treats should I use for training?▼
Use small, soft treats that your dog can eat quickly (pea-sized or smaller). High-value treats like chicken, cheese, or hot dogs work best for difficult behaviors or distracting environments. Use your dog's regular kibble for easy behaviors at home. Vary treats to maintain interest.
My dog knows commands at home but ignores me outside. Why?▼
This is called "proofing" — your dog hasn't generalized the behavior to new environments yet. Start training each new behavior in a boring environment, then gradually add distractions. Practice in progressively more challenging locations. A behavior isn't truly learned until your dog performs it reliably anywhere.
Need Personalized Training Help?
Our AI assistant can provide customized training advice based on your dog's breed, age, and specific behavioral challenges.