How to Train a Puppy: A Week-by-Week Plan
A gentle week-by-week puppy training plan covering toilet training, name, sit, handling and early socialisation, all using kind, reward-based methods.
By Matt, founder · 26 March 2026 · Lived-experience guidance, not medical advice.
The fastest way to train a puppy is to keep things tiny, frequent and fun, building one skill at a time. In the first month at home you're aiming for a confident pup who knows their name, is starting to toilet outside, and enjoys being handled. Everything is taught with food and praise, never telling-off.
Weeks 1-2: settling in and building trust
Your new pup has just left everything they know, so the first job is simply helping them feel safe.
- Reward calm behaviour with quiet praise and a treat dropped on their bed.
- Start toilet training from day one: take them out after every sleep, meal and play session, and reward the instant they go outside.
- Teach their name by saying it and feeding the moment they look at you.
Keep visitors gentle and let your puppy approach in their own time. Indoor accidents are normal at this stage — clean up calmly and use puppy pads near the door if you can't get outside fast enough.
Weeks 3-4: name, sit and gentle handling
Now your pup is settled, add a little structure. This is where new puppy training really begins.
Sit: lure with a treat over the nose and reward as the bottom lands. A few reps a few times a day is plenty.
Handling: touch ears, paws and mouth briefly, then treat. This pays off hugely for vet visits and grooming later.
Recall games: call your puppy between two people in the room and reward every arrival enthusiastically.
Keep a dog treat pouch loaded so you can capture good behaviour the second it happens.
Weeks 5-6: socialisation and short outings
The socialisation window closes early, so gentle, positive exposure now is precious. The goal is good experiences, not lots of experiences.
- Let your pup watch the world from your arms or a quiet spot: traffic, buggies, other calm dogs.
- Pair new sights and sounds with treats so they learn the world is safe.
- Introduce the lead and harness indoors first, rewarding any relaxed movement.
This matters as much as any cue. A well-socialised 8 week old puppy grows into a calmer, braver adult.
Weeks 7-8: building habits and a settle
By now you can start joining the dots. Practise sit before meals, name before play, and a simple settle on a mat while you have a cup of tea. Reward the quiet, not just the busy.
Keep using the right dog training tools — a properly fitted harness and a light lead make first walks positive. Browse the full dog training tools range and our dogs collection for puppy-friendly kit.
Keep it kind and keep it short
Puppies tire fast and learn in bursts, so two or three minutes at a time is ideal. Never punish accidents or mistakes; it teaches your pup to hide things and frays the trust you're building.
This is general training guidance, not professional behaviour therapy — if your puppy shows persistent fear, panic when left, or unusual reactivity, ask your vet for a referral to an accredited, force-free behaviourist while they're still young and adaptable.
For the next steps, see our Dog Training & Behaviour hub and the related guides: Puppy Training Schedule and Timeline, How to Train a Dog: The Complete UK Guide and How to House Train a Puppy Quickly.
Common questions
When can my puppy go out for walks?
Usually about a week or two after their final vaccinations, so check with your vet. Until then, carry them out to safely watch the world and socialise.
How long does toilet training take?
Most puppies are reliably clean by around four to six months with consistent outdoor trips and rewards, though accidents can still happen when they're tired or excited.
Should I crate train my puppy?
A crate can be a lovely den if introduced gently with treats and never used as punishment. Build up time slowly so it feels safe rather than confining.
My puppy bites a lot — is that normal?
Yes, mouthing is completely normal. Redirect onto a toy, end play calmly if teeth find skin, and reward gentle behaviour. It fades with age and consistency.
About the author
Matt — founder, Everypaw Supply Co
Matt started Everypaw Supply Co to make getting pets the good stuff simpler and fairer. Everything in these guides comes from real life with pets and a lot of trial and error — it's practical guidance, not veterinary advice. If a guide gets something wrong, tell him directly.