An easy guide to begin dog training!
Dog training starts right here!
You might be training in advance of bringing home your new puppy or you’re looking to get started on golden doodle training with a puppy you just got or you have an adult cavapoochon you want to start training – it’s never too late no matter the breed!
You’ve bought everything for your puppy and now it’s time to train so he or she can be the perfect family member. Puppy training is my absolute favorite type of training! And it can be yours too with the right tools… don’t worry I’ll hold your hand through it.
Below we are going to discuss:
- Who am I? And why I’m excited to help you.
- What you’ll need to start puppy training.
- How long to train your puppy for.
- and other helpful tips!
Meet me, Nicole Ellis.
I’m a certified professional dog trainer, pet lifestyle expert and mom to two amazing doodles, Maggie a poochon and Rossi a cavapoochon as well as a fat horse named Cali. Come meet us in the video below and if you want to learn more – head to our bio.
How long should you train your dog for?
Keep your sessions short – especially with a puppy. Your sessions should be about 5-15 mins then take a break, throw a ball or go for a walk. You can do multiple training sessions with your dog but it’s important these remain fun and end on a high note with something your pet understands – we want it to be fun after all.
What you need to start puppy training your dog today!
As you see in the video, the most important things you need are
- Treats
- A leash
- and of course your dog.
The best dog treats for training
Here are my top picks for dog treats as well as the dog training pouch I wear this always me to easily have…and not spill treats during our doodle training together.
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4.9$16.97Buy Now on AmazonPros:- Organic
- Bite size for training
- USA Made
- Made in small batches
- 100% natural ingredients
- Can be traced to a farm
- My dog is obsessed with these - I actually put their supplements on it since they inhale these.
- Two protein options
- free glycerin and fillers like corn, wheat, and so
Cons:We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/07/2024 05:13 am GMT -
4.9
$13.99$12.19Buy Now on AmazonPros:- Organic
- Bite size for training
- USA Made
- Made in small batches
- 100% natural ingredients
- Can be traced to a farm
- My dog is obsessed with these - I actually put their supplements on it since they inhale these.
- Two protein options
- free glycerin and fillers like corn, wheat, and so
Cons:12/07/2024 04:51 am GMT -
4.8
$13.99$9.06Buy Now on AmazonPros:- Bit larger, but can be broken easily
- USA Made
- 100% natural ingredients
- Can be traced to a farm
- My dog is obsessed with these - I actually put their supplements on it since they inhale these.
- Two protein options
- free glycerin and fillers like corn, wheat, and so
Cons:12/07/2024 04:02 am GMT -
4.8
$15.99$13.99Buy Now on AmazonPros:- Can be ripped to smaller sizes
- USA Made
- Made in small batches
- 100% natural ingredients
- Can be traced to a farm
Cons:12/07/2024 04:57 am GMT -
4.6$11.49Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Pupford and savePros:
- Low Calorie
- All Natural
- Healthy Training Treats for Small to Large Dogs
- Various protein options
- No added ingredients or fillers
Cons:12/07/2024 04:02 am GMT -
4.7
$11.99$10.55Buy Now on AmazonPros:- Available in various proteins and sizes
- Limited ingredients - pretty much just meat
- Low Calorie
- USA Made
- High quality ingredients
Cons:12/07/2024 07:58 pm GMT -
$9.95Buy Now on AmazonPros:
- Soft, bite-sized treats
- Can easily be made smaller if needed
- Bag is easy to reseal
Cons:- Only available in chicken
12/07/2024 03:56 am GMT -
$7.49Buy Now on AmazonPros:
- Single protien
- Wheat free free
- Baked in the USA
- Low Calorie
- Small bite size
- With Blueberries
12/07/2024 05:22 am GMT -
4.8$10.00Buy Now on ChewyPros:
- I have not yet seen a dog not LOVE these
- My dogs favorite treats
- Various proteins (bacon, lamb, etc)
- Limited ingredients
- Canadian company
Cons:- In humid environments these should be kept in the fridge (it's that fresh!)
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4.7$28.45Buy Now on AmazonPros:
- Lots of protein options
- Just meat!
- All natural
- Ethically made in the USA
- For dogs and cats
Cons:- Some proteins can be a tad messy if broken into smaller pieces
12/07/2024 05:03 am GMT -
4.5Buy Now on Amazon Buy from Raised RightPros:
- Various proteins available
- Just meat!
- Crunchy chip that can be broken in to smaller pieces
Cons: -
4.6$34.95Buy Now on AmazonPros:
- Easy to access treats while keeping secure
- Front pocket fits an iPhone (I have a 14Pro that fits)
- Zippered pocket on bag to put key/credit card
- Fits a very wide range of people
- Easy to throw in the wash and clean
Cons:- Not a fit if you are using raw food for training (I don't so this doesn't effect me)
- If you have a very persistent dog they may be able to get their nose in the treat section
12/07/2024 10:27 pm GMT -
4.9$33.48Buy Now on Amazon Save 20% with code Maggie20 at ZiwiPros:
- Is a balanced food, so you're dog can train with a meal that will be motivating
- Various protein options
- High Protein
- Green Lipped muscles (SO many benefits)
12/07/2024 06:32 am GMT
But, there are a few other things I use every time I start training – these aren’t required but can help you get a jumpstart. I use the Klimb, pictured below, with all dogs – from doodle puppies to grown Great Danes. Putting them on an elevated surface makes training easier for both of us and helps them focus a little bit more. You can find an object around your house too, I use the Klimb due to it not slipping when the jump on it, easy to store and clean, and doesn’t get hot outside.
Blue-9 Pet Products KLIMB Dog Training Platform
- Indoor or Outdoor Use
- Very durable
- Can connect or stack multiples together
- Can be used for agility
- Removable legs
- Weighs only 14 lbs but holds up to 500+ lbs.
- UV stabilization is maxed out so it doesn't get hot in the sun or fade.
Let’s start dog training!
You are officially ready to conquer doodle training! Click here for free videos of the first things I train any dog – no matter the age.
Have fun and remember to end on a high note!
My breeder said to not give our new puppy any treats when we bring him home to avoid diarrhea or until he sees the vet. Will his dry food work as a treat? I plan to feed him wet food. Thanks!
Hi, you can absolutely use his food as a treat – I would even use part of his meal for training. Also, to start him off I would take the protien of the food he’s currently eating IE, beef or chicken and start with a dehydrate treat of that protien. Hope that helps! We have our favorite helathy treat options here: https://tailswithnicole.com/the-best-dog-treats-for-training/