Top 5 Puppy Behavior Tips for Happy, Healthy Puppies

Bringing a new puppy into your family is exciting and full of joy—but it also comes with some learning curves! At Hoof & Paw Veterinary Services, we want to help you and your puppy get off to a great start. Here are five important tips to make those early months smoother and more fun.

1. Start Training Early

Puppies learn quickly, so the sooner you start, the better! Early training sets the foundation for a well-behaved adult dog.

• Teach simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” using treats and praise.

• Keep training sessions short and fun—5 to 10 minutes several times a day is perfect.

• Practice commands in different places so your puppy learns to listen everywhere.

2. Socialize Your Puppy

Socialization is key to raising a confident and friendly dog. It helps your puppy get used to new sights, sounds, and people.

• Introduce your puppy to a variety of people—children, adults, and seniors.

• Safely expose your puppy to other dogs and animals to build positive experiences.

• Take your puppy on car rides and to different places like parks or pet stores to expand their comfort zone.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement means rewarding your puppy for good behavior, which encourages them to repeat it.

• Offer treats, toys, or lots of praise when your puppy follows commands or behaves well.

• Avoid punishment—it can cause fear and confusion, making training harder.

• Use a happy, encouraging tone to make learning enjoyable.

4. Be Consistent

Puppies feel more secure when they know what to expect. Consistency helps them learn faster and behave better.

• Set regular times for feeding, potty breaks, and play to create a routine.

• Make sure everyone in your household uses the same commands and rules.

• Use the same words and gestures for commands so your puppy doesn’t get mixed signals.

5. Be Patient and Loving

Remember, puppies are learning everything for the first time. Patience and kindness build trust and a strong bond.

• Celebrate small victories, like going potty outside or responding to a command.

• Don’t get frustrated if your puppy makes mistakes—it’s all part of learning.

• Spend quality time cuddling, playing, and talking to your puppy to strengthen your connection.

Need Help with Your Puppy?

Raising a puppy is an amazing experience, but it can also bring challenges. If you have questions about behavior or need extra training tips, we’re here to help! Contact the team here at Hoof & Paw Veterinary Services anytime!