Puppy Training Guide: Chewing, Potty Training, Socialization & More

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it also comes with plenty of challenges. Puppies are constantly learning about the world around them, and understanding their behavior will help you build a strong bond and create good habits early on.

Chewing & Teething

Puppies naturally love to chew, especially while teething. Most puppies lose their baby teeth between 5–7 months old, so having appropriate chew toys is important.

Good options include:

• Rubber toys such as Kongs

• Nylabones

• Durable puppy-safe chew toys

If your puppy grabs something they shouldn’t have, calmly trade the item for a toy or treat instead of chasing them. Teaching “drop it” is also very helpful.

To prevent unwanted chewing:

• Limit access to certain areas of the house

• Supervise closely

• Redirect chewing onto approved toys

• Use short crate breaks if your puppy becomes overly wild or overstimulated

Puppies may chew because of teething, boredom, tiredness, hunger, or wanting attention. Understanding the reason behind the behavior helps you respond appropriately.

Puppy Mouthing & Biting

Puppies often mouth and bite during play and development. This behavior is normal, but it still needs guidance.

Common reasons puppies bite:

• Teething

• Being overtired

• Hunger

• Boredom

• Overstimulation

• Needing exercise or attention

Helpful ways to reduce biting:

• Provide daily physical and mental exercise

• Use food puzzle toys and training sessions

• Offer plenty of chew toys

• Give naps in a crate or quiet area when overtired

• Redirect biting onto toys

• Toss treats away from you to redirect focus

• Ignore attention-seeking biting when appropriate

If your puppy becomes overly mouthy or gets the “zoomies,” stay calm and redirect them into a more appropriate activity. Short timeouts can also help puppies settle down.

Name Recognition

Teaching your puppy their name is an important foundation skill.

How to practice:

1. Say your puppy’s name.

2. When they look at you, mark it with “yes!” and reward with a treat.

3. Move to another spot and repeat.

If your puppy is distracted, show them a treat and try again. Keep sessions short and positive.

It also helps to say your dog’s name before giving cues, such as:

• “Bella, sit.”

• “Max, outside.”

This teaches your puppy to pay attention when they hear their name.

Crate Training

Crates can help puppies feel safe and secure while also assisting with potty training and calm behavior.

Getting Started

• Leave the crate door open and allow your puppy to explore

• Toss treats or toys inside

• Feed meals near or inside the crate

• Reward your puppy for entering voluntarily

Building Comfort

Once your puppy is comfortable:

• Close the door for a few seconds at a time

• Gradually increase duration

• Provide chew toys or Kongs while inside

Over time, your puppy should learn that the crate is a calm, positive place.

Crates can also be useful for:

• Nap time

• Preventing destructive behavior

• Giving overstimulated puppies a quiet break

Eventually, your dog may learn cues like “crate” or “kennel.”

Potty Training

Potty training takes consistency and patience. Puppies need frequent opportunities to go outside.

Take Your Puppy Outside:

• First thing in the morning

• After naps

• After eating or drinking

• After play sessions

• After training

• When you return home

Helpful Potty Training Tips

• Reward immediately after your puppy goes potty outside

• Use a consistent cue such as “go potty”

• Use the same door and potty area whenever possible

• Watch closely for signs your puppy needs to go out

• Consider hanging bells near the door for communication

If your puppy has an accident:

• Do not punish them

• Clean it thoroughly

• If caught in the act, calmly bring them outside to finish

Young puppies may need potty breaks every hour at first before gradually increasing time between outings.

First Fear Phase

Puppies commonly experience a fear phase between 8–12 weeks old. During this time, they may suddenly become nervous about things that previously didn’t bother them.

If this happens:

• Stay calm and patient

• Let your puppy explore at their own pace

• Avoid forcing them toward scary objects or situations

• Reward brave behavior with treats and praise

• Keep training sessions short and positive

Confidence grows through positive experiences and patience.

Socialization

Early socialization helps puppies grow into confident, well-adjusted dogs.

Your puppy should gradually experience:

• Different people

• Friendly dogs

• New environments

• Sounds, textures, and surfaces

• Handling of ears, paws, tail, and mouth

Socializing Around Dogs & People

Reward calm behavior whenever your puppy notices:

• Dogs walking by

• New people

• Busy environments

You can practice:

• Watching the world from a distance

• Car rides

• Short walks

• Calm exposure to everyday sights and sounds

Desensitization

Help your puppy become comfortable with:

• Vacuum cleaners

• Clapping or banging sounds

• Different flooring textures

• Gentle handling

Always let your puppy explore at their own pace. Avoid forcing interactions or overwhelming them.