What is the best age to start training a puppy?

Training can begin the day your puppy comes home — typically 8 weeks. At this age puppies are neurologically ready to learn, have the attention span for very short sessions (2–5 minutes), and are in the peak socialization window. Starting early builds the foundation that all future training rests on. There is no benefit to waiting.

Is it too late to train a 6-month-old puppy?

Not at all. Six months is adolescence for most breeds — challenging due to increased distraction sensitivity and hormonal changes, but absolutely trainable. Older puppies have longer attention spans and better impulse control than very young pups. The key is consistent, positive reinforcement practice. Dogs can learn new behaviors at any age.

How long should puppy training sessions be?

2–5 minutes for puppies under 12 weeks. 5–10 minutes for puppies 3–6 months. Short, frequent sessions (3–4 per day) outperform long occasional ones. The limiting factor is your puppy's attention span, not your patience. End every session on a success — if your puppy is struggling, dial back to a behavior they know confidently.

Should I use treats for training?

Yes — food rewards are the most effective training tool available for puppies. Use small, soft, high-value treats (real chicken, cheese, commercial training treats) for teaching new behaviors. Once a behavior is learned, you can switch to intermittent reinforcement (rewarding every 3rd or 4th correct response), which actually makes the behavior more durable.

When to Start Training a Puppy (The Answer: Right Now)

When to start training a puppy: immediately. Here is what to teach at each age, why the 8–16 week window is critical, and what to focus on first.