Some of the best puppy training happens in little moments together throughout the day.
These short, playful training sessions often work better than one long session, especially for puppies and younger dogs.
This way, training becomes part of life.
Of course, attending puppy classes will help, but here are some really simple ways to incorporate training into daily life. These exercises are in the UDHQ Handbook: Training Exercises, Games, and More, available to all UDHQ Students.
Recall
- Keep a few dried treats in your pocket all day and randomly call your puppy for quick check-ins and rewards.
- Play Doggy Ping Pong between family members around the house or backyard.
Manners (impulse control)
- Practice Threshold Manners at your front and back doors, gates, the crate, and getting in and out of the car.
- Ask your puppy to Wait before meals and snacks, and give them a cue to eat.
- Practice Leave It with coffee-table snacks, dropped items, shoes, or tea towels.
Calmness (self-regulation)
- Reward calm choices whenever your dog makes them, like relaxing nearby while you watch TV or read in the evening (see Capturing Calm).
Checking in (engagement)
- Play simple engagement games like Up & Down and Find It.
- Reward your dog for natural check-ins when you’re out walking together (see Walking on Lead).
Enjoy it!
Training your puppy doesn’t need to be perfect. Keep it practical, achievable, and fun!
These small moments add up over time, and they can have a big impact on your relationship with your puppy.
At Urban Dogs HQ, we specialise in developmentally appropriate puppy training and socialisation. If you’re in Melbourne, you can learn more in our in-person puppy classes.
Find these exercises in the UDHQ Handbook: Training Exercises, Games, and More, available to all UDHQ Students.
