Obedience and Manners Training for your Puppy

From the time you bring your new puppy home, it's a good idea to begin some basic manners training. Things like sit, lie down and come are come of the best skills you can train your puppy early on - before you start to socialise them with other dogs (and their owners) in the park.

When training a puppy, you need to make it fun, and you need to be energetic. Dogs can pick up on your energy levels - and especially young puppies are going to expect the same amount energy from you, as they have!

This video shows some step-by-step guides to hopefully help you train your new puppy with some good manners for when you're at home and out and about.

How to teach your puppy to sit

Step 1: Have treats like the VitaPet Milky Sticks broken up into easy, rewardable sized treats.

Step 2: Take a treat in your hand, put it to the nose, and slowly move your hand over their head.

Step 3: As soon as the dog's bottom hits the ground, give the treat.*

Step 4: Then once they have done this 2-3 times, it's time to add your word. 'Sit'.

Step 5: As you go to move your hand over the puppy's head, say 'sit'.

How to teach your puppy to lie down

Step 1: We start by getting the puppy into the sit position.

Step 2: Hold a treat in your enclosed hand to their nose. Then slowly bring your hand down, making sure their nose is following, until your hand is near their toes and their belly hits the ground.

Step 3: At this give the treat.

Step 4: Then once they have done this 2-3 times, it's time to add your word. 'Lie down'.

How to teach your puppy to come

Step 1: Make sure your puppy is focussed on you.

Step 2: Take a few steps away from them, crouch down, be very exciting, and offer the treat.

Step 3: Then once they have done this 2-3 times, it's time to add your word. 'Come'.