Bringing home a new puppy is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. Nipping, jumping, chewing, ignoring your voice… it’s a lot. The good news? With a structured obedience routine, you can train your puppy into a calm, confident companion—and you can start right in your living room.
This guide will walk you through the key steps to building obedience from day one, using positive reinforcement and consistency—not yelling or punishment.
👉 Want a full at-home system to raise a well-behaved pup? Try this at-home obedience training course for puppies
Why Early Obedience Matters
Training isn’t just about commands—it’s about communication. Puppies learn fast between 8–20 weeks, and what they learn in those early weeks sticks for life.
Benefits of Starting Early:
- 🐾 Builds trust and bonding
- 🧠 Teaches impulse control and focus
- 🐕 Reduces future aggression or anxiety
- 🚪 Helps with housebreaking, leash manners, and guest behavior
And the best part? It only takes 10–15 minutes a day to create habits that last.
Step-by-Step Puppy Obedience Framework
🐶 Step 1: Name Recognition + Eye Contact
Start here. Call your puppy’s name, reward when they look at you. Do this daily until they respond instantly.
🐾 Step 2: Sit
Lure with a treat from nose to above head. As their bottom hits the floor, mark and reward. Use the word “sit” after a few successful reps.
🛑 Step 3: Stay
Ask for “sit,” then hold your hand out and say “stay.” Step back one pace. Return. Reward. Increase time and distance slowly.
🐾 Step 4: Come
Use a long leash or indoor hallway. Say “come” cheerfully and back away. Reward heavily when they reach you.
🧺 Step 5: Leave It
Hold a treat in a closed hand. When the pup stops nosing it, open the hand. Say “leave it,” and reward with a different treat.
👉 Want these steps as part of a printable plan? They’re included in this at-home obedience training course for puppies
Common Puppy Training Problems (And How to Fix Them)
| Problem | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Biting/nipping | Redirect to a chew toy + yelp to interrupt |
| Potty accidents | Set a timer, praise outdoor success |
| Jumping on people | Reward sitting when guests arrive |
| Ignoring commands | Lower distractions, raise treat value |
| Hyper zoomies | Use training games to burn mental energy |
Why Positive Reinforcement Is So Effective
Forget dominance. Puppies don’t learn from scolding—they learn from success.
Positive training helps your puppy:
- Feel safe trying new things
- Understand boundaries through rewards
- Associate you with calm leadership
That’s the foundation of the Brain Training for Dogs approach.
👉 Train with kindness and structure: See the course now
Real Results From First-Time Puppy Parents
🐾 Jamie, Colorado
“Our border collie puppy was wild! After one week of the program, he learned sit, come, and stopped biting our kids.”
🐾 Layla, New Jersey
“I thought I needed a pro trainer, but this course gave me everything I needed. We train in the kitchen every morning!”
Bonus: Tools You’ll Need for Home Training
- Treat pouch or zip bag
- Clicker (optional)
- Leash + collar or harness
- Crate for downtime
- A quiet space for focus
- 10 minutes twice a day
Want More Puppy Training Guidance?
Learn how obedience fits into long-term behavior shaping, leash training, and stranger interactions:
✅ Read the full dog training guide here
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Consistent
You don’t need to be a professional trainer to raise an obedient pup—you just need a plan. Start simple, reward often, and train consistently.
👉 Ready to raise your puppy with confidence? Use this at-home obedience training course for puppies to guide the way.