Dog Training 101


At OodleLife, we’re passionate dog experts, backed by a team of veterinary reviewers who ensure our articles reflect the latest in veterinary medicine.

Our goal is to help family dogs be a happy part of the family.. We believe in the power of positive reinforcement and persistence in modern dog training.

When companion animals know their boundaries and ground rules, they’re much happier
Chris Allen, Dog Expert and Editor of OodleLife

As responsible dog owners, it’s our duty to provide thorough training, complete with plenty of rewards!

So You Have Adopted a Puppy? Start With These Steps

Chapter One: First Days of Puppy Parenting


The initial days of selecting a puppy and bringing them home are incredibly exciting yet can feel daunting. It’s a time filled with joy as you welcome a new member to your family, but it’s also a period of adjustment and learning for both you and the puppy.

Ensuring a smooth transition, creating a safe and welcoming environment, and starting to build a strong, loving bond are all key steps during these initial days.

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Chapter Two: Day Zero Training for a Lifetime of Success

The first weeks of puppy training are crucial. They lay the foundation for your puppy’s behavior and relationship with you. Early training shapes good habits, helps prevent future problems, and strengthens your bond.

It’s a key time for socialization, teaching basic commands, and setting routines. Starting training early sets the stage for a happy, well-behaved dog.

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Chapter Three: Eat Sleep Repeat


Understanding a puppy’s eating habits can be challenging but is essential for their health and growth.

It’s important to establish a consistent feeding schedule, choose the right puppy food, and monitor their intake to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need.

Paying attention to their eating patterns also helps in identifying any potential health issues early on. Getting this right from the start supports their development and well-being.

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Chapter Four: Separation Blues

Separation anxiety can be a significant issue when returning to work after getting a new puppy. It’s vital to prepare your puppy gradually for longer periods alone to ease their anxiety. Establishing a routine, providing comforting toys, and creating a safe space for them can help.

Addressing separation anxiety early on is key to ensuring your puppy feels secure and happy even when you’re away.

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How long it take to potty train a puppy?

Chapter Five: Out and About!

Exploring outdoors with a puppy is great but it’s important to be cautious. Make sure they’ve had their shots before going into public places to keep them safe from illnesses. Begin with short outings to avoid overwhelming them and to teach good behavior.

Always watch your puppy closely to keep them safe from dangers and prevent them from picking up harmful things. Outdoor time is excellent for socialization and exercise, but safety is always the priority.

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Search our database of over 2500+ posts with up-to-date information from our dog experts and veterinarians.

Fully Grown Dog Training Advice

As Dogs Get Older, There Are SO Many Training Opportunities and Challenges


As dogs age, training opportunities and challenges evolve, and we’ve explored thousands of these topics in our articles. Below is a selection of our most popular pieces, but there’s much more to discover.

If you search our site, you’re likely to find exactly what you need. And if you have a specific question not answered, feel free to email our experts like Chris Allen or, for general advice, our team of expert Vet reviewers!

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Haven’t found what you are searching for? Use the search!

Search our database of over 2500+ posts with up-to-date information from our dog experts and veterinarians.

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A happy pug smiles