When do you start training a puppy?

Puppies are ready to start learning simple commands, such as “sit,” “down” and “stay,” when they are seven to eight weeks old. If training is delayed for several months, puppies are likely to form some bad habits. In this case, puppies have to "un-learn" behaviors that have become natural.

At seven or eight weeks of age, puppies have short attention spans, so training sessions should be short. Daily lessons should offer positive reinforcement. For instance, food treats are commonly used to coax puppies into lying down or sitting. The trainer gives the command once and lures the puppy into the proper position. Words of praise and petting are added when the puppy succeeds.