Puppy series · Section 1 of 6 · October 29, 2026

Start small: attention and sit

Big habits can begin with very small moments. Before asking a puppy to walk beautifully or stand still for a towel, start with a simple idea: paying attention to you leads to something pleasant. This first lesson is about a comfortable beginning, not perfect obedience.

Set up for a small success

Choose a quiet, puppy-proof space with a non-slip floor. Have a few pea-sized pieces of suitable food ready, taken from the daily food allowance where practical. Practice after a toilet break when your puppy is awake and comfortable. Start with 30-60 seconds, once or twice a day; stop sooner if needed.

Try it step by step

1. Let them arrive. Sit or stand quietly. Allow your puppy to look around and approach. Do not hold them in position. Reward a voluntary glance toward you.
2. Make a reward word. Say a soft, cheerful “yes,” then give one small food reward. Repeat a few times so the word predicts something good. No loud voice or clicker is required.
3. Introduce their name. Say the name once in a quiet voice. When they turn toward you, mark and reward. If they do not turn, make the setting easier; do not repeat the name louder.
4. Reward an easy check-in. Take one step away. Reward if your puppy chooses to follow or glance at you. Leave space for them to opt out. A few successful repetitions are enough.
5. Introduce sit. Hold a small reward close to the nose and slowly lift it a little toward the forehead. When the bottom reaches the floor naturally, mark and reward. Never push the hips down. After a few easy repetitions, say “sit” just before the movement, then reward and release with “all done.”
6. Finish kindly. Say “all done,” put the food away and offer rest or quiet play. Record the easiest success, not just mistakes.

If it feels too hard

If your puppy bites at hands or races around, pause and consider toilet needs, tiredness or overstimulation. Deliver food with a flat hand or place it safely on the floor. Use small safe rewards and supervise. Do not withhold meals to make a puppy train.

Fit it into your day

Keep toileting opportunities and sleep predictable. Continue gradual, pleasant social exposure now; do not wait for a later monthly lesson. Ask your vet about infection risk, vaccinations and safe places to meet the world. The existing potty and crate guides remain available below the series.

When to build on it

Move on when your puppy offers several easy check-ins across short sessions with loose, comfortable body language. If today is difficult, repeat an easier version tomorrow. There is no required number of days.

This month you can also let your puppy investigate a harness and a dry towel without putting either on them. Reward calm curiosity, then put them away. The detailed leash and rainy-day lessons come later.

A monthly section is a new lesson, not a deadline. Keep practising earlier skills, reduce difficulty after setbacks and use reward-based teaching. No leash corrections, forced restraint or punishment. These plans are general education; pain, severe anxiety, aggression or a bite risk needs an individual professional plan.