{"id":12437,"date":"2021-11-11T09:43:04","date_gmt":"2021-11-11T15:43:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/?p=12437"},"modified":"2026-02-17T10:08:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:08:01","slug":"diamond-puppy-training-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/blog\/puppy\/training-puppy\/diamond-puppy-training-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"A Diamond Pet Foods Guide to Puppy Training: From Their First Week to Basic Commands and Socializing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>So you\u2019ve gotten a new puppy. The hard part \u2014 choosing your new best pal from a legion of cute, happy puppies \u2014 is over, right? It\u2019s nothing but snuggles and the sweet smell of puppy breath from here on out!<\/p>\n<p><i>Right?<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Well, not exactly. While nothing matches the fun and excitement of getting to know your new puppy, there\u2019s still some work ahead \u2014 for both of you. From prepping your home for your puppy\u2019s first week to when to start puppy training to what to feed your puppy, you\u2019ll both have a lot of questions over the next few weeks and months. Both you and your new puppy are adapting to new situations. Your puppy even has to learn how and where to go to the bathroom, and you might have to learn how to do that potty training. Puppy training sessions can be trying, but, with a little help like the advice offered in this guide, they\u2019re ultimately rewarding.<\/p>\n<p>This is why we\u2019ve put together this puppy training guide. You\u2019ll find a diverse range of basic puppy training tips ranging from house training to whether you need puppy socialization classes to your puppy training timeline. It\u2019s everything puppy owners need to know about training your puppy.<\/p>\n<p>Read on, and happy puppy training.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>WHAT TO EXPECT THAT FIRST WEEK<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12442\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-being-held-101221-300x156.jpg\" alt=\"A Puppy Being Held | Diamond Pet Foods\" width=\"1214\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-being-held-101221-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-being-held-101221-1024x531.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-being-held-101221-768x399.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-being-held-101221.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1214px) 100vw, 1214px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>What to expect that first week. When should you start puppy training?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve purchased a comfy bed and a bunch of toys, and thought of a name for your new lil\u2019 buddy. However, if this is your first time adopting a puppy \u2014 or it has been a while \u2014 you may be wondering what to expect the first week your bouncing bundle of play is in their new home. The first week can be scary and daunting for your puppy (and you), but by understanding your puppy\u2019s point of view and immediately starting and sticking to a routine, you will both get through it.<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"PUPPY SERIES: WHAT TO EXPECT THAT FIRST WEEK\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/blog\/adoption\/puppy\/first-week-with-puppy\/\">READ MORE ABOUT HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR PUPPY\u2019S FIRST WEEK<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>WHEN TO START TRAINING YOUR PUPPY<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12440 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-shaking-paws-101221.jpg\" alt=\"A Puppy Shaking Paws with a Person | Diamond Pet Foods\" width=\"1214\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-shaking-paws-101221.jpg 1214w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-shaking-paws-101221-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-shaking-paws-101221-1024x531.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-shaking-paws-101221-768x399.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1214px) 100vw, 1214px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>When do you start puppy training?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Training is an important part of helping your puppy to grow up to be a happy, confident dog \u2014 not to mention, a well-trained dog is much easier for pet parents to live with. Your visitors will appreciate it, too. But when is the best age to start teaching your puppy these important life skills? Well, it\u2019s almost never too early for basic obedience training. You can start as soon as your puppy is at least eight weeks old. The younger they are, the easier it will be to curb bad habits before they start.<\/p>\n<p>But you can also start with basic commands like \u201csit,\u201d \u201cstay\u201d and \u201ccome,\u201d as well as leash training. It sounds like a lot, but we\u2019ll help you through it!<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"PUPPY SERIES: WHEN TO START TRAINING YOUR PUPPY\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/blog\/behavior\/training\/start-puppy-training-tips\/\">READ MORE ABOUT WHEN TO START TRAINING YOUR PUPPY<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT POTTY TRAINING YOUR PUPPY<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12443 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-looking-out-window-101221.jpg\" alt=\"A Puppy Looking out the Window | Diamond Pet Foods\" width=\"1214\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-looking-out-window-101221.jpg 1214w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-looking-out-window-101221-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-looking-out-window-101221-1024x531.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-looking-out-window-101221-768x399.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1214px) 100vw, 1214px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Puppy training begins with potty training.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Potty training a new puppy can be difficult, especially if you have no idea where to begin. In most cases, your puppy is ready to start potty training as soon as you bring them home. Potty training a puppy typically takes four to six months, which means you\u2019ll be spending a lot of time outside with your pup as they get used to this new system. Don\u2019t fret, however. As long as you set some guidelines for your puppy, potty training will be a breeze. Here are some tips.<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT POTTY TRAINING YOUR PUPPY\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/blog\/behavior\/training\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-potty-training-your-puppy\/\">READ MORE ABOUT POTTY TRAINING YOUR PUPPY<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>WHY IS PUPPY FOOD SO IMPORTANT?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12444 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-eating-from-bowl-101221.jpg\" alt=\"A Puppy Eating from a Bowl | Diamond Pet Foods\" width=\"1214\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-eating-from-bowl-101221.jpg 1214w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-eating-from-bowl-101221-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-eating-from-bowl-101221-1024x531.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-eating-from-bowl-101221-768x399.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1214px) 100vw, 1214px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Proper puppy nutrition can keep a puppy engaged in their training.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>To get your puppy to stay focused on learning and have enough energy for his or her training, you need to make sure you\u2019re fueling them properly. You already know that proper nutrition is one of your pup\u2019s most basic needs and one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy. But with the dozens of dog food choices available, how do you know which one is right for your puppy? Is there really a difference between puppy food and \u201cregular\u201d dog food?<\/p>\n<p>There sure is, and we\u2019ll tell you about why dog food formulated specifically for puppies is so important. So if you\u2019re wondering why you should feed a puppy food or all-life-stages food, read on.<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"PROPER PUPPY NUTRITION IS ONE KEY TO A LIFETIME OF GOOD HEALTH\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/blog\/nutrition\/ingredients\/proper-puppy-nutrition-is-one-key-to-a-lifetime-of-good-health\/\">READ MORE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF PUPPY FOOD<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>BUT IS ALL PUPPY FOOD THE SAME?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12445 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-with-food-bowls-101221.jpg\" alt=\"A Puppy with Food Bowls | Diamond Pet Foods\" width=\"1214\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-with-food-bowls-101221.jpg 1214w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-with-food-bowls-101221-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-with-food-bowls-101221-1024x531.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-with-food-bowls-101221-768x399.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1214px) 100vw, 1214px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>How do I know what kind of food my puppy needs?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Puppies grow rapidly, and they need complete and balanced nutrition to properly fuel that growth and development. Not only do puppies\u2019 nutritional needs differ from adult dogs\u2019, but their requirements vary depending on their breed and size. That\u2019s not surprising when you consider the tremendous variation in dog sizes. A St. Bernard might still be growing at age 2, while a Pomeranian could be full-grown in half that time.<\/p>\n<p>The fact is that puppy growth rates greatly influence \u2014 and are influenced by \u2014 nutrition.<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"FEEDING YOUR PUPPY TO ENSURE HEALTHY GROWTH\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/blog\/health\/diet\/feeding-your-puppy-to-ensure-healthy-growth\/\">READ MORE ABOUT PUPPY GROWTH RATES<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<h2>SOCIALIZING YOUR PUPPY<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12446 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-playing-outside-101221.jpg\" alt=\"A Puppy Playing Outside | Diamond Pet Foods\" width=\"1214\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-playing-outside-101221.jpg 1214w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-playing-outside-101221-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-playing-outside-101221-1024x531.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/puppy-playing-outside-101221-768x399.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1214px) 100vw, 1214px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>When should you start socializing a puppy?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Now that you\u2019ve got your puppy\u2019s training well underway and you know they\u2019re happily nourished, they\u2019re ready to meet the world! Introducing your puppy to many different people, places and experiences can help them develop into confident adult dogs. During the first three months of life, a puppy\u2019s sociability outweighs their fear. This is important for socialization as it allows puppies to encounter new experiences without excessive fear. Inadequate socialization during these first few months could increase the risk of behavioral problems later in life, so it\u2019s important to continue to provide new social experiences for your puppy as they age to keep them comfortable and confident.<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"A GUIDE TO SOCIALIZING YOUR PUPPY, WITH A DOWNLOADABLE CHECKLIST\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/blog\/behavior\/training\/guide-socializing-puppy\/\">READ MORE ABOUT SOCIALIZING YOUR PUPPY<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>PUPPY TRAINING IS ITS OWN REWARD<\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s so much more to training your puppy, and no guide can answer every question you might have or propose a solution to every scenario you might come across. But we\u2019re with you from the time you bring your new pal home through his or her transition to adulthood and beyond. For more pupdates, be sure to bookmark this <a title=\"Diamond Pet Foods Blogs: Puppy Series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/blog\/category\/puppy\/\">page<\/a>, and check back regularly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So you\u2019ve gotten a new puppy. The hard part \u2014 choosing your new best pal from a legion of cute, happy puppies \u2014 is over, right? It\u2019s nothing but snuggles and the sweet smell of puppy breath from here on out! Right? Well, not exactly. While nothing matches the fun and excitement of getting to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":12441,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"A Diamond Pet Foods Guide to Puppy Training: From Their First Week to Basic Commands and Socializing | Diamond Pet Foods","_seopress_titles_desc":"Diamond provides a puppy training guide. This guide will help you train your puppy from coming home to basic commands and socializing.","_seopress_robots_index":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[703,706],"tags":[10,669],"class_list":["post-12437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-puppy","category-training-puppy","tag-dog","tag-puppy-training"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12437"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12437\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12441"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}