Dog Training 101: What to Teach First (Beginner’s Guide for New Owners)
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Bringing a new dog home is one of life’s happiest moments – but it can also feel like a bit of a puzzle.
Where do you start with training? What should you teach first? And how do you make sure your dog actually listens, learns, and enjoys it?
Don’t worry – training doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With a few simple foundations, you can build a calm, confident, well-behaved dog who wants to listen to you.
This guide combines expert tips, first-time owner advice, and gentle, positive training methods to help you get started from day one.
When Should You Start Training?
Right away!
The moment your puppy or rescue dog joins your family, they’re learning – from your tone, your body language, and your consistency. You don’t need to dive into formal sessions immediately, but you can start rewarding the behaviours you want to see and ignoring those you don’t.
Every moment is a training moment – even cuddles on the couch or walks in the park.
The 5 Foundational Skills Every Dog Should Learn First
These are the core skills that shape everything else. Once your dog understands these, the rest of training becomes a breeze.
1. Name Recognition & Attention
Before you can teach anything else, your dog needs to focus on you.
How to teach it:
- Say your dog’s name in a cheerful tone.
- The moment they look at you, say “Yes!” (or click) and reward.
- Repeat this a few times a day until they respond instantly to their name.
Then, build it into real-life scenarios – during play, walks, or distractions.
You can even pair it with a cue like “Look at me.”
💡 Tip: Hold a treat near your eyes at first if your dog avoids eye contact.
2. Sit (and Stay)
“Sit” is the foundation of good manners – it helps calm excitement and teaches patience.
How to teach it:
- Hold a treat just above your dog’s nose and move it slowly upwards.
- As their nose lifts, their bottom will lower naturally.
- The moment they sit – mark it with “Yes!” and reward.
Once your dog understands “sit,” start adding short “stays.”
Ask them to sit, pause for a second before rewarding, and gradually extend that time.
3. Come (Recall)
A strong recall could literally save your dog’s life one day.
It also gives them freedom to explore safely.
How to teach it:
- Say their name followed by your cue (like “Fido, come!”) in an upbeat voice.
- When they move toward you, praise like crazy and reward generously.
- Practise at short distances first, then build up gradually.
Use a long line when training outside to prevent them from running off before they’re ready.
💡 Tip: Make “coming to you” the best thing ever. High-value treats, toys, or play make it irresistible.
4. Leave It / Drop It
Teaching your dog to leave or drop something when asked keeps them safe – and builds trust that you won’t always take good things away unfairly.
Start with a treat in your closed hand. Let your dog sniff, lick, and paw at it.
When they stop trying, say “Yes!” and reward them with a different treat.
This shows them that ignoring temptation pays off.
Once they get the idea, practise with objects on the floor and different distractions.
5. Settle & Loose Leash Walking
These two are often overlooked – but they’re essential for a calm, well-balanced dog.
🧘♀️ Settle
Reward calmness, not just action.
When your dog lies down or relaxes quietly, calmly place a treat near them. Over time, they’ll start offering this behaviour naturally.
You can also teach a cue like “settle” using a mat or towel. Practise having your dog lie down on it, slowly adding duration and distractions.
This is perfect for cafés, visits, or chill time at home.
🚶♀️ Loose Leash Walking
Walking nicely on a lead is a skill that takes time – but it starts with patience and the right equipment.
When your dog pulls:
- Stop and wait until the leash slackens, then move forward again.
- Or turn and walk the other way to gently reset their focus.
Consistency teaches your dog that pulling doesn’t get them anywhere, but staying close does.
Harnesses can make a big difference too – reducing tension and giving you gentle control.
Positive Reinforcement: The Key to Success
Dogs repeat what feels good. That’s the science behind positive reinforcement.
Rewarding the right behaviour helps your dog connect action → reward → repeat.
Avoid punishment – it can create confusion or fear. Instead, redirect unwanted behaviour toward something you do want.
Over time, you can phase out treats and rely more on praise, play, and affection.
Training for Real Life
It’s easy for your dog to follow cues at home, but the real world is full of distractions.
Build up gradually:
- Start indoors.
- Practise in your yard.
- Progress to quiet parks.
- Introduce gentle distractions.
Reward calm focus in new environments – this builds confidence and reliability everywhere you go.
Socialisation: Confidence in Every Situation
Socialisation isn’t just about other dogs. It’s about helping your dog feel calm and confident in new environments, sounds, and experiences.
Expose them to:
- Car rides and vet visits
- Different surfaces (tiles, sand, grass)
- Friendly strangers and visitors
- Grooming tools and gentle handling
Always go at your dog’s pace. The goal is curiosity, not overwhelm.
Common Training Mistakes to Avoid
Common Training Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to slip up. Keep these in mind:
- ❌ Don’t repeat commands (“Sit, sit, sit…”). Say it once, then wait.
- ⏱️ Keep sessions short – 1–3 minutes for puppies, 5–10 for adults.
- 🧍♀️ Stay consistent – same cues, tone, and rules across the household.
- 🚫 Never use their name for scolding – keep it positive only.
Remember, every moment with your dog teaches them something. Make those lessons count.
Keep It Fun
The best training sessions feel like play.
Mix in games like:
- Hide and seek (for recall)
- Tug-of-war (for impulse control)
- Snuffle mats and puzzle feeders (for calm focus)
When your dog enjoys learning, progress comes naturally.
Final Thoughts
Training isn’t about perfection – it’s about communication and trust.
Be patient, stay consistent, and keep your sessions upbeat and short.
Your dog doesn’t need a perfect trainer – just a kind, reliable one.
Every “aha!” moment you share will strengthen your bond for years to come.