First Commands to Teach a Puppy: Essential Guide 2025

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting journey, and starting training early can set your pup up for a lifetime of good behaviour and safety. It’s important to establish rules and introduce commands right from day one to avoid confusion and build clear communication.

Many assume that training should wait until the puppy is several months old, but beginning with short, positive sessions early on allows your puppy to grasp the basics quickly. This article will guide you through the very first commands you should teach a puppy, why the order matters, and how to begin training effectively in the UK in 2025.

Why Does the Order of Commands Matter?

Every dog has a limit to how many commands they can confidently learn and reliably recall. Some breeds, such as the Afghan hound puppies, can manage fewer commands than more intelligent breeds. Prioritising essential commands that ensure your puppy's safety and set the foundation for learning new commands is crucial.

For example, teaching "sit" before more complex commands introduces your puppy to training itself, helping them understand how to respond to verbal cues and hand signals. Safety commands like "come" help prevent your puppy from danger near roads or strangers, highlighting the importance of command sequence.

1. Teaching Your Puppy Their Name

Before any formal command, the very first “command” is teaching your puppy to recognise their name. This is fundamental because it grabs their attention and ensures your puppy looks to you, an important step before issuing other commands.

Use your puppy’s name positively during gentle interactions, rewarding them for responding by looking your way. This practice builds the habit of focusing on you, which improves overall training success.

2. Sit: The Introductory Command

“Sit” is often the first formal command taught. It’s easy to teach and provides your puppy a clear, simple task. Use a treat to lure your puppy’s nose upward and slightly backward, encouraging them to lower their bottom. As they sit, say "sit" and reward immediately. This positive reinforcement helps your puppy associate the command with the action and reward.

Practicing “sit” sets the tone for future training sessions and helps your puppy gain confidence.

3. Stay: Building Self-Control

Once your puppy understands "sit," the "stay" command helps them learn self-control and patience. Start with short durations in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Ask your puppy to sit, say "stay," then slowly step back a few steps, returning and rewarding your puppy if they hold the position.

Increase the duration and distance gradually. This command is especially useful for safety in public places or at home.

4. Come: Critical Recall Command

“Come” is essential for your puppy’s safety. It assures that your puppy will return to you when called, which is vital near traffic, other animals, or during outdoor playtime.

Begin indoors using a high-value treat or favourite toy to encourage your puppy to come. Call them enthusiastically by name followed by "come," rewarding enthusiastically when they reach you. Gradually incorporate distractions and practice outdoors as your puppy's skills improve.

5. No or Stop: Preventing Unwanted Behaviour

Teaching a universal "no" or "stop" command helps you halt unwanted behaviours such as jumping up, chewing, or playing too roughly. Use a firm but calm tone and stop the activity. When your puppy ceases the behaviour, reward them promptly.

This command can be challenging but is invaluable for maintaining good manners and safety.

How to Teach Commands Effectively

Training sessions with puppies should be brief, around 5 to 10 minutes, a few times daily to keep your puppy’s attention fresh without overwhelming them. Positive reinforcement with treats, praise, and play helps encourage good behaviour and fosters a trusting bond. Consistency in words and gestures is crucial to avoid confusing your puppy—a common mistake owners should avoid.

Furthermore, patience and a calm approach allow your puppy to learn without fear or frustration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Teaching Puppy Commands

• Inconsistency: Use the same cues and commands every time across all family members.
• Delaying Training: Begin as soon as the puppy settles at home to take advantage of their early learning window.
• Using Punishment: Avoid shouting or physical corrections; focus on rewarding good behaviour.
• Too Long or Irregular Sessions: Keep training short and frequent to maintain interest and retention.
• Rushing to Tricks: Prioritise basic obedience and safety commands before teaching fun tricks.
• Lack of Preparation: Establish routines such as regular toilet breaks and feeding schedules before puppy arrives.

Next Steps: Building on Your Puppy’s Training

Once your puppy masters these foundational commands, you can gradually introduce more advanced commands and socialisation practices to ensure a well-rounded, confident adult dog. Consistent reinforcement and adapting training to real-world scenarios, such as walks, visits, and family life, will deepen your puppy’s understanding and obedience.

Remember, every puppy learns at their own pace. Celebrate progress, be patient, and maintain positive training experiences to nurture a lifelong bond.

For UK puppy owners seeking reputable breeders or to find a puppy, responsible sourcing and ethical breeding are crucial for your puppy’s health and temperament.

With these tips, you’re on the right path to raising a happy, safely trained puppy in 2025 and beyond.