The Challenges of Bringing Home an 8-Week-Old Puppy
Bringing home an 8-week-old puppy is an exciting adventure, but it can quickly become overwhelming. As a professional dog trainer for over 30 years, I’ve seen countless new puppy parents face the same questions: What should I teach my puppy first? When should I start training? How do I do it?
The good news is that starting early is key. Puppies are like little sponges at this age, eager to learn and explore their new world. By setting a solid foundation now, you’ll be setting your furry friend up for a lifetime of good behavior.
A Good Puppy Training Schedule
Let’s break down a week-by-week training schedule for your 8-week-old puppy. Remember, every pup is different, so be patient and adjust as needed.
Week 8
- Teach your puppy their name
- Introduce the ‘sit’ command
- Begin crate training
- Start potty training
During this first week, focus on creating positive associations with their name and crate. Use plenty of treats and praise!
Week 9
- Practice alone time
- Continue crate and potty training
- Introduce basic verbal cues like ‘drop it’
This week, we’re building on the foundation from Week 8. Remember, consistency is key!
Week 10
- Work on recall cues
- Teach ‘sit and greet’
- Keep up with alone training, crate training, and potty training
Recall is crucial for your pup’s safety. Make it fun with games and lots of rewards!
Week 11
- Introduce leash walking
- Continue recall games
- Maintain previous training
Week 12
- Practice walking outdoors
- Reinforce recall and previous commands
Week 13
- Teach new verbal cues: ‘leave it’, ‘follow me’, ‘watch me’
Weeks 14-15
- Introduce ‘wait’ command
- Practice walking with other dogs (if vaccinated)
- Continue alone training and recall
Week 16
- Practice walking in busier areas
- Introduce hand touch and nose work
Useful Puppy Training Methods
In my decades of experience, I’ve found that positive reinforcement is the most effective training method. It’s not just about getting your puppy to obey; it’s about building a strong, trusting relationship.
Use treats, toys, and praise to reward good behavior. For example, when teaching ‘sit’, gently lure your puppy into position with a treat, then immediately reward and praise them. Soon, they’ll associate the action with the reward and the command.
Common verbal cues to teach include ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’, ‘down’, and ‘leave it’. Remember, patience is key. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a well-trained puppy!
Why Schedules and Routines are Useful for Puppy Training
Puppies thrive on routine. It helps them understand their world and builds confidence. A consistent schedule can speed up house training, reduce stress for both you and your pup, and make your life much easier.
One of my clients, Sarah from Los Angeles, saw a dramatic improvement in her Labrador puppy’s behavior after implementing a strict routine. “It was like night and day,” she told me. “Suddenly, Max knew when to expect meals, walks, and playtime. He even started whining less at night!”
Best Times to Train a Puppy
The best times to train your puppy are when they’re alert and receptive. This usually means:
- In the morning after their first potty break
- Before meals (use their kibble as treats!)
- After naps
- In the evening before bedtime
Keep sessions short – about 5-10 minutes for young puppies. Consistency is more important than length. A few short sessions throughout the day are better than one long session.
FAQs
Q: How long should I train my 8-week-old puppy each day?
A: Aim for 3-5 short sessions of 5-10 minutes each. Puppies have short attention spans, so keep it fun and brief!
Q: When can I start socializing my puppy?
A: Start right away, but be cautious. Expose your puppy to new sights, sounds, and experiences in a safe, controlled manner. Wait for full vaccinations before introducing them to other dogs.
Q: How do I stop my puppy from biting?
A: Redirect their biting to appropriate chew toys. If they bite during play, yelp loudly and stop playing immediately. This teaches them that biting ends the fun.
Q: What if my puppy isn’t progressing as quickly as the schedule suggests?
A: Every puppy is different. Don’t worry if yours needs more time. The schedule is a guideline, not a strict rule. Adjust as needed for your puppy’s individual needs.
Q: How do I know if I’m using too many treats in training?
A: If your puppy is maintaining a healthy weight, you’re likely fine. You can use part of their regular meals for training to avoid overfeeding. As they progress, gradually reduce the frequency of treats.
Q: Is it ever too late to start training my puppy?
A: It’s never too late to start training, but earlier is better. Puppies are most receptive to new experiences and learning between 8-16 weeks old. However, dogs can learn at any age with patience and consistency.