Outdoor Dog Training.

Puppy training and play
Training and play are key to your puppy’s healthy development. A well-trained and obedient puppy is more likely to become a well-balanced and happy adult dog.
Dachshund puppies playing in black and white
Three reasons to train your puppy
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It’s good for their physical and mental wellbeing
Training helps your puppy to cope with unfamiliar experiences and helps to prevent fear of meeting new people, so they may be more comfortable in social situations. Building training into your pet’s playtime also makes use of all that extra energy and keeps them happy and healthy.

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German Shepherd puppy chasing after a ball outdoors Puppy being carried by owner Welsh Pembroke Corgi puppy running outside in a garden
Dogs are by nature pack animals. So, spending hours alone at home may be stressful to your puppy. This abandonment ‘anxiety’ can lead to chewing, soiling and barking. That’s why it’s important to prepare your puppy for spending time on their own.

Puppy training tips
Puppies can learn very quickly and enjoy a well-designed training session. Here are a few tips to help keep your sessions fun and make sure you and your puppy get the most out of every exercise.

Reward good behaviour

Keep it brief

Enrol in puppy school

Start early

Be consistent

Don't be too strict
How to house train your puppy
Puppies often aren’t fully house trained when you first bring them home. Getting your puppy into a regular routine and paying attention to their behaviour can help to keep little accidents to a minimum.
House training your puppy
Teaching your puppy the basics
Training your puppy to understand a basic set of everyday commands can make them more comfortable in social situations and easier to handle. It can also keep them safe in busy or dangerous places, so you can confidently take them anywhere and meet anyone. The following tabs cover some of the essential everyday commands you will need:

Sit
Lie down
Wait
Come
Heel
How to train your puppy to sit
Begin by holding a dog treat in front of your dog's nose. Lift the treat over the top of your dog's head to encourage them into a sitting position. As your dog lifts their head to follow the treat, they should naturally sit. Reward your dog for their good behaviour.

Repeat these steps several times a day until your dog understands. After this, continue to use the hand gesture and gradually remove the treat. Once your dog reliably sits, you can introduce a verbal cue at the same time.

Brown Labrador puppy standing outside in a garden with owners
How to continue your puppy’s training
Enrolling your pet in a local puppy school can be a great way to introduce your pet to new skills, and get professional training advice. This experience will also help to socialise your puppy and help them to get used to being around other people and dogs.
While puppies are bundles of energy and quick to learn, they tire easily. So, it’s important to keep training sessions short and allow them to learn slowly and gradually.
Crate training a puppy
Crate training is a safe and simple way to introduce your puppy to living in your home and prevent unwanted behaviour like chewing or soiling.

Crate training your puppy
Playing with your puppy
Why is playtime so important for puppies?
Play is an important part of their development. Playing with toys and interacting with you on a daily basis helps them to understand some of the basic rules they will need to become a happy, well-adjusted adult dog. Playtime also helps your pet:

To learn new skills and commands
To understand that biting and nipping are not acceptable
To strengthen the bond between you
To keep them active and healthy
To ensure they stay mentally stimulated
German Shepherd puppy in black and white on a white background with a ball in its mouth
Which toys are best for puppies?
Choose toys that stimulate their curiosity, encourage them to move, or introduce new tastes and textures.

Beagle puppy standing in a cardboard box
Large cardboard box
A large cardboard box provides a great place to run, hide and will likely encourage chewing. Be careful if you don't want your dog to chew the cardboard around the house.

Rubber toys
Rubber toys allow your puppy to chew.

Australian Shepherd puppy playing in the grass with a toy
Dachshund puppy laying on a rug playing with a toy
Interactive toys
Interactive toys that contain treats help to keep your puppy stimulated.

Puzzle feeders
Puzzle feeders to slow down eating.

Labrador Retriever puppy eating from a red puzzle feeder
Tips for your puppy’s playtime
Choose appropriate toys
Only choose toys that are the appropriate size for your puppy’s mouth to prevent swallowing. Make sure they're durable and check regularly for tears

Regular play sessions
Dedicate at least two play sessions with your puppy each day, combined with training sessions to maximise fun and learning

Discourage biting
If your puppy bites – stop playing and allow them to calm down

Avoid slippery floors
Choose a room without a slippery floor, so your puppy doesn’t injure themselves

Dachshund mother and puppies in black and white on a white background
How to socialise a puppy
Socialisation is one of the most important steps in ensuring your puppy grows into a well-balanced, confident adult. It's never too early to start gently introducing your pet to new experiences, people and animals.

Socialising your puppy
Further reading
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Puppy Labrador Retriever sitting outside and receiving a treat for the action
How to Train a Puppy - Puppy Behaviour
Puppy dog lying down in grass chewing a toy.
Essential items for your new puppy