Puppies Don't Stay Puppies For Long

Puppies have a way of getting away with everything.

Jumping is cute.

Pulling is funny.

Ignoring commands seems harmless.

Until your 5kg puppy becomes a 35kg adult dog.

Many behavioural problems owners struggle with later actually started during puppyhood.

The good news?

Most are preventable.

Let's look at five common puppy training mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long To Start Training

Many owners think training starts when their puppy is older.

Wrong.

Training begins the moment your puppy arrives home.

Every interaction teaches something.

Your puppy is constantly learning:

• What gets attention
• What earns rewards
• What behaviours work

Training doesn't need to be formal.

Simple moments matter.

Every day is training day.

Mistake #2: Accidentally Rewarding Bad Behaviour

This happens more than owners realise.

Example:

Puppy jumps up.

Owner pats puppy.

Puppy learns:

Jumping gets attention.

The behaviour becomes stronger.

Dogs repeat behaviours that produce good outcomes.

Be intentional about what you reward.

Mistake #3: Using Rewards That Aren't Motivating

Imagine learning a new skill at work.

Would you work harder for:

$1

or

$100

Dogs are the same.

Motivation matters.

Many owners struggle because the reward simply isn't valuable enough.

High-value rewards help puppies:

• Focus
• Learn faster
• Stay engaged
• Build confidence

This is why many owners use freeze-dried treats during training.

Why Small Rewards Work Better For Puppies

Puppies learn through repetition.

Lots of repetition.

Large treats slow training down.

The puppy:

• Stops
• Chews
• Gets distracted

Training momentum disappears.

This is one reason our freeze-dried treats are hand-cut into reward-sized pieces.

Perfect for:

• Puppy recalls
• Sit training
• Toilet training
• Lead walking
• Everyday rewards

No need to break treats apart between repetitions.

Training stays fast and rewarding.

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Mistake #4: Only Training At Home

Many puppies seem perfectly trained indoors.

Then they step outside.

Suddenly they forget everything.

Why?

Because dogs don't automatically generalise behaviours.

A sit in the kitchen is different to a sit:

• At the park
• Near another dog
• At puppy school
• On a walk

Training should gradually occur in different environments.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Recall Training

If there is one behaviour worth prioritising, it's recall.

A reliable recall can:

• Prevent accidents
• Improve safety
• Increase freedom
• Build confidence

The earlier recall becomes rewarding, the stronger it usually becomes.

Read:

How To Train A Reliable Recall

Why Puppy Training Should Be Fun

Many owners focus on obedience.

The best trainers focus on engagement.

Training should feel like:

A game.

Not a chore.

When puppies enjoy training:

• Learning accelerates
• Confidence grows
• Relationships strengthen

Fun creates motivation.

Socialisation Is More Than Meeting Dogs

One of the biggest puppy myths is that socialisation means meeting every dog possible.

It doesn't.

Good socialisation means positive exposure to:

• People
• Sounds
• Environments
• Surfaces
• Experiences

Confidence comes from positive experiences.

Not overwhelming ones.

Create A Puppy That Wants To Listen

The goal isn't obedience.

The goal is connection.

You want your puppy thinking:

Being near my human is rewarding.

That's where great training begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should puppy training start?

Training starts the day your puppy comes home.

What is the most important puppy command?

Recall is often considered one of the most important safety skills.

How long should puppy training sessions be?

Short sessions are usually most effective.

What treats work best for puppies?

Small, highly motivating rewards often work best.

Are freeze-dried treats good for puppy training?

Many owners use them because they're convenient, easy to carry and easy to reward frequently.

Conclusion

Most puppy training mistakes aren't caused by bad owners.

They're caused by small habits repeated consistently.

The good news is that small improvements create big results over time.

Start early.

Keep training fun.

Reward generously.

And remember:

The puppy you're training today becomes the adult dog you'll live with tomorrow.

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Because great dogs aren't born — they're trained. 🐾