Tag: #puppytraining

Start Strong with Socialisation & Basic Obedience

By Sarah Christie, Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Welcoming a puppy into your life is an exciting (and slightly exhausting!) adventure. The early weeks and months are your golden window for teaching your new best friend how to navigate the world with confidence. Let’s make the most of it.

Why Socialisation Matters

Socialisation isn’t just about meeting other dogs — it’s about positive exposure to sights, sounds, smells, people, and places. The goal is to help your puppy learn that the world is safe and fun.

  • Take them to watch kids play at the park.
  • Let them walk on different surfaces like grass, sand, and tiles.
  • Introduce them to friendly dogs who are fully vaccinated and gentle.

Basic Obedience Foundations

Start with short, fun training sessions (2–5 minutes) a few times a day. Focus on:

  • Sit – Builds impulse control.
  • Come – Essential for safety.
  • Leave it – Prevents them from grabbing dangerous or unwanted items.

Make It Positive

Use treats, praise, and play to reward the behaviours you want. Puppies learn best when they’re having fun.

Tip from Sarah: “Consistency beats perfection. Even if your puppy only learns one small thing today, you’ve made progress.”

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Don’t Let Your Puppy get away with these!

We all love how cute and funny puppies can be, but while it’s cute now it won’t be when they are bigger.

To train a dog out of a behaviour is not impossible but it does get harder. So I wanted to share a few examples of when and what to do when these small behaviours start and what you can do to stop or redirect these behaviours. Keeping in mind puppies are constantly learning and testing what things are and what they think we want from them. Be patient and if in doubt reach out to a dog trainer near you.

  1. Biting
  2. Jumping
  3. Barking and biting at the broom / vacuum
  4. Digging
  5. Food manners

Bitting

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, but it’s crucial to teach them bite inhibition early on. When your puppy nips, let out a high-pitched yelp to mimic the sound of a sibling in pain, then withdraw attention briefly. Redirect their chewing to appropriate toys and reward calm behavior.

Jumping

Discourage jumping by turning away and ignoring your puppy when they jump up. Only give attention and affection when all four paws are on the ground. Consistency is key, so ensure all family members and visitors follow the same protocol.

Barking and biting at the broom/vacuum

Dogs may perceive household items like brooms and vacuums as threats. Counter-condition this behavior by associating these objects with positive experiences. For example, leave the broom out and reward your puppy for calm behavior around it. Gradually introduce the vacuum in short, non-threatening sessions, rewarding calmness.

Digging

Digging can be a natural behavior for dogs, but it can become destructive if not managed. Provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. If your puppy starts digging inappropriately, redirect their attention to a designated digging area filled with sand or dirt, and praise them for using it.

Food manners

Establishing good food manners early on is essential. Use mealtime as a training opportunity by requiring your puppy to wait patiently before receiving their food. Teach them the “leave it” command to discourage begging or stealing food. Consistently reinforce desired behavior with rewards.

Remember, consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience are key when training your puppy. If you’re struggling to address any of these behaviors, seek guidance from a professional dog trainer who can provide personalized advice and support.

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Fun and Affective Ways to Wear Out your Puppy!

Do you have a new puppy that goes from asleep to a tiny tornado that destroys everything in its path? And you can’t take them out for walks yet as they haven’t had all there vaccinations? Well I have put together a list of activities and games to help tire out your new ball of energy and also help create a better bond with your puppy!

The first thing you can do is buy your puppy toys. There are lots of puppy safe toys for your new pet. Now the trick is to rotate your puppies toys. Breakup all the puppies toy into two (or even three) groups and every few days swap them out. This will be like Christmas for you puppy and give you a chance to wash toys.

Here are some great tips to help tire out your puppy:

  • Kong – fill the kong with puppy treats or even a little natural peanut butter and let your puppy entertain them selves. If you feel your puppy finishes it to quick try freezing kong for a longer lasting treat (also great for summer)
  • Bubbles – I have a bubble gun from Woolworths and its so much fun watching them chase the bubbles. Keeps them active and you don’t have to do much – great after work game (be mindful if your dog has allergies to soaps)
  • Snuffle mat – a snuffle mat is an oversized mat that you hide treats in. Puppy has to use there nose to search for the treats and this stimulates the pup which make them tired – yay. These can be purchased, made or I like to use natures snuffle mat – grass.
  • Play time – this might sound simple but this has so many benefits. Sit on the floor with a ‘new’ toy and make them chase the toy over your legs, throw toy a short distance and call puppy back. This game is strengthening puppies interaction with toys and there bond with you; win win.
  • Training – there are so many training activities you can do with your puppy. If your currently taking your pup to puppy classes, practise the things you’ve been doing in class at home. I love doing recall or for new pups learning there name. Find a hall way or small room that you can block off. Sit at one end of the hall and if you have someone else get them to sit the other end, have toys and/or treats and call pups and name reward when they come. This will train recall/puppies name and wear them out.
  • Puzzles – these can we bought online or made, but either way so much fun to watch your pup workout how to get the treats. I like to use their food bowl and stand toilet rolls in side, then sprinkle treats inside for them to get.

I hope these have helped you with your puppies. These also work for older dog, my 2 year Aussie still loves chasing bubbles. Let me know which one your pup likes and lets me know if you have any other activities you do.

Until next time, the treat lady. Sarah

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