Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s most exciting moments!  But alongside the cuddles and cute chaos comes the big responsibility of shaping your little one into a well-behaved, confident, and happy dog.

Whether you’re a first-time pet parent in India or adding another furry member to your family, here are 10 essential lessons every puppy should learn early on.

1. Teach Them Their Name 

Your puppy’s name is their identity and it should always mean good things. Say their name cheerfully and follow it with something fun  like a treat, a toy, or praise. This helps your pup associate their name with happiness, not scolding.

Tale of Tails Tip: Avoid using your puppy’s name in a negative tone. It should always feel like an invitation, not a warning!

2. Teach “Come” When Called 

This command can save your puppy’s life  literally like in the cases of emergency (dog fights) where you need to call them and you expect them to come back. Make coming to you rewarding with treats, cuddles, or games. Practice indoors first, then outdoors with distractions.

 Suggestion: If your puppy runs toward you when called, make it a mini party!

3. Teach Collar Touch Comfort 

Many puppies panic when someone grabs their collar. Gently touch or hold the collar, then immediately offer a treat. Repeat until your pup sees it as something normal and even enjoyable.

4. Help Them Face the World with Confidence 

Indian cities can be noisy — horns, traffic, festivals, and fireworks. Gradually expose your puppy to these sounds from a safe distance while rewarding calm behavior.
Over time, they’ll grow into confident dogs who don’t get startled easily.

5. Teach Them “Nothing Comes Free”

Make your puppy earn food, toys, or playtime through simple cues like “sit” or “stay.”
It strengthens your bond and keeps their mind active.

Fun Idea: Skip the bowl sometimes, use mealtime to train!

6. Make the Crate a Happy Place 

A crate isn’t a cage, it’s your puppy’s safe zone. Introduce it slowly with soft bedding and treats.
Avoid using it as punishment. With time, your puppy will see it as their cozy den for naps and quiet time.

7. Build Trust Around People 

Teach your puppy that strangers bring good things.
When visitors come, give them a treat to offer your pup. This builds positive associations and reduces fear or aggression toward new people.

8. Teach That You’re Their Best Friend 

Socialization is great, but your puppy should see you as their favorite person.
Play, train, and reward often. When your pup chooses you over other distractions , you’ve built the ultimate bond.

9.Teach “Go to Your Place”

When guests arrive or the doorbell rings, your puppy should know where to go.
Train them to sit on a mat or in their crate for rewards. This prevents door-dashing and jumping on guests (a big win in Indian households!).

10. Teach Self-Control 

Excitement is cute but can get overwhelming. Teach your puppy to switch from play to calm mode on command.
Games like tug-of-war (played correctly) are great for teaching impulse control; “play” means fun, “stop” means calm.

Tale of Tails Insight

Raising a puppy is like raising a child; full of patience, consistency, and love. The lessons you teach in the first year will shape your dog’s entire life.

At Tale of Tails, we help pet parents make training simple and stress-free.

Download the Tale of Tails app to get personalized training guidance, track your pup’s progress, and connect with experts — all in one place.

Because a well-trained puppy grows into a happy, confident dog and that’s the best gift you can give your furry friend.