How to Train a New Dog: First Week Foundation Commands

Bringing home a new dog is exciting, but that first week can make or break your entire training journey. In this episode, Kenji Takahashi walks you through the essential foundation commands every new dog needs to learn in their first seven days, whether you've adopted a puppy, an adolescent, or an adult rescue. You'll learn the exact techniques that work, the common mistakes that sabotage progress, and how to build trust and communication from day one without overwhelming your dog or yourself. Name recognition comes before everything else because your dog needs to understand that hearing their name means something good is about to happen and they should pay attention to you. Most people skip this step and jump straight into commands, which makes every other lesson harder because the dog hasn't learned to focus on you first. Training sessions should be really short, just five to ten minutes for adult dogs and even shorter for puppies, but you should do them multiple times throughout the day instead of one long session. Dogs learn better when they're mentally fresh, and ending on a positive note keeps them excited about training instead of burned out. The "come" command is the most important safety skill your dog will ever learn, but you have to make yourself more interesting and rewarding than anything else in the environment, which means using really good treats like chicken or cheese and practicing only in controlled spaces with a leash during the first week. Timing matters more than almost anything else in dog training because your dog needs to get the reward within one second of doing the right thing, otherwise they don't connect the reward with the behavior you're trying to teach. That's why keeping treats in your pocket all day during the first week helps you capture and reward good behaviors the instant they happen. If your new dog seems nervous or is still adjusting to your home, focus on building trust and voluntary engagement instead of drilling commands, because pushing too hard too soon with a stressed dog actually slows down progress instead of speeding it up. Watch for stress signals like panting, yawning, or avoiding eye contact, and back off when you see them. Show Links Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Full article Zuke's Mini Naturals Training Treats Related Articles Complete Guide to Getting a New Dog: Essential Advice for First-Time and Experienced Owners Dog Training Collars: Complete Guide to Types, Safety, and Effective Use How to Puppy-Proof Your Home Before Bringing a Dog Home Senior Dog Dental Care: Understanding Aging Teeth and Gum Health Best Dog Training Collars: Buyer's Guide for Every Training Need and Dog Size