What commands should a puppy know by age

When a furry little life steps into your doorstep, it brings not only endless joy, but also a heavy educational responsibility. The growth of a puppy is like a slowly unfolding picture, with each age group having its unique learning window, and mastering basic instructions is the most fundamental line on this picture. Understanding these phased learning goals is not about putting pressure on the little one, but about helping them grow into confident and safe companions in the most appropriate way that aligns with their developmental patterns.

Children aged 8-12 weeks are in the sponge phase of exploring the world, and the focus of teaching at this stage should be on basic social skills and name responses. The moment you say its name, those little ears turning towards your reaction, is the first milestone worth celebrating. Puppies of this age should also learn the basic concept of excreting at a fixed location. Although it takes about 16 weeks to fully control the bladder, early regular guidance can greatly reduce the difficulty of subsequent training. The simple recall command of 'come' can also start at this time, using a cheerful tone and small high-value snacks to connect the puppy with running towards its owner and a wonderful experience. You will notice that these little learners often suddenly stop and look at you while playing, as if asking 'Is this right?' - this spontaneous attention is the foundation of all advanced training.

At 12-16 weeks of age, the physical coordination and attention of puppies have significantly improved, and "sitting down" has become the core instruction at this stage. This seemingly simple action actually requires coordination between hind limb strength and the vestibular system. When the puppy consciously lowers its buttocks for the first time, the sense of achievement flashing in its eyes is moving. The 'wait' command can start from a very short 1-2 seconds to cultivate initial self-control ability. At this point, interrupt commands such as "no" or "leave" can also be introduced, but more importantly, alternative behaviors can be taught - instead of just stopping furniture gnawing, it is better to guide it towards exclusive grinding toys. At this age, puppies begin to show their personality traits. Some may be enthusiastic about training like elementary school bullies, while others require more gamified guidance. Respecting these differences is more important than forcefully pursuing progress.

Puppies aged 4-6 months have experienced a cognitive leap, enabling them to master more complex tasks such as "lying down" and "waiting at a fixed point". Lying down "is particularly friendly to little ones who are undergoing tooth replacement, as it can help them calm down and relieve gum discomfort. At this point, the 'wait' can be extended to 10-15 seconds, and interference factors such as the owner turning around or taking small steps away can be added. Recall training should be conducted in different environments, gradually transitioning from a quiet living room to a slightly disturbed courtyard. You will find that puppies at this stage begin to try "negotiation" - probing the boundaries of instructions with tilted heads, gentle sobs, or creative variations of movements. This is not disobedience, but rather an understanding that training is a cute manifestation of two-way communication.

Adolescence at 6-12 months of age brings new training challenges and opportunities. The 'Accompanying' training can officially begin, but it is important to understand the distractions of this age group - the sudden movement of leaves by the wind or the scent of distant dogs can be as irresistible to them as adolescent humans facing the temptation of their phones. The instruction to 'put down' items is particularly important at this stage, as it can prevent the accidental ingestion of dangerous goods and lay the foundation for higher-level retrieval training in the future. It is particularly noteworthy that adolescent puppies may experience "selective deafness", which is not a step back in training, but rather a test of consistency in the rules they are testing. Maintain patience and a sense of humor, just like dealing with a rebellious child, a firm boundary can actually bring them a sense of security.

At 12-18 months of age, most dog breeds have already acquired the cognitive abilities of adult dogs and can learn more precise commands for "stationary" and "quiet". At this point, the focus of training should shift from simply obeying to situational judgment - when to automatically sit down and wait, and what sounds do not require barking warnings. You will be delighted to find that the commands that used to require snack guidance are now often executed with just a glance or gesture, and this tacit understanding is the most beautiful result of long-term training. This stage is also an ideal time to introduce work instructions, such as practical skills like "taking slippers" or "closing the cage door", making training a part of life rather than a special task.

Throughout the entire training process, there are several points that are more important than mastering specific instructions. One is to always maintain a positive experience of training, allowing puppies to connect learning with happiness; The second is to understand that the developmental rhythm of each puppy is different, and the psychological maturity of large dog breeds is often several months later than that of small dog breeds; The ultimate goal of basic instructions is not mechanical obedience, but to establish reliable communication channels and safety boundaries. When your puppy gives up chasing in an emergency due to a "come" command, or automatically "sits down" instead of jumping when a visitor arrives, you will understand the true value of these trainings.

Looking back at the growth process of a puppy, from struggling to learn name responses at the beginning, to being able to focus on executing commands even under various interferences, this is not only the accumulation of skills, but also a precious journey of mutual growth. The hilarious moments of mistakes during training, the surprising moments of sudden enlightenment, and the seemingly stubborn but actually serious small expressions are the most authentic embellishments in this relationship. In the end, when your puppy grows into a partner who can cooperate with you seamlessly, you will find that what truly matters is not how many commands it has mastered, but the understanding and trust established between you - this silent language is the most precious gift behind all training.