Training your puppy is one of the best ways to help them grow into a happy, confident, and well-behaved dog. When your puppy understands basic commands, they can stay safer, listen more reliably, and feel more secure in their daily routine.
I often say this to the families I work with: a trained dog is a happy dog — not because they’re perfect, but because they understand what’s expected of them. Clear communication reduces frustration for both you and your pup and helps build a strong, trusting bond.
Here are the five essential commands every puppy should learn, and why each one matters.
1. Sit
“Sit” is usually the first command puppies learn, and for good reason. It helps your puppy pause, focus, and settle their body.
When a puppy sits, they’re less likely to jump on people, bolt through doors, or become overly excited. This command is useful before meals, when greeting guests, or anytime your puppy needs to slow down and reset.
Why it matters: Teaching “sit” lays the foundation for all future training. It helps your puppy learn to listen and follow guidance, which builds trust and confidence.
2. Stay
The “stay” command is one of the most important for safety. It teaches your puppy to remain in one place even when they want to move.
This is especially helpful when opening doors, crossing streets, or navigating busy environments. “Stay” helps puppies practice impulse control and patience.
Why it matters: A reliable “stay” can prevent dangerous situations, such as running into traffic or rushing toward distractions.
3. Come
The “come” command is all about keeping your puppy safe. When your puppy learns to come when called, you can stop them from wandering too far, getting lost, or approaching unsafe situations.
This command also strengthens your relationship, because your puppy learns that coming to you is always a positive experience.
Why it matters: “Come” is one of the most important safety commands you can teach. It helps keep your puppy close when it matters most.
4. Down
“Down” helps your puppy relax and settle their energy. Puppies can easily become overstimulated, and this command gives them a clear way to calm their body.
It’s especially helpful in public spaces, at the vet, or when guests are visiting your home.
Why it matters: Teaching “down” builds self-control and makes your puppy easier to manage in a variety of environments.
5. Leave It
“Leave it” is often considered a life-saving command. Puppies are naturally curious, and this cue teaches them to ignore items they shouldn’t touch or eat.
From unsafe foods to sharp objects, “leave it” helps redirect your puppy’s focus back to you.
Why it matters: This command can prevent accidents and protect your puppy from ingesting something harmful.
Teaching these five essential commands helps your puppy feel safe, confident, and understood. Training isn’t about perfection — it’s about communication. When your puppy knows what you’re asking, daily life becomes calmer and more enjoyable for both of you.
A trained dog is a happy dog, and these commands create a strong foundation for a lifetime together.
Want Help Teaching These Commands—Without Guessing?
Step-by-step guidance for teaching each of these essential commands
Simple trackers to help you stay consistent and see progress
Tools designed to keep the whole family on the same page
These resources are made for real life — not perfect training sessions — so you can confidently guide your dog and build calm, reliable habits from the start.
Potty training a puppy is one of the biggest challenges new dog parents face. It takes time, patience, and consistency. But did you know most people make the same mistake over and over again? This mistake makes potty training take much longer — and causes stress for both you and your pup.
So what is the #1 mistake in potty training a puppy?
👉 Not giving your puppy enough chances to go outside.
Puppies have tiny bladders and very little control. They can’t “hold it” like older dogs. If you wait too long between potty breaks, your puppy will have accidents in the house. Over time, this teaches your pup the wrong lesson — that it’s okay to pee or poop inside.
When I brought home my golden retriever, Waffles, I learned this the hard way. On his second day, I thought I could run to switch the laundry before taking him out. By the time I came back, there he was — sitting proudly in a little puddle in the living room. That mess reminded me that puppies simply can’t wait, no matter how quick you think you’ll be!
How Often Should Puppies Go Out?
Here’s a simple rule: your puppy can usually hold it for one hour per month of age (up to about 6 hours).
A 2-month-old puppy → every 2 hours
A 3-month-old puppy → every 3 hours
A 4-month-old puppy → every 4 hours
This means you’ll need to take your puppy out a lot during the day — and even at night for very young pups
Want to know how to avoid the #1 mistake in potty training a puppy? Try these simple steps:
Stick to a schedule: Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, after playtime, and before bed.
Use a crate or playpen: Puppies don’t like to go potty where they sleep. This helps teach them to hold it until they’re outside.
Praise and reward: Every time your puppy goes potty in the right spot, use a happy voice and give a small treat. This teaches them where they should go.
The #1 mistake in potty training a puppy is waiting too long between potty breaks. By taking your pup out often and rewarding success, you’ll avoid accidents and build good habits fast.
⭐ Pro Tip: Consistency is everything. The more chances your puppy has to go outside, the quicker they’ll learn to potty in the right place.
✨ Want more help with potty training?
View my recorded “3 Steps to a Potty Trained Puppy” workshop. (30 min- you can save to watch later if needed)
In this free training, I’ll walk you through my 3 simple, proven steps to help your puppy understand where (and when!) to go potty—without stress, confusion, or endless mess.
You’ll learn:
✅ The “Hold Time” Rule – so you can set a realistic potty schedule
✅ The Power of Routine – how consistency builds faster success
✅ Crate Training Done Right – using it as a safe, supportive tool (not punishment)
Whether you just brought your puppy home or have been struggling for weeks, you’ll walk away with a clear plan you can start using the same day—and see results fast.
Is your puppy bursting with excitement, causing them to jump on you—or, even worse, onto guests? While jumping may seem cute at first, it’s a behavior that can quickly become an issue, especially as your puppy grows. Whether you’re training a young pup or breaking the habit in an older dog, this behavior can be redirected into calm greetings with the right approach.
Dogs often jump to greet or get attention, but this habit can be dangerous for small children, cause injuries, or simply become annoying. The good news is that, with consistency and patience, you can teach your puppy (or adult dog) to stop jumping on people, making their greetings more enjoyable for everyone. Here are five simple steps to help you get started:
1. Understand Why Puppies (and Dogs) Jump
Puppies often jump to greet people and get closer to faces for affection. It’s their way of saying “hello” and seeking attention. While it’s an instinctive behavior, you can teach them more appropriate ways to interact. Understanding that your puppy jumps to get attention is the first step in helping them learn how to greet you—and others—calmly.
2. Stop Reinforcing the Behavior
Puppies jump because it works: they get your attention. Even if you push them down or say “No,” that’s still attention. The key is to remove any attention when your puppy jumps. Immediately turn your back, cross your arms, and avoid eye contact. When ALL FOUR PAWS are on the floor, give them calm praise and attention. It’s crucial to remain consistent—no exceptions!
3. Teach an Alternative Behavior
Instead of jumping, teach your puppy to sit when they greet you. This gives them an action to focus on that’s incompatible with jumping. Whenever your puppy approaches, ask them to sit, and only offer attention or treats (these are my favorite treats to use because they are healthy and the dogs love them) when they remain sitting. Start this training as early as possible, but remember, older dogs can learn too! The more consistent you are with asking for “sit,” the quicker they will understand that sitting brings rewards, not jumping.
4. Use Rewards and Praise
Positive reinforcement is key to teaching your puppy. As soon as they stay calm or sit when greeting you, reward them immediately with praise, a treat, or affection. Gradually phase out treats as your puppy becomes more consistent, but keep using verbal praise like “Good puppy!” to reinforce the behavior.
5. Practice With Guests
It’s one thing to stop your puppy from jumping on you, but you’ll need to train them not to jump on others as well. When guests arrive, inform them about the training. You could even have a jar of treats outside your door for the guests to have in hand when they enter. Ask them to ignore your puppy if they jump and only offer attention when the puppy is sitting or calm. You can also use a leash to maintain control during greetings, especially with young puppies. Ask your puppy to sit while you greet the guests, then reward them for staying calm.
To make this process even easier and to make greetings easy for everyone, I create this free PUP IN TRAINING sign.
By displaying this sign at your front door, you’ll give visitors clear instructions on how to interact with your puppy—making training smoother and more consistent.
Here’s what the sign includes:
A gentle reminder for visitors to ask for a sit before giving treats.
Instructions to turn away if your puppy jumps.
A space to write your puppy’s name for a personal touch.
Simply print, hang it up, and let your guests be part of your puppy’s success!
Breaking the habit of jumping is easier when your puppy is young, but it’s never too late to train an adult dog! With consistent training, positive reinforcement, and involving everyone in your household, your dog will learn to greet people with all four paws on the ground.
Consistency is key—soon, jumping will be a thing of the past, and your dog will greet both you and guests with calm, friendly energy.
As a first-time puppy mom, I vividly remember the excitement and joy of bringing home my furry bundle of joy. From the moment we met, I knew I wanted to provide the best possible life for my little furry companion. One aspect of puppyhood that quickly became apparent was the importance of socialization. In this blog post, I’ll share why socialization is crucial for nurturing confidence in our beloved canine companions.
Meet Sophie, a first-time puppy mom whose heart overflowed with excitement and joy the day she brought home Max. As Sophie and her pup embark on their journey together, they quickly discover the importance of socialization. Let’s follow Sophie and Max as they navigate the world of puppyhood.
A New Beginning
The day Sophie welcomed her puppy into her home was filled with anticipation and butterflies in her stomach. As they settled into their new routine, Sophie realized that socialization would play a key role in helping her puppy adjust to his surroundings and develop into a well-rounded dog. From encounters with unfamiliar people and animals to exploring new environments, socialization became a DAILY ADVENTURE for Sophie and Max.
The Importance of Socialization
Sophie soon learned that socialization wasn’t just about having fun—it was essential for Max’s emotional and behavioral development. By exposing him to a variety of experiences in a positive and controlled manner, Sophie was helping Max build confidence, resilience, and good behavior. From visits to the park and playdates with other pups to outings at pet-friendly businesses and training classes, each new experience brought Sophie and Max closer together and enriched their bond.
The Risks of Not Socializing
Reflecting on their socialization journey, Sophie realized the importance of not only the positive experiences they shared but also the potential risks of neglecting socialization. Unsocialized dogs may struggle with FEAR, ANXIETY, AND AGGRESSON making everyday activities challenging and stressful for both them and their owners. By prioritizing socialization, Sophie was giving Max the best possible start in life and setting him up for success in the years to come.
Embracing the Journey
As Sophie and Max’s socialization journey continues, Sophie is reminded of the countless memories they’ve created together—the joy of watching Max make new friends, the pride of seeing him overcome obstacles, and the love and companionship they share each day. While socialization may have its challenges, the rewards far outweigh the risks, and Sophie wouldn’t trade this journey for anything in the world (and neither would I)!
To all the puppy parents out there embarking on this incredible journey, I encourage you to embrace the importance of socialization and make it a priority in your puppy’s life. By providing them with positive experiences and opportunities to learn and grow, you’ll be helping them become confident, well-adjusted dogs who bring joy and companionship to your family for years to come.
Want to learn more? I invite you to join my free group…Furever Dog Moms
