Dog Training & Behaviour Advice from Local Specialists

Short sessions work best: about 5–10 minutes, 2–5 times a day. Puppies have short attention spans, so frequent, bite-sized training beats one long session.

You can also weave training into daily life (e.g., “sit” before meals or “wait” at doors).

Use small, soft, high-value treats that your puppy can eat quickly without losing focus. Think tiny pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or commercial “training treats.”

The key is variety and motivation—what counts as “high value” depends on your puppy. Keep them small so you’re rewarding often without overfeeding.

For most puppies, a well-fitted harness is better, especially early on. It reduces strain on the neck and gives you more control during walks.

Collars are still useful for ID tags and basic leash manners, but harnesses are generally safer for learning loose-lead walking.

The main idea is to teach that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go. Stop walking the moment the lead goes tight, and only move forward when it slackens.

You can also change direction frequently so the puppy learns to pay attention to you. Reward them for walking beside you with a loose lead. Consistency is what makes this work.

Training can start immediately—basically from the moment you bring your puppy home (often around 8 weeks old).

At this stage, it’s not about perfection, but about building foundations: name recognition, recall, basic cues like “sit,” and gentle handling.

Early socialisation during the first few months is especially important.