When to Start Obedience Training & What to Expect
You’ve just adopted a new dog, you’re probably wondering:
When should obedience training begin?
Is it too early? Too late? What should I teach first?
Great news: dogs are always learning — and training can start earlier than you think. The key is knowing what’s age-appropriate, setting realistic expectations, and keeping things positive and consistent.
Let’s break it down so you feel confident every step of the way!
When to Start Obedience Training
Puppies: Start As Early As 8 Weeks Old
Yes, really! Puppies as young as 8 weeks can begin basic training — and in fact, it’s ideal. At this age, they’re little sponges, eager to explore the world and bond with their new humans.
What you can start with:
Name recognition
“Sit,” “Down,” “Come”
Crate training
Potty training
Gentle leash introduction
Focus games and hand targeting
💡 Keep sessions short — just 3–5 minutes, 2–3 times a day. Puppies have short attention spans!
Adolescents (4–6+ Months): Time to Level Up
Around 4–6 months, your puppy hits the "teenager" stage — complete with boundary-testing and selective hearing. This is the perfect time to strengthen earlier cues and add new ones.
What to work on:
Loose-leash walking
Stay, wait, and leave it
Greeting people politely
Basic impulse control
Socialization in new environments
Introduction to distractions
Expect some pushback — this is totally normal! Stay patient and consistent, and revisit basics when needed.
Adult Dogs: It’s Never Too Late to Start
Adopted an older dog? You can absolutely train them — and often more easily than a puppy! Adult dogs can focus longer and may already have some foundation skills.
Focus on:
Building trust and structure
Re-learning or refining cues
Undoing bad habits (like jumping or pulling)
Recall and leash manners
Confidence-building exercises
What to Expect from Training (Realistically)
Here’s what most dog parents aren’t told:
Training takes time, repetition, and a whole lot of patience — especially when you’re dealing with a young pup or a dog with a tough background.
✔️ Expect:
Slow progress at first (especially with distractions)
Regression during development stages
Needing to repeat cues dozens of times
Different speeds of learning for each dog
Setbacks when routines change
❌ Don’t Expect:
Overnight obedience
Your pup to “just know” commands
One-and-done training
Perfect recall in every situation right away
Training Tips for Every Stage
Use high-value treats your dog loves (real chicken, freeze-dried liver, etc.)
Keep sessions short and end on a win
Train in low-distraction areas before moving outside or to public spaces
Stay positive! Reward what you do want instead of punishing what you don’t
Be consistent — use the same words and cues each time
Final Woof
Training isn’t about perfection — it’s about communication and connection, no matter your dog’s age. The earlier you start, the better, but no matter your dog’s age or background, you can always create positive change with consistency and kindness.
💌 Want more tips in your inbox? Subscribe to Doggy Daze Digest — because confident pups start with informed parents.