A Beginner’s Guide to Training Your Dog

Training your dog doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, frustrating, or like you need to become a full-time dog whisperer.

In celebration of January being National Train Your Dog Month, we’re breaking training down into simple, feel-good tips to help set you and your dog up for positive training moments.

This guide is for dog parents who want:

• Simple, practical training advice
  

• Kind, reward-based methods
  

• Healthy treats they feel good about using
  

• A happy dog who wants to learn
  

• Are looking for a positive reinforcement approach to dog training 

Can any dog be trained?

Short answer? Yes. Absolutely. With a little patience, any dog can learn new tricks. 

Dogs of all ages, breeds and backgrounds can learn new behaviours, no matter if they’re a tiny puppy or a fully grown legend who’s been doing things their own way for years.

Puppies vs adult dogs: What’s the difference?

• Puppies learn quickly, but have short attention spans and very little impulse control
  

• Adult dogs may take a little longer to unlearn habits, but often have better focus

Either way, the training principles stay the same:

• Be consistent
  

• Keep sessions short
  

• Reward the behaviour you want
  

• Make it fun

Training your dog isn’t about control, it’s about communication and trust.

What are the benefits of training my dog?

Training is an important part of being a dog owner, helping your dog feel safe, confident and supported in everyday life. 

Training helps improve communication, so your dog understands what’s expected and feels more confident navigating the world. This often leads to calmer behaviour, fewer frustrations, and a dog who’s easier to live with day to day. 

Beyond behaviour, training strengthens your bond. Spending time learning together builds trust, deepens connection and gives your dog positive mental stimulation, which is just as important as physical exercise. 

A trained dog is often a happier dog, because they feel secure, engaged and included. There’s also nothing quite like the pride of watching your dog nail a command they’ve worked hard to learn.

The golden rule of dog training: positive reinforcement

If there’s one thing to remember from this entire guide, it’s this: Reward the behaviour you want to see more of.

Positive reinforcement means:

• You reward good behaviour with something your dog loves
  

• Your dog learns that doing the right thing = good stuff happens
  

• Training becomes fun, not scary or stressful

Rewards can include:

• Treats (high-value = best results)
  

• Verbal praise
  

• Toys
  

• Play
  

• Cuddles

Food is one of the strongest motivators for most doggos because it taps straight into their natural instincts. 

In the wild, dogs would spend a huge part of their day foraging, hunting and working for food. 

Why treats work so well in training

Dogs are wired to work for food, and training with treats simply channels that instinct into learning behaviours we want to see more of. 

These could be sitting politely, coming when called, or not stealing your socks (still working on that one).

The right training treat should be:

• Small (so you can reward often)
  

• Highly appealing
  

• Easy to digest
  

• Healthy enough for frequent use

At WAG, our treats are:

• Made from real, simple ingredients
  

• Air-dried to lock in flavour
  

• Free from fillers, additives and nasties
  

• Easy to break into training-size pieces

Our training treats are perfect for rewarding good behaviour without overdoing it.

Treat portion control: Yes, it matters 

Training can involve a lot of rewards, especially in the early days. That doesn’t mean you need to load your dog up on the calories.

A few easy tips:

• Break treats into tiny pieces (they don’t need a full treat every time)
  

• Adjust meal sizes slightly on big training days
  

• Choose high-quality treats so every bite counts

Where to start with training

Training can feel like a big, confusing to-do list when you’re just starting out.

You don’t need to teach everything at once, and you definitely don’t need to be an expert. 

Starting with the right foundations makes training easier, more enjoyable, and way more successful for both of you.

How to train my dog to sit

‘Sit’ is often the very first command dogs learn. It’s simple, useful, and builds focus fast.

Step-by-step: Teaching sit

1. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose
   

2. Slowly move it upwards and slightly back
   

3. As their head follows, their bum naturally drops
   

4. The moment they sit, say ‘yes!’ and reward

Repeat this a few times, then add the vocal command ‘sit’ just before the movement.

Pro tips

• Keep sessions short (1–3 minutes)
  

• Practice in calm environments first
  

• Reward immediately; your timing matters

Great training treat options:

• Chicken strips
  

• Kangaroo jerky
  

• Plant-based rewards
  

• Insect-based rewards (great for sensitive tummies)

Our chicken and kangaroo treats can be easily torn into small, bite-sized pieces to help avoid over-treating. Our plant and insect based options come conveniently pre-cut into little training-friendly chunks, ready to reward straight from the bag.

How to train my dog to stay

‘Stay’ teaches impulse control and patience; two skills that every dog benefits from.

Start small

1. Ask your dog to sit
   

2. Hold your palm out and say ‘stay’
   

3. Take half a step back
   

4. If they stay, return, praise and reward

Slowly increase:

• Distance
  

• Time
  

• Distractions

Resist the urge to rush this exercise. Build up how long your dog can stay before adding distance, and always step away nice and slowly.

If they break the stay? No stress. Reset and try again. Practice (and patience) makes perfect with this one. 

How to train my dog to fetch

Fetch is more than a game, it’s a brilliant way to burn energy and reinforce your dog’s recall. 

Teaching fetch basics

1. Start with a toy your dog already loves
   

2. Toss it a short distance
   

3. When they grab it, encourage them to bring it back to you
   

4. Reward them with a treat when they return (even if they don’t drop it yet!)

Once returning is solid, you can:

• Add a ‘drop’ command using a treat exchange
  

• Increase your throwing distance
  

• Play in new environments, like the park or the dog beach

You never know — playing fetch might just become your dog’s new favourite pastime.

Tone of voice matters more than you think

Dogs don’t understand sentences, but they understand tone, timing and consistency.

Helpful tips:

• Use a happy, upbeat voice for praise
  

• Stay calm and neutral for corrections
  

• Avoid yelling, it causes confusion and stress

Using a negative tone or yelling during training can actually do more harm than good. This kind of approach is considered negative reinforcement, and instead of helping your dog learn, it can create confusion, fear, or stress. 

Dogs don’t understand why they’re being yelled at, they just know something feels off. Over time, this can damage trust and make your dog less confident and less willing to try. 

Calm guidance and positive rewards are far more effective, helping your dog feel safe, supported, and eager to learn.

Training sessions that actually work

The best training sessions are short (1-5 minutes), frequent and positive.

Aim for multiple mini sessions per day, ending on a win and training before meals (hello motivation).

Common training mistakes (and how to avoid them)

We all want our dogs to succeed, but sometimes your training approach might not be working. 

Here are some things you should try to avoid when training your dog:

1. Expecting too much too soon

Dogs learn through repetition, not perfection. It’s easy to get excited when your dog nails a command once and assume they’ve got it, but learning takes time, and every dog learns at their own pace. 

For example, if your dog sits perfectly in the lounge room, that doesn’t mean they’ll do it straight away at the park with distractions everywhere. 

Build skills slowly, repeat often, and be patient. Progress comes from consistency, not rushing.

2. Inconsistent rules

Dogs thrive on clarity and familiarity. If ‘sit’ sometimes means sit politely, sometimes means lie down, and sometimes means ‘stop jumping’, your dog is left guessing. 

For example, if one family member rewards sitting at the dinner table but another tells them off, your dog won’t know what’s right. Make sure everyone in the household uses the same cues, rules and rewards, it makes learning faster and far less confusing for your doggo. 

3. Treating too late

Timing is everything in training. Rewarding your dog needs to happen immediately after the behaviour, otherwise they may not connect the treat with what they did right.

If your dog sits, then stands up, and then gets a treat, they might think standing is the behaviour being rewarded. Aim to reward within a second or two so your dog clearly understands what earned the good stuff. Keep the treat prepared in your hand so you can treat immediately!

4. Using low-value treats

If your dog isn’t excited about the reward, training can quickly stall. Dry biscuits or everyday food often aren’t motivating enough, especially in new environments or around distractions. A treat used in training should always be a higher-value option — something extra tasty that keeps their attention locked in.

5. Punishing mistakes

Punishing your dog for getting something wrong doesn’t teach them what to do; it just teaches them to be unsure or stressed, and it can damage your relationship. Yelling, scolding, or physical corrections can damage trust and slow learning. 

If your dog is punished for trying and failing, they may stop offering behaviours altogether. A calm reset and rewarding the next correct attempt helps your dog feel safe, confident and willing to keep learning.

Why WAG treats work so well for training

We’re big believers that what you reward with matters.

Our treats are ideal for training because they’re:

• Single-ingredient or simple recipes derived straight from nature
  

• Naturally irresistible
  

• Easy on digestion
  

• Suitable for puppies and/or dogs with sensitive tummies

Some of our training favourites include:

• Forage Fish: Naturally richly scented and packed with real fish flavour, forage fish are irresistible to dogs, making them a high-value reward that grabs attention fast.
  

• Kangaroo Cubes: Lean, meaty and full of rich flavour, kangaroo cubes are a novel protein many dogs go crazy for, perfect for keeping focus during training.
  

• Beef Jerky: Air-dried to lock in that deep, savoury taste, beef jerky is a classic high-value treat dogs happily work for.
  

• Plant-based Jerky: Chewy, flavourful and surprisingly satisfying, plant-based jerky offers a tasty alternative that still feels like a ‘special’ reward.
  

• Insect-based Jerky: With a naturally umami flavour dogs love, insect-based jerky is a high-value, eco-friendly option that’s especially great for sensitive pups.
  

• Digestion Functional Jerky: Made to be gentle on the tummy but big on flavour, digestion functional jerky rewards good behaviour while supporting a happy gut.

Training puppies vs older dogs

Puppies

Puppies are little learning sponges, but with very short attention spans. They take in a lot at once, which means training sessions should be quick, fun and low-pressure. Expecting a puppy to focus for long periods can lead to frustration on both sides, so frequent breaks are essential. A minute or two of training, followed by play or rest, helps lessons sink in without overwhelm.

Repetition is key at this stage. Puppies don’t learn something once and remember it forever, they learn through doing the same thing again and again in different situations. 

Sitting nicely in the kitchen is very different from sitting at the park, and both need practice. Above all, puppies require extra patience. They’re brand new to the world, and every success (and slip-up) is part of the learning process.

Adult dogs

Adult dogs may take a little longer to change existing habits, especially if they’ve been doing things their own way for years. That doesn’t mean they can’t learn, it just means consistency and clear expectations matter even more. 

The upside? Adult dogs often have stronger focus and better self-control than puppies, making training sessions calmer and more structured.

Because effort can feel bigger for adult dogs, rewards really count. High-value treats, praise and encouragement help reinforce that learning something new is worth it. 

When adult dogs feel supported and rewarded, they’re more confident, engaged and willing to keep trying, even when the habit change takes time.

Other handy tips and tricks

Once you’ve got the basics down, a few extra tools and strategies can make training smoother, clearer and even more enjoyable, for both you and your dog.

Try clicker training

Clicker training can be a great addition to positive reinforcement, especially for dogs who respond well to clear, consistent feedback. 

A clicker makes a short, distinct sound that marks the exact moment your dog does the right thing. The click is always followed by a treat, helping your dog quickly understand which behaviour earned the reward. 

It’s especially useful for timing-sensitive commands and for shaping new behaviours step by step.

Puppy school can be a game-changer

If you’ve got a puppy, enrolling in a reputable puppy school can set you both up for success. 

Puppy school helps build early social skills, introduces basic commands, and gives you hands-on guidance during those important early months. 

It’s also a great way to normalise training, build confidence, and remind you that every puppy parent is learning as they go.

Keep verbal cues consistent

Dogs don’t understand language the way we do, they learn by associating specific sounds with actions. That means consistency is key. 

Choose one clear word for each command (like ‘sit’, ‘stay’ or ‘down’) and stick to it. Mixing phrases like ‘sit down’, ‘sit please’ and ‘take a seat’ can confuse your dog and slow progress. 

The simpler and more consistent the cue, the faster your dog will learn.

Train in different environments

Once your dog has a command down at home, practice it in new places. Dogs don’t automatically generalise skills, so sitting in the kitchen doesn’t always translate to sitting at the park. 

Training in different environments, with new smells, sounds and distractions, helps your dog truly understand the command, not just the location.

Use hand gestures alongside verbal cues

Hand gestures can be a powerful training tool, especially for dogs who respond strongly to visual cues. Many dogs actually pick up hand signals faster than words, as they’re clear, consistent and easy to recognise, even from a distance or in noisy environments.

For example, a flat palm raised can become your ‘stay’ signal, while a hand pointing downwards can reinforce ‘sit’. Pair the gesture with the verbal cue every time, then reward immediately when your dog gets it right. 

Over time, your dog may respond to the gesture alone, which can be incredibly handy on walks, at the park, or if your dog struggles to hear you.

The key is consistency. Choose one gesture per command and use it the same way every time. Mixing gestures can be just as confusing as mixing words, so keep it simple and clear. Hand signals are also a great long-term tool as dogs age, helping support communication if hearing ever becomes an issue.

Keep sessions short and end on a win

A few minutes of focused training is far more effective than one long session. Short, positive sessions help keep your dog engaged and eager to learn. 

Always try to finish on a success, even if it’s something simple they already know, it leaves both of you feeling good and ready for the next session.

Training your dog is about connection, not perfection

Your dog doesn’t need to be perfect. They need to feel safe, understood and encouraged. 

Training should strengthen your bond, not stress you both out.

Celebrate the small wins, laugh at the mistakes and keep showing up.

When to ask for extra help

If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Every dog is different, and you might need a little more support, and that is completely okay. 

Reaching out to a qualified positive-reinforcement trainer can provide clear guidance and confidence, while sudden or unexpected behaviour changes are always worth discussing with your vet. 

Most importantly, remember that asking for help when you need it isn’t a failure — it’s a sign of thoughtful, responsible dog parenting.

Because training should feel good for both of you

Training isn’t about getting everything right, it’s about showing up, learning together, and celebrating progress along the way. 

Every sit, stay and wobbly first attempt is part of building a lifelong bond with your dog.

At WAG, we’re right there with you, cheering on the small wins and helping make training moments feel positive, rewarding and full of trust.

General training disclaimer

We are not professional dog trainers, so this guide provides general training advice only and isn’t a substitute for professional training or veterinary guidance. If you have concerns about your dog’s behaviour, health or wellbeing, please consult your vet or a qualified dog trainer.