📚 The Best Books for Training a Puppy
Training a puppy can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for new dog owners. A well-trained puppy grows into a well-mannered, happy adult dog, making early education essential. With hundreds of training books available, how do you choose the best one?
🐶 The best puppy training books emphasize:
✔️ Positive reinforcement over outdated dominance-based methods
✔️ Early socialization strategies to prevent behavioral issues
✔️ Clear step-by-step guides for house training, obedience, and bonding
✔️ Practical, science-backed techniques from renowned trainers and veterinarians
📌 Key Takeaways: Quick Answers to Your Puppy Training Questions
❓ Question | ✅ Quick Answer |
---|---|
What’s the best book for beginners? | “Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” by Dr. Sophia Yin—structured, science-based, and easy to follow. |
Which book is best for training a rescue puppy? | “The Puppy Primer” by Patricia McConnell—a flexible approach with a focus on behavior. |
What if I want a book with video support? | “Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution”—includes video tutorials and modern techniques. |
Which book focuses most on socialization? | “Before and After Getting Your Puppy” by Dr. Ian Dunbar—strong emphasis on early puppy development. |
Is there a book with a more philosophical approach? | “The Art of Raising a Puppy” by The Monks of New Skete”—insights on the deep human-dog bond. |
🏆 What Are the Best Books for Training a Puppy?
🐾 These books stand out based on:
✔️ Expert approval from trainers and veterinarians
✔️ Alignment with modern canine behavioral science
✔️ Ease of use for first-time puppy owners
✔️ Availability in the USA (Amazon, Chewy, Barnes & Noble)
📖 Book Title & Author | 🐕 Why It’s Great? | 👩🏫 Best For | 🏅 Expert Approval |
---|---|---|---|
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” – Dr. Sophia Yin | Fast, structured training based on science-backed techniques | First-time puppy owners who want a clear plan | Recommended by vet behaviorists & positive trainers |
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Engaging, behavior-focused guide with a sense of humor | Owners who want flexibility in training | Approved by behaviorists for understanding dog psychology |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Covers preparation AND training, early socialization focus | Owners who want comprehensive guidance | Praised by trainers for preventing behavior issues early |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” – Zak George | Modern, video-supported training, positive reinforcement focus | Tech-savvy, visual learners | Popular among new owners for its practicality & accessibility |
“The Art of Raising a Puppy” – The Monks of New Skete | Philosophical and practical, bond-based training | Owners who enjoy a more reflective, deep approach | A classic, though some methods are less modern |
💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer step-by-step, structured training, go for Dr. Sophia Yin’s or Dr. Ian Dunbar’s books. If you enjoy storytelling and philosophy, The Monks of New Skete is a good choice.
🧐 Which Puppy Training Book Matches Your Learning Style?
Everyone absorbs information differently. The right book depends on whether you prefer:
✔️ Step-by-step guides
✔️ Visual aids
✔️ Scientific research
✔️ Personalized, intuitive approaches
🎯 Your Learning Style | 📚 Best Book Choice | 💡 Why? |
---|---|---|
Need a structured, scientific plan | “Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” | Clear timeline, step-by-step exercises, and real case studies |
Prefer humor & real-world scenarios | “The Puppy Primer” | Light-hearted, engaging, and customizable for different puppies |
Want a proactive approach to training | “Before and After Getting Your Puppy” | Covers pre-puppy prep & early milestones to prevent future issues |
Enjoy video-based learning | “Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Links to free online video tutorials for better visual understanding |
Value deep emotional connection with dogs | “The Art of Raising a Puppy” | Emphasizes bonding, philosophy, and long-term companionship |
💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer hands-on demonstrations, Zak George’s book (with video tutorials) may be the best fit!
🏅 What Do Experts Say About These Books?
Leading dog trainers, behaviorists, and veterinarians agree on the core principles of modern dog training:
✔️ Positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment-based methods
✔️ Early socialization (8-20 weeks) prevents future behavior problems
✔️ Consistency and clear communication build trust
🧠 Expert | 📖 Recommended Book & Why |
---|---|
Dr. Marty Becker (Veterinarian, “America’s Vet”) | “Perfect Puppy in 7 Days”—”Sophia Yin’s methods are science-backed and easy to follow.” |
Pat Miller (Renowned Dog Trainer & Author) | “Before and After Getting Your Puppy”—”Ian Dunbar’s developmental approach prevents behavior issues before they start.” |
Victoria Stilwell (“It’s Me or the Dog” Trainer) | “Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution”—”Perfect for new owners looking for an intuitive, hands-on guide.” |
💡 Pro Tip: If in doubt, choose a book that aligns with positive reinforcement principles—studies show dogs trained with rewards learn faster and develop stronger bonds with their owners.
📖 What Should You Look for in a Puppy Training Book?
✔️ Science-backed methods (avoid punishment-based training)
✔️ Focus on socialization during early weeks
✔️ Step-by-step exercises for new owners
✔️ Easy-to-follow language & visuals
❌ What to Avoid? | ✅ What to Look For? |
---|---|
Books that promote dominance-based training (alpha/dominance theory is outdated) | Positive reinforcement & science-based techniques |
Overly vague books with no clear training plan | Structured guides with real-life case studies |
Books that ignore socialization (8-20 weeks is critical for development) | Emphasis on early socialization & behavior shaping |
💡 Pro Tip: Modern training is all about communication, not control. Look for books with reward-based strategies that encourage trust and bonding.
🏁 Final Steps: How to Choose the Right Book for You
- 1️⃣ Determine your learning style—Do you like structured plans or intuitive guidance?
- 2️⃣ Prioritize books using positive reinforcement—Science-backed methods yield better long-term results.
- 3️⃣ Look for video or visual support if you learn better by watching than reading.
- 4️⃣ Pair the book with a professional puppy class for real-time training feedback.
💬 Have more questions? Drop them below! 📚🐶👇
🗣️ Expert Responses to Your Questions
Comment 1: “I’m getting my first puppy soon! Which book is best for absolute beginners?”
💡 Answer: If you’re completely new to puppy training, you need a book that breaks everything down into simple, easy-to-follow steps without overwhelming you.
📖 Best Choice for Beginners | 🏆 Why It’s Great? |
---|---|
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” – Dr. Sophia Yin | Structured, step-by-step training plan from day one. |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Modern, video-supported guide for real-time learning. |
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Fun, flexible, and perfect for first-time owners. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to house train quickly and prevent accidents
✔ Socialization techniques to raise a confident puppy
✔ Teaching essential commands like sit, stay, and recall
✔ How to stop unwanted behaviors before they start
💡 Pro Tip: Start reading BEFORE your puppy arrives! This way, you’ll already have a game plan for training and a stress-free transition.
Comment 2: “I’m adopting a rescue puppy with a rough past. Which book helps with fearful or shy dogs?”
💡 Answer: Rescue puppies often need extra patience, trust-building, and socialization. Look for books that focus on understanding behavior and positive reinforcement.
📖 Best Book for Rescue Puppies | 🏆 Why It’s Helpful? |
---|---|
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Focuses on reading dog body language & fear signals. |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Strong emphasis on socialization & confidence-building. |
“The Art of Raising a Puppy” – The Monks of New Skete | Encourages bonding and trust in shy dogs. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to build trust with a nervous puppy
✔ Socialization tips for fearful or under-socialized dogs
✔ Gentle training techniques that don’t overwhelm a rescue pup
✔ Creating a safe, structured routine for a stress-free transition
💡 Pro Tip: Rescue puppies need a calm, predictable routine—stick to positive reinforcement and gradual exposure to new experiences.
Comment 3: “Is there a book that teaches both training AND puppy psychology?”
💡 Answer: If you want to understand the “why” behind your puppy’s behavior, go for books written by veterinarians, behaviorists, or long-time trainers who explain canine psychology.
📖 Best Book for Understanding Puppy Behavior | 🧠 Why It’s a Great Pick? |
---|---|
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Covers developmental psychology & behavior shaping. |
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Written by an applied animal behaviorist with deep insights. |
“The Art of Raising a Puppy” – The Monks of New Skete | Combines philosophy and canine psychology. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How puppies think and process new information
✔ Why early socialization prevents future behavior issues
✔ How to reinforce good behavior naturally
✔ Understanding fear, anxiety, and aggression in puppies
💡 Pro Tip: When you understand how your puppy thinks, training becomes easier and more effective!
Comment 4: “Are there any training books that focus on crate training?”
💡 Answer: Crate training is one of the best tools for housebreaking and teaching independence. The right book will guide you through the process without stress for you or your puppy.
📖 Best Book for Crate Training | 🏆 Why It Works? |
---|---|
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” – Dr. Sophia Yin | Provides a step-by-step crate training plan. |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Includes crate training with video support. |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Explains why crates help prevent anxiety & bad habits. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to introduce the crate in a positive way
✔ Preventing whining or barking in the crate
✔ Using the crate for house training success
✔ Teaching your puppy to see the crate as a “safe den”
💡 Pro Tip: Never use the crate as punishment! It should be a safe, happy space where your puppy can relax.
Comment 5: “Are there any books that teach advanced training techniques?”
💡 Answer: If you already know the basics and want to take training to the next level, these books offer advanced techniques, problem-solving, and even fun tricks!
📖 Best Book for Advanced Training | 🏆 Why It’s Great? |
---|---|
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Teaches advanced obedience & behavior shaping. |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Covers more complex training techniques. |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Includes trick training & real-life problem-solving. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to reinforce and perfect commands
✔ Solving behavioral issues like jumping, barking, and leash pulling
✔ Trick training for mental stimulation
✔ Preparing your puppy for off-leash reliability
💡 Pro Tip: Advanced training keeps your puppy’s mind active! Mental challenges are just as important as physical exercise.
Comment 6: “Which book explains socialization in detail?”
💡 Answer: Socialization is the single most important part of raising a well-adjusted puppy. The best books focus on early exposure to different people, animals, and environments.
📖 Best Book for Socialization | 🌍 Why It’s Important? |
---|---|
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Outlines critical socialization milestones. |
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” – Dr. Sophia Yin | Step-by-step socialization exercises. |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Covers how to safely introduce new experiences. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ Why the first 16 weeks shape your puppy’s entire personality
✔ How to introduce your puppy to different environments safely
✔ Preventing fear-based behaviors through positive exposure
✔ What NOT to do when socializing a puppy
💡 Pro Tip: Expose your puppy to 100+ new experiences (people, places, sounds) by 16 weeks to build confidence!
Comment 7: “Are there books that help with leash training?”
💡 Answer: Puppies naturally pull on the leash at first, so leash training should be introduced gradually. The right book will guide you through teaching a loose leash walk and recall.
📖 Best Book for Leash Training | 🏆 Why It’s Effective? |
---|---|
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Includes video tutorials on leash skills. |
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” – Dr. Sophia Yin | Step-by-step loose leash walking guide. |
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Explains why puppies pull and how to fix it. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ Teaching your puppy to walk calmly beside you
✔ Preventing pulling and lunging on walks
✔ Using positive reinforcement for leash manners
✔ How to introduce recall (coming when called)
💡 Pro Tip: Never yank the leash! Teaching leash skills with treats and praise leads to better long-term results.
Comment 8: “I want my puppy to be well-behaved in public. Which book helps with that?”
💡 Answer: Teaching your puppy how to behave in public spaces requires early socialization, proper leash training, and impulse control exercises. The best books cover how to expose your puppy to different environments without fear or reactivity.
📖 Best Book for Public Manners | 🏆 Why It’s Effective? |
---|---|
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Strong emphasis on socializing puppies in public safely. |
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” – Dr. Sophia Yin | Includes public obedience exercises to reduce fear. |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Teaches how to reinforce calm behavior in new places. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to introduce your puppy to crowds, noises, and distractions
✔ The right way to train in dog-friendly stores, parks, and sidewalks
✔ Teaching “settle” so your puppy can relax in new places
✔ How to stop leash pulling and jumping on strangers
💡 Pro Tip: Expose your puppy to different sights, sounds, and people in short, positive sessions. Avoid overwhelming them with too much stimulation at once!
Comment 9: “Which book teaches how to prevent aggression or reactivity?”
💡 Answer: Preventing aggression in puppies starts with early socialization, proper bite inhibition training, and understanding canine body language. The best books help owners spot early signs of discomfort before they escalate into serious issues.
📖 Best Book for Preventing Aggression | 🛑 Why It’s Important? |
---|---|
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Teaches early bite inhibition & socialization. |
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Focuses on reading dog body language to prevent fear-based reactions. |
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” – Dr. Sophia Yin | Uses science-backed behavior shaping to build confidence. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to recognize early warning signs of fear or stress
✔ Proper bite inhibition training to prevent nipping and rough play
✔ Safely introducing your puppy to other dogs and people
✔ When to intervene if your puppy starts showing signs of reactivity
💡 Pro Tip: Socialization should be positive! Never force a nervous puppy into situations where they feel trapped—it can lead to fear-based aggression.
Comment 10: “What’s the best book for training small breed puppies?”
💡 Answer: Small breed puppies have unique training needs—they often develop “small dog syndrome” if not trained properly. The right book will focus on building confidence, preventing excessive barking, and teaching good leash manners despite their small size.
📖 Best Book for Small Breed Puppies | 🐶 Why It’s Great? |
---|---|
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Covers small dog confidence-building & manners. |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Includes specific small-breed training sections. |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Prevents small dog behavioral issues early on. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to avoid excessive barking & demand behaviors
✔ Proper leash training to prevent pulling or fear reactivity
✔ Preventing accidents—small dogs can be harder to house train!
✔ Teaching independence so your small dog doesn’t become overly clingy
💡 Pro Tip: Treat small breed puppies like big dogs when it comes to training! Carrying them everywhere can lead to dependency and fearfulness in new environments.
Comment 11: “Is there a book that focuses on training multiple puppies at once?”
💡 Answer: Training two puppies together requires extra effort to ensure they bond with their humans instead of just each other. The best books teach how to prevent littermate syndrome and reinforce individual training sessions.
📖 Best Book for Training Multiple Puppies | 🏆 Why It’s Essential? |
---|---|
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Explains how to prevent over-dependence between puppies. |
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” – Dr. Sophia Yin | Focuses on training each puppy separately for better focus. |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Teaches how to give both dogs equal attention. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to train each puppy separately before training them together
✔ Preventing “littermate syndrome” (over-attachment between siblings)
✔ How to stop sibling rivalry or resource guarding
✔ The importance of one-on-one bonding with each puppy
💡 Pro Tip: Train each puppy alone for at least 10-15 minutes per day before doing joint sessions—this helps prevent over-dependence and competition.
Comment 12: “Which book helps with stopping destructive chewing?”
💡 Answer: Puppies explore the world with their mouths, which means chewing is a natural behavior. However, the right book will teach you how to redirect this instinct to appropriate chew toys instead of furniture or shoes.
📖 Best Book for Stopping Destructive Chewing | 🦴 Why It Works? |
---|---|
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” – Dr. Sophia Yin | Step-by-step guide to redirecting chewing behaviors. |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Teaches how to make household items “boring” to puppies. |
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Includes chewing prevention strategies for different breeds. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ Why puppies chew and when to expect teething phases
✔ How to prevent chewing on furniture, shoes, and household objects
✔ The best chew toys for different breeds and energy levels
✔ How to teach “leave it” and “drop it” commands effectively
💡 Pro Tip: Rotate chew toys weekly to keep your puppy interested—introduce a mix of rubber, rope, and puzzle toys to prevent boredom!
Comment 13: “I want my puppy to learn fun tricks. Which book covers trick training?”
💡 Answer: Teaching your puppy fun tricks keeps them mentally stimulated and strengthens your bond! The best books combine positive reinforcement with step-by-step training methods.
📖 Best Book for Trick Training | 🎭 Why It’s Fun? |
---|---|
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Includes trick tutorials & video links. |
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Covers basic tricks and advanced cues. |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Focuses on shaping behaviors into fun tricks. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to teach sit, shake, roll over, and high five
✔ Clicker training techniques for trick reinforcement
✔ Using shaping to build complex tricks like fetch or spin
✔ How to teach “quiet” and “speak” on command
💡 Pro Tip: Trick training is great for rainy days! Short, 5-minute sessions keep your puppy engaged without overloading them.
Comment 14: “My puppy doesn’t listen when distracted outside. Which book helps with focus training?”
💡 Answer: Puppies are naturally curious, and distractions like smells, sounds, and other animals can make it difficult for them to focus. The best books for training focus and impulse control provide step-by-step guidance on building attention in any environment.
📖 Best Book for Focus Training | 🎯 Why It’s Effective? |
---|---|
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” – Dr. Sophia Yin | Uses scientific training methods to improve attention and response time. |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Covers high-distraction training with video tutorials. |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Focuses on teaching recall and impulse control. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to train your puppy to respond in distracting environments
✔ Techniques to build engagement (eye contact, name recognition)
✔ Impulse control exercises to stop lunging, barking, or chasing
✔ The power of high-value rewards in focus training
💡 Pro Tip: Train indoors first! Gradually increase distractions so your puppy learns to focus step by step.
Comment 15: “What’s the best book for house training a stubborn puppy?”
💡 Answer: Some puppies take longer to house train due to small bladder size, inconsistent routines, or anxiety. The best books focus on positive reinforcement, consistent schedules, and preventing indoor accidents.
📖 Best Book for House Training | 🏠 Why It Works? |
---|---|
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” – Dr. Sophia Yin | Fast-track method for house training success. |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Covers preventing accidents and reinforcing outdoor potty habits. |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Teaches how to correct accidents without punishment. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to create a house-training schedule that works
✔ Recognizing early signs your puppy needs to go
✔ How to use crate training to speed up the process
✔ Preventing setbacks and managing accidents correctly
💡 Pro Tip: Take your puppy out every 2–3 hours and always after eating, drinking, or sleeping. Consistency is key!
Comment 16: “Which book helps with stopping excessive barking?”
💡 Answer: Barking is a natural way for dogs to communicate, but excessive barking can become a nuisance. The right training book will teach how to identify the reason behind barking and reinforce quiet behavior.
📖 Best Book for Barking Control | 🔇 Why It’s Effective? |
---|---|
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Helps decode barking triggers and how to respond properly. |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Uses reward-based training to teach the “quiet” command. |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Covers how to manage barking from separation anxiety or excitement. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ Why puppies bark and how to identify different types of barking
✔ The “speak” and “quiet” training method to reduce barking on command
✔ How to use mental stimulation to prevent boredom barking
✔ Training techniques to stop barking at visitors, other dogs, or noises
💡 Pro Tip: Ignore attention-seeking barking, but reward quiet moments—this teaches your puppy that calm behavior is rewarded.
Comment 17: “Is there a book that teaches how to train a deaf puppy?”
💡 Answer: Deaf puppies can learn just as well as hearing puppies, but they rely on visual cues, hand signals, and vibrations instead of verbal commands. The right book will focus on non-verbal communication techniques to create a strong training foundation.
📖 Best Book for Deaf Puppy Training | 🏆 Why It’s Important? |
---|---|
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Focuses on body language-based training. |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Emphasizes marker training without sound. |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Explains how to modify positive reinforcement for deaf dogs. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to use hand signals instead of verbal cues
✔ Training with a vibration collar for recall and attention
✔ Using food and visual markers (flashing lights, hand claps) as rewards
✔ Keeping your deaf puppy safe in different environments
💡 Pro Tip: Always approach your deaf puppy from the front and use a gentle tap on the shoulder to get their attention.
Comment 18: “Which book is best for preventing separation anxiety?”
💡 Answer: Puppies that become too dependent on their owners can develop separation anxiety, leading to destructive behaviors, excessive barking, and stress. The best books teach how to build confidence and independence.
📖 Best Book for Preventing Separation Anxiety | 🏠 Why It Works? |
---|---|
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Covers crate training and teaching self-soothing behaviors. |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Teaches how to gradually increase alone time. |
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” – Dr. Sophia Yin | Uses positive reinforcement to prevent anxiety-based behaviors. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to teach your puppy that being alone is safe and normal
✔ Crate training techniques to create a calm retreat
✔ Why short departures (5-10 minutes) reduce stress
✔ Signs of anxiety and how to intervene early
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid making a big fuss when leaving or returning home—this prevents your puppy from associating alone time with stress.
Comment 19: “What book is best for training an older puppy (6+ months)?”
💡 Answer: Older puppies may have bad habits to correct, so you need a training book that reinforces good behavior while reshaping unwanted behaviors.
📖 Best Book for Training Older Puppies | 🏆 Why It’s Effective? |
---|---|
“The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell | Great for puppies 6 months and older who need behavioral adjustments. |
“Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” | Covers retraining older puppies and troubleshooting problems. |
“Before and After Getting Your Puppy” – Dr. Ian Dunbar | Focuses on behavioral shaping and late socialization techniques. |
✅ What You’ll Learn:
✔ How to retrain bad habits like jumping, pulling, or nipping
✔ Behavioral modification for fear, aggression, or over-excitement
✔ Ways to reinforce obedience with an older puppy
✔ House training methods if accidents are still happening
💡 Pro Tip: Older puppies need structured training sessions with clear rewards. Use short, focused lessons to prevent frustration.