How to Train a Puppy with Positive Reinforcement

By Gavin Levenstein Last updated: 24 April 2025

Training a new dog is one of the most rewarding parts of pet parenting—especially when you do it kindly and consistently. This guide walks you through positive reinforcement from the very first week: toilet training, teaching “quiet,” recall, leash manners, enrichment, and more. We’ve also included handy checklists and pro tips to help you avoid common pitfalls.

Note: This article focuses on dogs and puppies. If you’re looking for cat training, watch this space—we’ll publish a dedicated guide soon and link it here.

Before You Start: Rewards, Timing, and Criteria

• Choose high-value, soft treats your pup can swallow quickly (pea-sized pieces of chicken, cheese, or soft training treats).
• Use a marker to “catch” the exact moment your dog does the right thing—either a clicker or a short word like “Yes!”
• Timing matters: mark and treat within 1–2 seconds of the behaviour.
• Keep sessions short and upbeat: 3–5 minutes, 2–4 times per day.
• One cue at a time. Be consistent with your words and hand signals.
• Build a reward hierarchy: food first, then mix in praise, play, and sniff breaks.
• Fade food gradually: when your dog is reliable, move to intermittent food rewards while keeping praise/play every time.

Helpful tools for smooth sessions: treat pouch, clicker, soft training treats, and a non-distracting space to start.

Toilet Training: Routine, Crate Use, Night Strategy

Most puppies learn the routine in 2–4 weeks with consistency.

What to do: 1) Go out frequently: after waking, after meals, after play, and every 60–90 minutes at first. 2) Take your puppy to the same spot. Wait quietly. The instant they go, mark (“Yes!”) and reward. 3) Praise calmly and head back inside—keep the focus on toileting, not a long play session. 4) Supervise indoors. If you can’t watch, use a pen or crate to prevent accidents. 5) Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner. Never punish—this only teaches pups to hide the evidence.

Crate basics that support toilet training:

• Make it cosy, never a punishment. Feed some meals in the crate and offer safe chews.
• Start with the door open, reward calm stepping in and out, then build to short closed-door rests.
• Night plan: last toilet break right before bed; first outing early in the morning. For very young pups, set an alarm for one brief midnight trip outside.

Feeding routines that help:

• Offer meals at consistent times.
• Pick up water 1–2 hours before bedtime (unless medically advised otherwise).

Sample 7-day starter routine:

• Day 1–2: Outside every 60–90 mins; celebrate every success.
• Day 3–4: Stretch to 90–120 mins if accident-free.
• Day 5–7: Maintain routine; add a simple cue like “Toilet.” Start reducing nighttime outings as your puppy stays dry.

Teach “Quiet”: Reduce Barking Humanely

We teach “quiet” without punishment by rewarding calm.

Step-by-step: 1) Identify the trigger (doorbell, people passing, boredom). 2) Wait for a brief pause in barking (even one second), mark it (“Yes!”), and treat. 3) Add the cue “Quiet” as your dog starts to understand that silence earns rewards. 4) Gradually increase the duration of quiet before you mark and treat (1–2–3 seconds, then 5–10 seconds). 5) Practise with “easy” triggers first. Keep sessions short and end on a win.

Common pitfalls:

• Shouting over barking (it often fuels the noise).
• Going too fast—lengthen quiet in tiny steps.
• Reinforcing by accident (e.g., looking at or touching your dog while they’re barking).

Also address causes: more enrichment, predictable rest, and better management (frosted window film, white noise, calm background music). When you’re out, provide a stuffed lick-mat, puzzle toy, or set a smart treat dispenser to deliver rewards during quiet periods.

Related TailMe reads: Why Dogs Bark: Understanding the Root Causes; How to Stop Excessive Barking Without Punishment.

Basic Commands: Sit, Stay, Come

• Sit: Lure the head up with a treat. As the bottom touches the floor, mark and treat. Add the cue “Sit” once the motion is predictable.
• Stay: Ask for a Sit. Say “Stay,” count one second, mark and treat. Build duration and distance slowly, one variable at a time.
• Come (indoors first): Say your dog’s name + “Come,” crouch, mark the first step towards you, and reward with great treats and play. Avoid calling if you think they won’t come—go get them instead to protect the cue.

Recall Training Progression (with safety)

1) Indoors with minimal distraction. 2) Garden on a lightweight long line (10–15 m). Reward heavily. 3) Quiet park on a long line—layer in distractions gradually. 4) Only consider off-lead when recall is rock-solid around everyday distractions.

Safety notes:

• Use a harness with the long line to protect your dog’s neck.
• If you hike or visit busy areas, a GPS tracker adds a valuable safety net.

Leash Manners for Pullers

• Start still. Reward your dog for checking in beside you.
• Take a step—if the lead stays loose, mark and treat.
• If it tightens, stop. Wait for slack, then continue.
• Practise in low-distraction spaces before busy pavements.
• Consider a front-clip harness to reduce pulling while you train.

Socialisation: 8–16 Weeks and Beyond

Aim for calm, positive exposure—not flooding. Pair new things with treats and the ability to retreat.

Checklist ideas:

• People: a variety of ages, hats, uniforms, umbrellas.
• Dogs: calm, vaccinated, friendly dogs; observe comfort signals.
• Sounds: doorbells, traffic, vacuum, thunderstorms (use low volume recordings).
• Surfaces: grass, gravel, shiny floors, ramps.
• Handling: gentle touches to paws, ears, collar; reward for cooperation.
• Environments: car rides, vets’ reception areas for “happy visits,” parks at off-peak hours.

Enrichment to Prevent Barking and Boredom

Rotate two or three of these daily:

• Sniffaris: slow, sniff-led walks for decompression.
• Scent games: scatter feeding, find-it games with treats.
• Food puzzles: slow feeders, puzzle toys, lick-mats.
• Training games: 5-minute micro-sessions sprinkled through the day.
• Calm chews: species-appropriate chews for relaxation.

Advanced: Tricks and Therapy Pathway

• Tricks (spin, paw, bow, tidy toys) boost confidence and focus.
• Therapy dog interest? Look into local requirements (temperament assessments, obedience basics, health checks). Start with calm greetings, loose-lead walking, and a rock-solid “Leave it.”

Recommended Training Tools (problem ? solution)

• Food rewards on the go ? treat pouch and soft training treats.
• Precise timing ? clicker.
• Safety for recall practice ? long line and front-clip harness; consider a GPS tracker.
• Home-alone calm ? lick-mats, puzzle toys, smart treat dispensers, and an indoor camera.
• Barking at windows ? frosted film or curtains to reduce triggers.

Explore TailMe categories: Treat Dispensers, Interactive Toys, Toys, Auto Feeders, and Trackers & Health.

Common Training Mistakes to Avoid

• Sessions that are too long—end while your dog still wants more.
• Late rewards or unclear timing.
• Inconsistent cues from different family members.
• Raising difficulty too quickly.
• Relying only on food without adding praise/play and real-life rewards (sniffing, greeting).
• Punishment-based methods—these can damage trust and increase anxiety.

FAQs

Q: How long does puppy toilet training take? A: Most puppies learn the routine in 2–4 weeks with a consistent schedule, supervision, and immediate rewards outdoors.

Q: What treats work best for training? A: Soft, pea-sized, high-value treats your dog can eat fast—think chicken, cheese, or purpose-made training treats.

Q: Is punishment ever necessary in dog training? A: No. Evidence supports positive reinforcement. Punishment can increase fear and aggression and slows learning.

Q: How do I stop barking when I’m not home? A: Manage triggers (covered windows, white noise), increase enrichment, and use pre-set puzzle feeders or a smart treat dispenser to reinforce quiet. If barking persists, consult a force-free trainer.

Q: How should I socialise my puppy safely? A: Pair new experiences with treats, let your pup set the pace, and avoid overwhelming environments. Short, positive exposures are best.

Sources and Further Reading

• AVSAB Position Statements on Humane Dog Training (avsab.org)
• IAABC Foundation resources (iaabcfoundation.org)
• APDT: Positive reinforcement and training tips (apdt.com)

About the Author

Gavin Levenstein is TailMe’s editor and lifelong dog guardian. He writes practical, kind training guides and works closely with trusted trainers to keep advice evidence-based.

Related reading on TailMe:

• Why Dogs Bark: Understanding the Root Causes
• How to Stop Excessive Barking Without Punishment
• Enrichment for Senior Pets: Keeping Older Dogs and Cats Engaged

Shop helpful training tools: Treat Dispensers, Interactive Toys, Toys, and Trackers & Health.