5 First Tricks for Your New Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting moments an animal lover can experience—tiny paws, a head that seems too big for the body, and endless energy. Between belly rubs and toys, though, you'll quickly bump into a few behaviors that need guidance, and that's exactly where early training helps.

Training teaches manners and, just as importantly, builds trust between you and your dog. Like people, every puppy learns a little differently: some are food-motivated, others work for a favorite toy, and many just want your attention. Finding that motivator makes each session positive and fun.

Why the First Month Matters

The weeks right after adoption set the tone for everything that follows. Keep lessons short—just a couple of minutes at a time—because puppies tire quickly and lose focus. Whether you bring home a food-loving Labrador Retriever or a clever Pembroke Welsh Corgi, consistency and rewards are what turn repetition into a reliable habit.

1. Their Name

Teaching your puppy their name comes first because it earns their attention in almost any situation—from calling them back after they slip off leash to setting up any other trick.

How to Teach It

Hold their favorite treat or toy and say their chosen name as you hand it over.
Repeat for only a couple of minutes so they don't get worn out.
When you return home, greet them by saying their name and adding pets, toys, or treats to strengthen the positive association.

2. Leave It

Even once your puppy responds to their name, they'll still find trouble. "Leave it" redirects their focus back to you and away from things like frogs, socks, or electrical cords they'd love to chew.

How to Teach It

Let your puppy see a small treat in your hand—small enough to fully cover with your fist.
Before they can grab it, close your hand and say "leave it."
They'll paw and nibble at your hand—stay strong.
The moment they look away or lose interest, reward them, then repeat.
Next, drop the treat on the floor, say "leave it," and quickly cover it with your hand, repeating the reward step.

3. Come

"Come" builds on the same idea as name training, just from a distance. It's a simple but potentially lifesaving cue.

How to Teach It

When your pup is out of arm's reach, get their attention with their favorite reward.
As they trot toward you, say "come" and reward with the treat, toy, or plenty of praise.
Once they've got it, call their name plus "come" when they're distracted, and reward generously when they run over.

4. Sit

With all those wiggles, getting a puppy to sit can feel impossible—but a little incentive goes a long way.

How to Teach It

Get your puppy's attention with a reward while they're on leash.
Hold the reward just above their head and move it slowly back, parallel to their spine.
They'll want to step backward, but the leash keeps them in place, coaxing them into a sit.
Just before their bottom hits the ground, say "sit" and reward. Repeat until you can do it off leash.

5. Down

This is usually the toughest cue, especially for stubborn pups. Lying down asks a dog to give up control and relax into a vulnerable position, so it takes real trust—trust you've been building through every trick above.

How to Teach It

Start with your puppy in a sitting position to make the transition easier.
Hold a reward near their nose without letting them take it, then slowly lower your hand to the floor.
If they pop out of the sit, reset and try again.
Just before their elbows touch the ground, say "down" and reward. Repeat.

Keep Training Positive

Reward-based training works because it keeps your puppy engaged and eager, not anxious. For a helpful framework on when to introduce new skills, the American Kennel Club's puppy training timeline is a great reference, and the ASPCA's guide to common dog behavior issues can help you head off problems early.

Ready to start this journey with a puppy of your own? Browse our available puppies at Petland Pensacola, explore the dog breeds we carry, and ask our team about financing and payment options to bring your new best friend home.