Puppy Training
For Dogs Under Five Months
Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time full of energy and joy. But as any new puppy parent knows, raising a young pup can also bring challenges. That’s where Maniac Mutts comes in, offering dog training services that focus on setting your puppy up for success from the start. Our Puppy Life Skills program is specially designed to meet the needs of puppies 8-18 weeks old, helping them learn the basics through fun, reward-based training.
With Maniac Mutts’ guidance, you’ll gain valuable puppy training tips that make a difference in everyday life, like preventing behavioral problems and teaching basic skills to make your puppy a happy member of the family. From sitting patiently to following you on walks, these are the practical behaviors that make life with a dog easier and more enjoyable. Our puppy school is all about reward-based reinforcement, avoiding harsh or punishment-based methods, which helps puppies learn safely, comfortably, and with lots of wagging tails.
Focus areas may include:
- Proactive socialization
- Handling
- Play biting
- Housetraining
- Chewing
- Alone time
- Crate training
- Resource guarding prevention
Puppy Life Skills:
- Come
- Wait
- Sit
- Leash walking
- Leave it
Initial Consultation
Puppy Packages
One-on-One Puppy Consultation: A Personalized Start
Our 60-minute in-person consultation is designed to help you and your young puppy (8-18 weeks) get off on the right paw. This time together is focused on setting up a plan just for your puppy’s needs, tackling everything from play biting to housetraining.
During this session, a puppy trainer will show you how to teach essential behaviors and manage common issues so you feel confident in raising a well-behaved, happy puppy. With a custom plan from Maniac Mutts, you’ll have the tools to tackle challenges and create the positive foundation your puppy needs for a lifetime of learning.
Key Skills We’ll Cover with Your Puppy
As part of our Puppy Life Skills training, we’ll guide you through essential puppy behaviors that make life easier and more enjoyable. These include:
- Proactive socialization
- Handling
- Play biting
- Housetraining
- Chewing
- Alone time
- Crate training
- Resource guarding prevention
With Maniac Mutts, you’ll learn techniques to keep these early behaviors in check so your puppy grows up friendly, calm, and well-mannered.
Real-Life Skills for Everyday Puppy Success
Come
Teaching your puppy to come when called is a must for safety and bonding. Through rewards and simple commands, we make sure your puppy learns to respond eagerly whenever you call.
Wait
A patient puppy is a joy to have around. “Wait” helps teach your puppy patience at doorways or before getting food, helping them learn to hold back and stay calm.
Sit
“Sitting” is a foundational behavior for puppies. This basic skill is useful in so many situations, like meeting new people, waiting for a treat, or staying calm in busy environments.
Leash Walking
Walking on a leash without pulling is a skill that makes outings more fun. We’ll help your puppy learn to stay by your side, turning walks into enjoyable, stress-free experiences.
Leave It
“Leave it” teaches puppies to ignore items they shouldn’t touch, from food on the ground to random objects on walks. It’s a helpful command for safety and self-control.
Why Reward-Based Training Works Best for Puppies
Training puppies with rewards is the gentlest, most effective way to teach them how to behave. Reward-based training is all about encouraging good behavior by rewarding it, which is especially powerful at this early age. By focusing on what you want your puppy to do—rather than punishing mistakes—you’re teaching them in a way they understand and enjoy.
This helps puppies feel secure, keeps their spirits high, and leads to lasting, positive behavior without fear or confusion. In the long run, a reward-based approach builds trust between you and your puppy, setting the stage for a healthy, cooperative relationship that will continue as they grow older.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start training my puppy?
It’s never too early! Our program is designed for puppies 8-18 weeks old. Early training builds positive habits right from the start.
How often should I train my puppy at home?
Short, frequent sessions (5-10 minutes) work best for young puppies. We’ll guide you on the right approach for each behavior.
Can my puppy learn to stop biting with training?
Absolutely. We cover play biting with reward-based methods that teach your puppy self-control and reduce unwanted biting.
Is housetraining covered in the consultation?
Yes, housetraining is a key part of our Puppy Life Skills program, giving you tips and techniques for a smooth transition to a clean home.
Do you use punishment for training?
No, all our training is positive and reward-based. We believe in teaching with kindness and respect, which builds a happy, confident puppy.
Ready to help your puppy become the best companion they can be?
Contact Maniac Mutts today to schedule your puppy training consultation. We’re here to support you in creating a happy, well-behaved puppy that will grow up into a beloved family member.