If your pup won’t stop pulling during walks, break the dog’s momentum by stopping and asking her to sit. Do this every step if necessary, until the dog adjusts to the pace you want. Consistency is key. (This training tip should not be applied to Seeing Eye puppies. Seeing Eye dogs guide by pulling in their harness so we don’t actively discourage that behavior in our puppies.)

Early intervention can help control jumping. Persistence and consistency are key. Don’t let the dog jump one day and not the next. When your puppy jumps on you, turn away and ignore the puppy. If the puppy persists, you can tell the puppy “off” and then ask for an alternate behavior such as “sit” or “down”.

Praise the puppy when he or she is in the correct position. You may gently help a puppy into the down position by moving his or her paws out.

For dogs, learning to come when called is not only a behavior issue, it can also be a safety issue that protects your pup. To teach the command, call your puppy by name, using an enthusiastic voice and playful gestures, followed by the word “come.” Reinforce the command with plenty of praise.

Kelly, an 11-week-old sable German Shepherd expertly demonstrates sitting for a food bowl. Practice at feeding time. Sitting is a natural behavior for most puppies focused on something above their head. Wait for them to sit and then praise! If your pup doesn’t get it, gently run your hand down the puppy’s back and praise!