How to Train an Eight-Week Puppy

Eight-week old puppies are similar to human toddlers. They need a guiding hand, eliminate frequently and respond best to positive reinforcement. Training doesn't happen overnight, and you will need to be determined and consistent in your techniques. House- and crate-training, along with the most basic commands, are key during this stage of a puppy's life; they set the puppy up for success as it grows.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Small treats
  • lead
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Instructions

  1. Crate-Training

    • 1

      Purchase either a plastic or wire crate that is large enough to house your dog as an adult. The crate needs to be large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around and lay comfortably, but nothing else.

    • 2

      Purchase or create a divider for the crate. Make the new area your puppy will have access to just large enough for it to stand up and turn around. Its head should not touch the top and there should be one or two inches of space between the nose and tip of tail and the sides of the crate.

    • 3
      A towel or blanket makes an inviting den.

      Place a towel, blanket or crate pad inside the crate. This makes the crate inviting and "den-like."

    • 4

      Throw a small treat and a favorite toy into the crate and allow the puppy to go in freely. Don't shove the puppy in the crate; crate-training works because it simulates a wild dog's den and private space.

    • 5

      Feed the puppy in the crate once it is comfortable going inside. Close the door briefly while the puppy eats to get it used to a closed crate. Gradually build up how long you leave the door shut until the puppy has no problems with the crate. Whining or scratching does not mean you should open the crate; leave it shut when it does this or the puppy will begin training you about when to open the crate.

    House-Training

    • 6

      Take the eight-week old puppy outside every time you open the crate. Because of the den-like atmosphere, the puppy shouldn't eliminate in the crate unless it is an emergency because dogs don't like to soil their dens.

    • 7
      Even in cold weather, your puppy will need to eliminate outside.

      Praise the puppy lavishly and offer a small treat for eliminating outside.

    • 8

      Stay outside with the puppy, as they're often incapable of completely relieving themselves in one squat.

    • 9

      Clap your hands or make a loud noise if you catch the puppy squatting inside. The loud noise will startle the puppy long enough to pick it up and take it outside. Again, praise the puppy for eliminating outside.

    • 10

      Watch for signs that your young puppy needs to relieve itself. The puppy may become anxious or start smelling the floor for an appropriate place. Take the puppy outside if you notice these behaviors.

    Basic Commands: Sit, Stay and Heel

    • 11
      Your puppy sat? Praise it!

      Hold a treat in front of and slightly above the puppy's nose and firmly press down on the rump while firmly saying the word "SIT." Pressing on the rump while the puppy is looking up toward the treat will almost force the pooch into a "sit" position.

    • 12
      Your pup may look at you quizzically if you start walking away; stay with it.

      Have the puppy sit, and say the word "STAY" in a firm voice while slowly taking a few steps backward. If your puppy has obeyed and allowed you to get about 5 feet away, praise the puppy while walking back toward it and give it a treat. Repeat. Every time the puppy does not allow you to get 5 feet away, firmly say "SIT" and "STAY" and try again.

    • 13

      Allow the puppy to play with its lead while you are not holding it. A lead or leash is an unfamiliar object and needs to be inspected by the puppy before you use it to go for a walk.

    • 14

      Attach the lead to the puppy's collar, but don't hold on to it. Now allow the puppy to play with the lead while it's attached.

    • 15
      It may take a little time for the puppy to get used to being attached to something.

      Gently grab the lead and walk with your puppy. Hold no slack in the lead once the puppy has become accustomed to you holding the lead, and make sure the puppy is at your side. A gentle tug to get the attention of a puppy who thinks it's the leader will suffice. Be consistent, and don't allow the puppy to constantly walk in front of you.