Puppy Training Principles- By Student Bill Tomlin

Just like all beings, puppies have a limited window of time when they’re the most adaptable — their formative stage. Many canine behaviorists agree this period lasts for roughly the first 18 months, with the first 18 weeks being especially influential.

Despite their adorable faces, soft coats, and playful antics, puppies can push our patience. They learn by exploring and testing boundaries, which is why it’s essential for owners, handlers, and trainers to understand a puppy’s motivations and have a clear plan for shaping behavior.

For me, puppy training revolves around four key principles — the Four P’s: Perseverance, Persistence, Patience, and Positivity.

🐾 Perseverance: Outlast the Dog

This is especially important during crate training. The first few times you leave a puppy in a crate, expect whining, crying, barking, scratching — maybe all of the above. But your puppy needs to learn that this behavior doesn’t get them what they want.

Ignore the protests and wait for calm behavior before letting them out. If they start whining again as you approach, step away to reinforce that quiet behavior earns attention, not noise.

You can help your puppy relax by giving them a safe chew or toy, or covering the crate to create a sense of security. But one rule always holds true: if you give in to protests, you’re not training the puppy — the puppy is training you.

💪 Persistence: Stay Disciplined and Set Boundaries

If you don’t want your puppy chewing chair legs, don’t give them access to the dining room. Use baby gates or pens to create safe spaces. It’s just like managing a curious toddler — you wouldn’t let a baby crawl unsupervised, so don’t let your puppy roam free.

Persistence also applies to obedience work. Take heeling, for example: your puppy’s head should stay even with or slightly behind your leg. Most dogs instinctively want to lead, but true heeling means staying beside you and following your movements.

Give clear commands and enforce them calmly and consistently. As many trainers say: “Command ‘heel’ and mean it.”

🧘 Patience: Manage Expectations

Your puppy will make mistakes — it’s not a question of if, but when. They’re curious, impulsive, and still learning. Remember: it’s just a baby.

A mentor once advised me not to use the word “no” when shaping behavior. Instead, use calm verbal cues like “uh oh” or “aahhht.” When used consistently, these become soft corrections without creating fear. Having a neutral correction word helps maintain your own patience while keeping training positive and constructive.

🌟 Positivity: Make Learning Fun

Perhaps the most important “P,” positivity builds confidence and joy in training. Almost everything you do with your puppy should be fun — with few exceptions for safety.

Early on, focus on positive reinforcement. Discover what your puppy values most — often food, play, or affection — and use it to reward desired behavior. Mark the behavior clearly with a cue (like a click or “yes”) to help your puppy connect the action with the reward.

The puppy stage passes quickly, and so does your opportunity to shape your dog’s habits and personality. Have fun, stay positive, and enjoy every moment — these early days set the foundation for a lifetime of companionship.