Puppy Training Checklist: The Skills to Teach During the First Year

The first year is when a puppy learns the skills that make them a safe, easy adult dog. A puppy training checklist organised by age helps you introduce the right skills at the right time — without overwhelming a young puppy or leaving gaps. Treat this as a progress guide, not a rigid timeline: every puppy develops at their own pace.

8–12 Weeks

• Name recognition and coming when called (indoors)
• Toilet training routine
• Crate settling
• Handling: paws, ears, mouth
• Gentle socialisation within safe limits before full vaccination

3–4 Months

• Sit, and the start of stay
• Loose-lead walking indoors and in the garden
• Bite inhibition — reducing the force of mouthing
• Broadening socialisation to new sights, sounds and surfaces

4–6 Months

• Reliable recall in low-distraction settings
• Settle on cue
• Leave it and drop it
• Short periods of calm alone time, built up gradually

6–12 Months

• Recall proofed against real distractions
• Loose-lead walking in busier environments
• Consolidating manners: no jumping up, calm greetings
• Continuing socialisation through adolescence

Progress, Not a Deadline

Some puppies nail recall at four months; others take longer. A checklist works best as a progress record — showing what is reliable, what is emerging and what to focus on next — rather than a timetable your puppy is failing to meet. If a skill is not coming together, break it into smaller steps or get help from a qualified trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I teach a puppy first?

Name recognition, toilet routine, crate settling and gentle handling come first, followed by sit, recall and loose-lead walking.

Do all puppies learn at the same rate?

No. Use the checklist as a progress guide for your individual puppy, not a fixed timeline.

When should I get help from a trainer?

Any time a skill is not progressing with consistent practice, or if you see fear or resource guarding — a qualified trainer can help early.