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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Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb/Beef/Venison |
(Or save 20% off your order directly from Ziwi with code Maggie20) Our #1 go to for training. With no added sugar, no grains, and additives it’s perfect for training. I don’t worry about giving them unhealthy items and they are working for meat/food which is fuel and helps them throughout the day. Not to mention even my pickiest dog clients (& Maggie) LOVE Ziwi. |
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Blue-9 Pet Inspire Dog Treats |
I love the size, how easy they are to break into small pieces and that there are no crumbs either. Great for training for puppies to adults. |
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Freeze-Dried Training Treats from Pupford | $16.89 ($4.22 / oz) |
(Or get 10% off on their site with code nicole10) I absolutely love the Pupford treats, they are small and low-calorie and the dogs love them. These are a go-to in my training sessions and all the dogs love them. The size is perfect for both training and their treat balls (in our mental enrichment section). These are available in Chicken, Beef Liver, Rabbit and Sweet Potato. |
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Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Duck Training Treats For Dogs, 5 Ounce (97541) |
I really like this company and probably the least expensive on this list. The duck is my go to, these are soft treats so be sure to seal that bag well. It's all human-grade, farm-raised and is actually sold at target (the only good treat company there IMO). |
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Northwest Naturals Raw Rewards Freeze-Dried Treats | $34.99 ($3.50 / oz) |
I generally stay away from freeze-dried treats for training simply because they are super messy and distracting. But gosh, dogs go CRAZY for these, especially the white fish. So if you are looking for a great item to reward when your dog does amazing I really would consider these. Also great for your mental environment games. |
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Full Moon USDA Organic Chicken Training Treats Healthy All Natural Dog Treats Human Grade 175 Treats 6 Ounce (Pack of 1) | $8.49 ($1.42 / Fl Oz) |
I really like this company and probably the least expensive on this list. It's all human-grade, farm-raised and is actually sold at target (the only good treat company there IMO). |
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ZIWI Venison Hoofer - Small Deer Dog Bone – All Natural, Novel Single Protein, Air-Dried Treat for Gentle Chewers |
A longer lasting chew, something for our dogs to focus and chew on from Ziwi |
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Full Moon All Natural Wild Jerky |
I love these Bison treats because it's a rare protein most dogs do really well on it, I haven't seen a dog not excited to eat these and they are easy to rip tiny smaller pieces for training. |
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Best Bully Sticks Odor-Free Bully Sticks | $49.99 ($2.50 / Count) |
Need to keep your pup busy and occupied? They will love these and you'll love they are odor free. Be careful some companies make theirs in China, this is the brand we use. |
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ZIWI Dog Chews Treats – All Natural, Air-Dried, Single Protein, Grain-free, High-Value Treat, Snack, Reward (Beef Weasand) 2.5 Ounce (Pack of 1) | $15.00 ($6.00 / oz) |
Delicious and healthy chews! These are great for a quick snack that help with oral health too. |
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Blue-9 Dog Training Treat Pouch |
This is my go to treat bag of the many I own. It has a zipper on the back to put my key or cards, the front pocket fits my phone and a quick closure to the treat section so no treats are spilled during our adventures. |
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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.
| Photo | Title | Info | Price | Buy |
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Blue-9 KLIMB Dog Training Platform |
By training your dog on an elevated platform it's going to help you keep your puppy in one place, learn faster, and get focus easier. I use Klimb for many reasons but you can also use something such as an ottoman in your home. Klimb are versatile for teaching a ton of behaviors like stay and crawl, can be used indoors or out and store away easily. |
$331.08 |
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Blue-9 Pet Products Lead Multi-Function Dog Leash |
When starting training I keep the dogs on leash, this helps them stay with me and helps me redirect. You'll want a non-retractable one - I use one that is long enough to use for teaching come and other behaviors too. (Other colors available when you click the link) |
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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!
