Puppy training gets easier when you focus on the skills that unlock everything else. Teach these five first and you will see faster progress across the board.
1) Name response
Say your puppy's name once. When they look at you, reward. This builds attention, which is the foundation of every cue.
2) Touch (hand target)
Hold out your hand. When your puppy touches it with their nose, reward. This becomes a simple way to redirect and guide.
3) Sit
Lure the sit with a treat, then reward. Use sit before meals, before going outside, and before greeting people.
4) Recall (come)
Start indoors with a happy voice and a treat. Reward every single time. Never call your puppy for something unpleasant.
5) Settle
Place a mat on the floor. Reward your puppy for lying down on it. This teaches calmness in busy moments.
Training rules that make these stick
- Keep sessions short and upbeat
- Use high value treats
- End before your puppy gets bored
The dream outcome
A puppy who can focus on you in any room is a puppy who can learn anything. These skills create that focus.
Trainer's note
These five skills create focus. When a puppy can look at you, touch, and settle, everything else becomes easier.
Make the routine easier
Track the daily reps for each skill so you can see progress and keep training balanced. Small wins add up fast.
Why this plan actually sticks
In training, behavior changes when you make the right choice easy and rewarding.
- **Small commitments** create momentum. Tiny daily wins build the habit faster than big weekend sessions.
- **Immediate rewards** beat delayed praise. The faster you pay, the clearer the lesson.
- **Visible progress** keeps you motivated. Streaks and milestones turn “we’re trying” into “we’re succeeding.”
- **Avoiding pain** matters. Preventing another accident protects your home and your patience.
- **Lower friction** keeps you consistent. Clear steps and reminders remove the excuses.
When the plan feels simple and rewarding, you and your dog stick with it. That is the real advantage.