How To Teach Your Puppy Basic Commands In One Week

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it also comes with the responsibility of shaping good behavior early. One of the most effective ways to set your puppy up for lifelong success is by teaching basic commands—sit, stay, come, lie down, and heel—within the first week. While this may sound ambitious, puppies are highly receptive during their early weeks, and short, consistent training sessions can yield impressive results. With patience, timing, and positive reinforcement, you can lay a solid foundation for obedience in just seven days.

Why the First Week Matters

Puppies begin learning from the moment they enter your home. Their brains are like sponges, absorbing everything from social cues to routines. The first week is critical because it establishes patterns of communication between you and your pet. Teaching commands early prevents bad habits from forming and strengthens the bond through mutual understanding.

According to Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian and pioneer in puppy training, “The first month of a puppy’s life in a new home is the golden window for behavioral development. Training during this period shapes temperament more than any other single factor.”

“Puppies don’t misbehave out of defiance—they simply don’t know what you want. Clear, consistent commands give them confidence.” — Sarah Whitehead, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant

Daily Training Structure: A 7-Day Timeline

Success lies in consistency, repetition, and keeping sessions short. Puppies have limited attention spans—typically two to five minutes per session, depending on age and breed. Aim for four to six sessions per day, spaced throughout the waking hours.

Here’s a practical day-by-day breakdown to guide your training:

1. Day 1–2: Focus on “Sit” and Name Recognition
   Start with the simplest command. Use treats and verbal cues to shape the behavior. Practice in low-distraction areas like your living room.
2. Day 3–4: Introduce “Down” and “Stay”
   Once “sit” is reliable, layer in “down” using treat-guided motion. Begin pairing “stay” with short pauses after sitting or lying down.
3. Day 5: Master “Come” (Recall)
   Practice indoors first, calling your puppy by name followed by “come.” Reward immediately upon arrival.
4. Day 6: Begin “Heel” (Loose-Leash Walking)
   Use a short leash and walk slowly, rewarding your puppy for staying beside you without pulling.
5. Day 7: Review & Combine Commands
   Run through all learned commands in different rooms or mild outdoor settings. Reinforce reliability under slight distractions.

Tip: Always end each session on a positive note—even if progress is slow. A final successful “sit” followed by praise keeps motivation high.

Step-by-Step Guide to Each Command

1. “Sit” – The Foundation Command

This is usually the easiest to teach and serves as a gateway to others.

1. Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.
2. Slowly move the treat upward so their head follows it, causing their bottom to lower.
3. The moment their rear touches the floor, say “sit,” give the treat, and offer verbal praise.
4. Repeat 5–10 times per session.

Once your puppy begins to anticipate the movement, add the verbal cue before guiding with the treat. Fade hand motions gradually.

2. “Down” – Encouraging Calmness

This command helps manage excitement and promotes relaxation.

1. Have your puppy in a “sit” position.
2. Hold a treat in your hand and slowly lower it toward the floor in front of them.
3. As they follow the treat, their body should naturally lower into a lying position.
4. Say “down” the instant they lie flat, then reward.

If your puppy jumps forward instead of lying down, try placing the treat between their front paws. Be patient—some puppies take longer to understand this motion.

3. “Stay” – Building Self-Control

Begin only after “sit” and “down” are consistently performed.

1. Ask your puppy to “sit” or “lie down.”
2. Open your palm toward them and say “stay” in a calm, clear voice.
3. Wait two seconds, then return to them, say “yes!” or “good!”, and reward.
4. Gradually increase duration: 5 seconds, then 10, then 20.

Never punish breaking the stay. Instead, reduce the duration and rebuild slowly. This command requires time and emotional regulation from your puppy.

4. “Come” – Lifesaving Recall

This could save your dog’s life in an emergency.

1. Kneel a few feet away, call your puppy’s name followed by “come” in an excited tone.
2. Wave a treat or toy to encourage movement toward you.
3. When they arrive, celebrate enthusiastically and reward.
4. Practice in increasingly distracting environments over the week.

Avoid calling your puppy to do something unpleasant (like bath time) right after a successful recall. This creates negative associations.

5. “Heel” – Polite Walking

Prevents leash pulling and makes walks enjoyable.

1. Use a standard 4–6 foot leash (not retractable).
2. Start walking with treats in hand at your side.
3. Whenever your puppy walks beside your left leg (or preferred side), drop a treat at your ankle level.
4. If they surge ahead, stop walking. Wait for them to turn back, then mark and reward.

Focus on rewarding proximity, not perfection. Over time, they’ll learn that staying close means good things happen.

Essential Training Tips for Success

Even with a solid plan, small mistakes can derail progress. These tips ensure your training remains effective and stress-free.

• Use high-value treats: Soft, pea-sized morsels work best. Consider boiled chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats.
• Train before meals: A slightly hungry puppy is more motivated by food rewards.
• Keep sessions short: Two to five minutes max. Multiple brief sessions are better than one long one.
• Practice in multiple locations: Move from quiet rooms to hallways to backyard to build generalization.
• Be consistent with cues: Everyone in the household should use the same words and hand signals.
• Avoid repeating commands: Say “sit” once. If no response, gently guide the behavior and try again later.

Tip: Never scold or physically force a puppy into position. This damages trust and hinders learning.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistakes are common, especially for first-time owners. Recognizing them early improves outcomes.

Mistake	Why It’s Harmful	What to Do Instead
Training when the puppy is tired or overstimulated	Reduces focus and increases frustration	Train after naps or playtime, not during peak energy bursts
Using punishment for non-compliance	Creates fear and erodes trust	Redirect, re-cue, or simplify the task
Skipping proofing in different environments	Commands only work in one location	Practice in at least 3 different rooms or outdoor spots
Phasing out treats too quickly	Removes motivation and weakens behavior	Switch to a variable reward schedule after mastery
Inconsistent verbal cues	Confuses the puppy (“sit” vs. “sit down” vs. “be good”)	Use one word per command and stick to it

Real Example: Max, the Energetic Labrador Puppy

Max, a 10-week-old yellow Labrador, was adopted by a young family eager to start training. He was enthusiastic but easily distracted. On Day 1, he learned “sit” in just three short sessions using tiny pieces of hot dog. By Day 3, he was holding a “down” for five seconds. The real challenge came with “stay”—he would break the moment his owner moved.

Instead of increasing distance, the family focused on duration while standing still. They used a clicker to mark the exact moment he stayed past three seconds. By Day 5, Max could remain seated for 15 seconds while his owner stepped back one pace. On Day 7, he successfully came when called in the backyard, even with birds chirping nearby. His progress wasn’t perfect, but consistency and positivity made the difference.

Checklist: 7-Day Command Mastery Plan

Use this checklist daily to track progress and stay organized:

• ✅ Trained “sit” in 4+ sessions today
• ✅ Introduced or practiced “down” with treat guidance
• ✅ Practiced “stay” with 5-second duration
• ✅ Ran 3+ recall (“come”) drills with full engagement
• ✅ Completed at least one “heel” session on a short leash
• ✅ Used only positive reinforcement (no yelling or pushing)
• ✅ Ended each session with a success and praise
• ✅ Practiced in at least two different locations
• ✅ Kept sessions under 5 minutes each
• ✅ Recorded progress in a notebook or app

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all puppies learn these commands in one week?

Most puppies can grasp the basics within seven days, though mastery varies by breed, age, and temperament. Smaller breeds and herding dogs often pick up commands faster, while independent breeds like huskies may need extra time. The goal is foundational understanding, not perfection.

What if my puppy doesn’t respond to treats?

Some puppies are more toy- or praise-motivated. Try using a favorite squeaky toy or enthusiastic petting as a reward. You can also test different food types—boiled chicken, peanut butter (xylitol-free), or cheese. Identify what truly excites your puppy and reserve it solely for training.

Should I use a clicker?

A clicker can be a powerful tool for marking desired behavior precisely. If used, pair it with a treat every time it clicks during training. However, a consistent verbal marker like “yes!” works just as well for beginners. Choose what feels natural for you.

Conclusion: Build Confidence Through Consistency

Teaching your puppy basic commands in one week isn’t about rushing—it’s about starting strong. Those first seven days set the tone for a lifetime of cooperation, safety, and mutual respect. You’re not just teaching words; you’re building communication, trust, and structure. Even if your puppy doesn’t perform flawlessly by Day 7, the neural pathways for learning are now activated, and that’s a win.

Continue reinforcing these commands daily, gradually adding distractions and fading treats. Enroll in a puppy class if available, and keep the energy positive. Remember, every interaction is a training opportunity. With commitment and kindness, your puppy will grow into a well-mannered companion sooner than you think.

🚀 Start today—your puppy is already learning. Make sure they’re learning the right things. Share your progress or ask questions in the comments below!