Puppy Training for Dogs 8 to 23 Weeks Old
The first few months of a puppy’s life are some of the most important for learning and development. Between 8 and 23 weeks of age, puppies are highly impressionable and quickly forming habits that can last a lifetime. This is the ideal time to begin training, socialization, and building a strong foundation for future success.
Our puppy training program focuses on teaching essential skills such as potty training, crate training, name recognition, sit, down, come when called, leash introduction, and appropriate manners around people and other animals. We also help puppies develop confidence through positive exposure to new environments, sounds, surfaces, and everyday experiences.
Early training helps prevent common issues such as jumping, nipping, excessive barking, and fear-based behaviors from developing later in life. Just as important, we provide owners with guidance on routines, structure, and communication to support training at home.
A strong start during puppyhood creates the foundation for a confident, well-mannered, and enjoyable companion.
At Austin Dog Manners, we understand that raising a puppy can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time dog owners. Our professional puppy training programs are designed to make the process easier while setting your puppy up for long-term success. Whether you have a new family companion, a future service dog, or an active sporting breed, early training helps create better behavior, stronger communication, and a more enjoyable relationship. Investing in training during these critical developmental weeks can prevent future behavioral problems and help your puppy grow into a calm, confident, and reliable adult dog.
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When should I start training my dog?
You can start training your dog as early as 8 weeks old once they’re comfortable in your home. Early training builds good habits, confidence, and a strong bond. But it’s never too late — puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs can all benefit from training. At Austin Dog Manners, we tailor training to your dog’s age, personality, and your goals so you get results at any stage.
How do I know what is the best program for my dog?
The best training program depends on your dog’s age, temperament, behavior challenges, and your goals. Some dogs need help with basics like manners and leash walking, while others may need support with reactivity, anxiety, or advanced obedience. At Austin Dog Manners, we start with an evaluation to understand your dog and your lifestyle, then create a custom training plan that fits both of you. This way, your dog gets the right level of training for real-life success.
What training methods do you use?
At Austin Dog Manners, we use a balanced training approach, which combines positive reinforcement with clear communication and structure. We reward good behavior with praise, food, toys, and real-life rewards, while also teaching dogs how to understand boundaries and expectations. This method helps dogs learn faster, build confidence, and behave reliably in real-world situations. Every training plan is customized to your dog’s personality, age, and needs to create lasting, respectful results.
How long does dog training take?
Every dog learns at a different pace, so training time depends on your dog’s age, history, and behavior goals. Some dogs show improvement in just a few sessions, while others need ongoing work for lasting results. At Austin Dog Manners, we focus on real-life skills and owner education so progress continues at home between sessions. Consistency and practice are key to long-term success.
Can you help with leash pulling and reactivity?
Yes! Austin Dog Manners specializes in helping dogs improve leash manners and reactive behavior such as barking, lunging, or over-excitement on walks. We teach your dog how to stay calm, focused, and responsive around distractions using a balanced, customized training approach. Training happens in real-life environments so your dog learns practical skills you can use every day, making walks more enjoyable and stress-free.
How many sessions does my dog need?
The number of lessons depends on your dog’s age, behavior challenges, learning speed, and your goals. Some dogs make progress in just a few sessions, while others need ongoing training for lasting change. At Austin Dog Manners, we start with an evaluation and create a custom training plan so you get the right amount of support without wasting time or money. Consistency at home between lessons also plays a big role in success.
