How to Train a 7 Week Old Puppy

Do you need to train a 7 week old puppy?  The very first thing to know is that typically, you do NOT bring a 7 week old puppy home from a breeder since dogs this young should not be separated from their mother. Eight weeks is usually the minimum age. However, if you have a 7 week old puppy, you can begin training. It takes a lot of time and commitment on your part, but your reward will be a well-behaved puppy.  Let’s look at the basics on training puppies and the specifics on house training.  

If you are wondering about how to train a 7 week old puppy then you probably just got your bundle of joy and want him to be a good dog as soon as possible. As with children, puppies need to be trained so they know what is allowed.

A seven week old puppy is capable of being trained; but, you do need to remember he is a puppy. It is important for the two of you to bond, but that doesn’t mean letting him do whatever he wants.

• His Name - Teach the puppy his name by using it a lot. When he responds to hearing his name, say “Yes” along with a smile and maybe a hug.  This is important because you want to establish that smiles and hugs are treats and not just rely on food treats.   
• He Needs Something - Eye contact is important as a way for him to show you he needs something.  Do this by bending down to his level when he is at the door or wanting out of his crate and when he makes eye contact, reinforce with a “Yes” and give him what he wants.   
• Appropriate Plan - You also need to teach the puppy about appropriate play.  He doesn’t need a bunch of toys lying around, just one at a time is enough. 
• Give Up a Toy - One way to teach him to give up a toy is to do this.  When he bites a toy, keep holding it and have in your other hand a treat.  Hold the treat close to his mouth and when he opens his mouth, you say “Yes”, hide the toy behind your back, and give him the treat. After a few times, add a verbal clue, like “Give” followed with “yes” and the treat.  Soon you won’t need the treat anymore as he’ll know the verbal clue. 

It’s also good to spend some alone time with him, but he does need to be exposed to many social situations. 

Stopping Unwanted Behavior

Now let’s look at eliminating unwanted behavior and learn how to train a puppy about what not to do. 

• Reinforce good behavior - Some people use a clicker for positive reinforcement and the sound is followed with a treat.  It doesn’t take long for the puppy to figure out that when he is good, he hears a click and a treat follows.  Usually people add the word “Yes” after a bit and soon eliminate the clicker altogether. That’s something you might want to try.
• Stop bad behavior - Bad behavior can be stopped by distraction, interruption, or prevention.  If your puppy starts to chew something he shouldn’t, then simply distract him with a toy.
• Get his attention - If he can’t be distracted quickly enough, then interrupt with a loud sound, like slapping a table or clapping your hands.  When he stops, ask him to do something else that he knows how to do, and reward him when he does it. 

Prevention is important for behaviors that may cause harm, like chewing on electric cords.

Potty Training for Puppies

One big concern for most dog owners is how to train a puppy to eliminate outside. Here are a few tips:

• Use a crate - Most dog experts suggest using a crate for your puppy. The crate needs to be big enough for him to lie down and turn around. Dogs will not eliminate where they live, so this will deter him for some time, at least. There doesn’t need to be paper or a blanket, because he might choke on a blanket and tear up the paper.
• Use a leash - When you take your dog out, use a leash so you can not only control the puppy but also so you can show him the proper area of the yard to use.
• Pick a phrase - It would be good to pick a word or phrase you use every time; it can be anything, like “Do your business”, “Go potty”, or “Outside” as long as you are consistent.  Of course, praise is important when he is finished.    
• Know his schedule - Puppies should be able to “hold it” for six to seven hours.  You should probably put away the water after about seven o’clock in the evening and make sure he tinkles before bedtime. A two-month old puppy can only “hold it” for about an hour (when awake), so plan accordingly. Every month he ages, you can add an hour to that. 
• Watch his behavior - At first, you need to watch your puppy closely.  Take him outside when he wakes up, and a short time after he drinks or eats.  If you see him sniffing around, then take him out quickly.  He may start tinkling on the way, but he’ll soon learn to stand by the door.

You will feel like it is you that is being trained to watch the puppy, but remember not to punish him for doing what comes naturally.  Your puppy wants to please you, and soon both of you will be happy.