The Ultimate Guide to Training Your New Puppy: When to Start and What to Focus On

Bringing home a new puppy in Fort Worth? Whether you're downtown, in the suburbs, or out on some land—those first few weeks are critical. At Sentinel K9, we’ve helped countless dog owners set the foundation for success, and we’re breaking it all down here for you.

This guide will show you when to start training and what to focus on first, so you can raise a dog you’re proud of!

When to Start Training Your Puppy

Right away. Training doesn’t have to wait until your pup is older. In fact, it shouldn’t. The moment your puppy comes home, learning begins—even if you’re not actively “training” yet.

Ideal age to begin:

• 8–10 weeks: Start with the basics like name recognition, potty training, crate comfort, and gentle socialization.

• 10–16 weeks: Introduce leash skills, impulse control (sit, wait), and confidence-building exercises.

• 4–6 months: Start focusing on consistency, distraction-proofing, and obedience foundations.

What to Focus On First

You don’t need to overwhelm your puppy (or yourself) with too much at once. Here’s where to start:

1. Name Recognition

Your puppy should know their name means, “Look at me!” Practice often with treats and praise.

2. Potty Training

Create a schedule, reward outdoor potty trips, and be patient. Accidents are part of the process.

3. Crate Training

This helps with potty training, separation anxiety, and gives your pup a safe space.

4. Leash Skills

Start in a quiet space and reward calm walking beside you. Avoid retractable leashes—they teach pulling!

5. Socialization

Expose your puppy safely to people, sounds, surfaces, and other animals in a positive way. Avoid overwhelming environments like dog parks early on.

Bonus: What Not to Do

Don’t:

• Wait until problems show up—early training prevents them.

• Punish mistakes. Redirect and reward the behaviors you do want.

• Skip the small stuff—little habits become big patterns.

Fort Worth Dog Owners—We’re Here to Help!

Training doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. Whether you’re raising a pup in a busy Fort Worth neighborhood or out in the country, our team at Sentinel K9 is here to help you every step of the way.

🐾 Book a Free Coaching Call Today

Let’s talk through your puppy’s needs, your goals as a dog owner, and what kind of training plan makes sense for your schedule and budget.

👉 Click here to schedule your free session.