Puppy Training: Basic Commands and When to Expect Results

Training a puppy is one of the most important and rewarding and sometimes frustrating aspects of being a new pet parent. From the moment your new furry friend comes home, you begin shaping their behavior and teaching them how to navigate the world around them.  With the right approach which consists of a blend of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your puppy can start learning basic dog commands as early as 8 weeks of age.

In speaking with many different dog trainers, we came up with a general guide that will walk you through the essential commands every puppy should know, explain when to start puppy training, and outline how long it typically takes for them to master each task.

Of course, every puppy is different, so this can just give you the general guidelines and/or time frames. While it’s always nice to offer a treat or toy after a command, sometimes just a happy rub down works wonders too! 

When to Start Puppy Training

The best time to start training a puppy is between 8 and 12 weeks of age. At this age, your puppy is still very impressionable and eager to learn. While their attention span may be short, they’re capable of picking up simple commands quickly when sessions are kept short and upbeat.

Teaching How To “Sit”: Your Puppy’s First Command

One of the first basic dog commands most pet parents teach is “sit.” It’s a foundation for many other behaviors and is simple for a young puppy to grasp. Most puppies can learn to sit reliably by the time they are 8 to 10 weeks old.

To teach your puppy to sit, hold a treat or toy just above his or her nose and slowly move it back toward their ears. As their head lifts, their bottom will naturally lower. The moment their backside touches the ground, say “sit,” and reward them with the treat and enthusiastic praise. With regular daily practice, around five to ten minutes a day, most puppies will start sitting on command within a week or two.

Use this puppy training checklist to guide your progress as your puppy grows. Remember that each dog learns at their own pace. Stay patient, consistent, and make training fun!

Lie Down, Roll Over, and Stay: Building Patience and Body Awareness

Lie Down:

Once your puppy has mastered “sit,” the next commands to work on are “lie down” and “stay.” Puppies can begin learning “lie down” around 10 to 12 weeks of age. Start by having them sit, then move a treat from their nose down to the floor and out in front of them. As they follow the treat, their body will stretch out and lower. When their belly hits the ground, say “down,” and reward them.

Roll Over:

After your puppy understands how to lie down, you can also introduce the fun trick “roll over.” Learning how to teach a puppy to roll over starts with a solid “down” command. With your pup lying down, hold a treat near their nose and guide it in a circular motion over their shoulder. As they follow the treat, they’ll roll onto their side and then all the way over.

Say “roll over” as they complete the movement and offer plenty of praise. Most puppies begin to roll over with help by 14 to 16 weeks, though perfecting the trick may take a little longer.

Stay:

“Stay” is another critical skill that helps with impulse control. To teach your puppy to stay, start by having them sit or lie down. Hold your hand out in a “stop” signal and say “stay.” Take one small step back, then immediately return and reward your pup for holding the position.

Gradually increase the distance and duration as your puppy improves. Many puppies can begin practicing “stay” around 10 to 12 weeks, but full mastery may take several months of consistent training.

Come When Called: An Important Safety Command

Training a puppy to come when called is one of the most important lessons for safety and recall. Start indoors or in a fenced area around 12 weeks of age. Crouch down, open your arms, and say your puppy’s name followed by “come!” Use a happy tone and offer high-value treats or toys as a reward. Celebrate each time they respond.

As your puppy gets older, practice in more distracting environments. Many puppies will respond reliably at home by 4 months, but consistent training is necessary to ensure they return even when distracted at the dog park or in unfamiliar areas.

Teaching “Leave It” and “Drop It”

Leave It:

Curious puppies love to explore with their mouths, so commands like “leave it” and “drop it” are fundamental in preventing accidents. Begin “leave it” training around 12 to 16 weeks by placing a treat in your closed hand. When your puppy stops sniffing or pawing at your hand, say “leave it” and reward them with a different treat. Repetition helps them learn that ignoring the item pays off.

Drop It:

To teach “drop it,” offer a toy during play and allow your puppy to take it. Then, say “drop it” and offer a treat. When they release the toy, praise and reward them. These commands usually start making sense to your puppy within a few weeks of consistent practice. This command can usually be taught by 12 to 16 weeks as well.

Positive Reinforcement Is the Key to Successful Training

The most effective approach to puppy training is positive reinforcement. This means rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play, rather than punishing unwanted behavior. Dogs repeat actions that result in positive outcomes, so staying consistent with your cues and rewards is crucial.

Keep your raining sessions short, about 5 to 10 minutes at a time, and always end on a positive note. If your puppy struggles with a particular command, take a break or go back a step. Training should always be fun and stress-free for both you and your dog.

When Will My Puppy Be Fully Trained?

While many puppies learn basic commands within their first few months at home, full training takes time. Most puppies can master sit, down, and come by 4 to 6 months of age with regular practice. However, refining those behaviors in distracting environments, or teaching more advanced tricks like roll over or stay for extended periods, may take until 9 to 12 months—or longer depending on the dog’s breed, personality, and environment.

Final Thoughts

Training your puppy is a long-term investment in your relationship. By starting early, using positive reinforcement dog training techniques, and focusing on basic commands like “sit,” “down,” “come,” and “stay,” you’ll set your pup up for success. Fun additions like “roll over” make training more enjoyable and strengthen your bond. Remember that each puppy learns at their own pace, so be patient and celebrate progress. With time and consistency, you’ll raise a confident, obedient, and happy dog.