What commands should my puppy know at 3 months? Essential Commands for Your Three-Month-Old Puppy

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time! At three months old, your furry friend is a bundle of energy and curiosity, and it's the perfect time to start laying the foundation for good behavior. While your puppy is still very young, introducing a few key commands now will make training easier down the road and strengthen the bond between you and your pup. Here are some essential commands your three-month-old puppy should start learning, along with tips and adorable puppy pictures to inspire you!

1. Sit

"Sit" is often the first command puppies learn, and for good reason. It's a useful command for many situations, from waiting for their food bowl to greeting guests calmly.

• How to teach it: Hold a treat close to your puppy's nose. Move the treat in an arc over their head towards their tail. As their nose follows the treat, their rear end will naturally lower into a sit. As soon as their bum touches the ground, say "Sit" clearly and give them the treat and praise.

2. Stay

"Stay" is a bit more challenging for young puppies as it requires them to resist their natural instincts to move. However, starting early with short durations is key.

• How to teach it: First, have your puppy sit. Hold your hand up in a stop gesture and say "Stay." Take a small step back. If your puppy stays, immediately return, reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase the time and distance of the "stay." If your puppy moves, gently say "No" or "Oops" and start again. Keep sessions short and fun!

3. Come

A reliable "Come" command is crucial for your puppy's safety. It ensures you can call them back to you in potentially dangerous situations.

• How to teach it: Use an enthusiastic and happy tone of voice. Say your puppy's name followed by "Come!" When they come to you, reward them with lots of praise, petting, and a high-value treat. You can make it a game by backing away slightly to encourage them to come to you. Practice in a safe, enclosed area initially. Never punish your puppy when they finally come to you, even if it took a while. You want them to associate coming to you with positive experiences.

4. Down

"Down" is a calming command that can be helpful in various situations, such as when you want your puppy to relax.

• How to teach it: There are a few methods. One is to have your puppy sit, then hold a treat near their nose and lower it towards the floor between their paws. As they follow the treat, they should lie down. Once they are in the down position, say "Down" and reward them. Another method is to gently lure them into a down position using a treat and then saying the command.

Tips for Successful Training:

• Keep it short and fun: Puppy attention spans are short! Aim for 5-10 minute training sessions several times a day.

• Use positive reinforcement: Reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, and toys.

• Be consistent: Use the same words and hand signals every time.

• Be patient: Every puppy learns at their own pace. Don't get discouraged if your puppy doesn't grasp a command immediately.

• Train in a quiet environment: Minimize distractions when you're first introducing a new command.

• Socialization is key: While focusing on these commands, continue to expose your puppy to new sights, sounds, people, and other vaccinated dogs in a positive and controlled way.

Training your three-month-old puppy is a rewarding experience that sets the stage for a well-behaved and happy companion. Enjoy the journey and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small!