First Steps Puppy Training - Tips from Expert Trainers
Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s most exciting moments, but for first time puppy owners, it can also raise plenty of questions, especially around training. Hear from our expert Canine Evolution trainers on what you should focus on first.
“This is a question we get asked quite frequently,” says Glenn Cooke, Chief Training Officer with Canine Evolution. “And you’ll get a different answer depending on who you ask.”
At Pet Resorts Australia, we believe the most important early training focuses on confidence, comfort, and harmony within the family unit. Rather than rushing through tricks, the priority should be teaching your puppy how to feel safe, calm, and well adjusted in the world around them.
Here are the key areas Glenn suggest owners should focus on first.
Socialisation, Setting the Foundation for Life
Socialisation is one of the most important elements of early puppy training. This isn’t just about meeting other dogs. It is about teaching your puppy how to exist comfortably in everyday situations. Puppies need to learn how to be comfortable with each other and with new people, without becoming stressed, fearful, or aggressive.
Positive early exposure helps puppies:
Build confidence
Learn appropriate behaviour
Reduce anxiety as they mature
Well socialised puppies are far more likely to grow into calm, adaptable adult dogs who can handle new environments with ease.
Pro Tip: Join one of our Puppy Schools to get expert help with socialisation
Learning to Feel Comfortable at the Vet
Vet visits are a part of life for every dog, but they do not need to be stressful.
One of the best things puppy owners can do early on is take their puppy to the vet for comfort check ups, rather than only visiting when something is wrong. These short, positive visits help puppies associate the vet with calm handling and reassurance.
Early exposure to vet environments can significantly reduce fear and anxiety later in life, making routine health care safer and easier for everyone involved.
Walking Nicely on the Lead
Lead walking is another skill that is best taught early.
Teaching your puppy to walk calmly on a lead helps:
Prevent pulling behaviours from becoming habits
Make walks more enjoyable and safe
Build better communication between dog and owner
Short, positive lead sessions are ideal for puppies. The goal is not distance. It is learning to move together calmly and confidently.
Crate Training, Creating a Safe Space
Crate training when done correctly, is incredibly beneficial.
Having a dog in their own safe space is so useful and crate training can help with anxious times.
A crate gives your puppy:
A secure place to rest
A sense of routine and predictability
Support during transitions, travel, or busy household moments
Rather than being a punishment, a crate becomes a familiar, calming environment where your puppy can relax and feel safe.
Toilet Training, Supporting the Whole Family
Toilet training is essential, not just for your puppy, but for the happiness of the entire household.
Toilet training helps:
Establish routine and structure
Reduce stress for both puppy and owners
Create a cleaner, calmer home environment
Consistency, supervision, and positive reinforcement are key. Puppies do not start with bladder control. They learn it over time, with patience and guidance.
Toilet training is not just about behaviour. It is about supporting the general happiness of the family unit as everyone adjusts to life with a new puppy.
Professional Puppy Training Support
While home training plays a crucial role, professional guidance can make a significant difference, especially for first time puppy owners.
At Pet Resorts Australia, puppy training is delivered by Canine Evolution experts, with dedicated training centres located at:
Our training focuses on:
Age appropriate learning
Confidence building foundations
Practical skills that support everyday life
Early training support helps puppies and their owners start off on the right foot, setting them up for long term success.
If you’d like to get in touch for support, please submit a form via our page
A Calm Start Leads to a Confident Future
There is no single right answer to what you should teach first, but there is a right focus.
By prioritising socialisation, comfort, calm behaviour, and structure, you are giving your puppy the tools they need to thrive, not just now, but for years to come.
And when you need expert support along the way, Pet Resorts Australia is here to help guide you through every stage of your puppy’s journey.