Need help training our new puppy… any tips?

Seeking help
1

Hey everyone,

We just got a new puppy, a Cavatzu named Milo. He’s about 8 months old and full of energy. He’s pretty small (about 8 pounds), and we don’t think he’ll grow much bigger.

Our last dog was great, but we didn’t train him as well as we should have. This time, we really want to do things right with Milo.

Here are some things we need to work on:

  • Potty training (either on a mat or outside)
  • Controlling barking
  • Being calm around other dogs
  • Staying away from kids when they’re eating
  • Not biting when playing
  • Sleeping in his own space

We’d love to put in the time to train him properly, but with two young kids, it’s really tough to stay consistent.

We even hired a trainer, but she hasn’t been much help. I know Milo can learn, we just need a solid plan to follow.

Any advice? Would love to hear what worked for others!

Thanks!

2

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3

Here are the biggest things to focus on:

  • Keeping him away from kids when they’re eating
  • Stopping play-biting
  • Potty training
  • Teaching him to be okay alone/sleep on his own

A baby gate or playpen can help keep him out of the kitchen and away from kids during meals. It’s especially important if your kids are really young.

For potty training, a crate is super helpful. If you haven’t tried it yet, I’d start there. Here’s a great guide on crate training: http://old.reddit.com/r/dogtraining/wiki/cratetraining

Also, check out https://www.familypaws.com/—they have great resources on raising a puppy around kids.

For biting, this guide might help: http://old.reddit.com/r/Dogtraining/wiki/nipping

A playpen can be a lifesaver—it helps with potty training, separation anxiety, and stopping nipping too.

4

@ChrisH
Thanks! This is super helpful.

5

K9Commander said:
@ChrisH
Thanks! This is super helpful.

No problem! The biggest thing is staying consistent. Make sure everyone in the family is on the same page with training—same words, same rules, same rewards. That makes a huge difference.

Also, having a routine helps a lot. Feeding times, potty breaks, and training sessions at the same times every day make it easier for the puppy to learn. If everyone sticks to the same plan, it’ll go a lot smoother!

6

You should look into an AKC STAR Puppy class with a trainer who focuses on positive reinforcement. It’s usually once a week for 6 weeks, and it’s really worth it.

7

Chloe said:
You should look into an AKC STAR Puppy class with a trainer who focuses on positive reinforcement. It’s usually once a week for 6 weeks, and it’s really worth it.

Thanks! I’ll check that out, but I’m having trouble finding one near me.

8

@K9Commander
Try searching for a CPDT-KA certified trainer in your area. If you can’t find one, PetSmart and Petco group classes can be decent for the basics, though the trainers there may not have as much experience.

If you want faster results, private sessions with a CPDT-KA trainer might be a better option. You’ll get a plan tailored to your puppy’s needs and can work through issues quicker.

Online training with certified trainers is also an option if in-person classes don’t work for you!

9

Reward him when he does what you want! If he’s calm and quiet, reward him. If he greets people without jumping, reward him.

Try to avoid situations that trigger bad behavior. For example:

  • Always take him out after sleeping, eating, or playing to help with potty training.
  • Keep play sessions low-energy to prevent him from getting too wild.
  • Let him meet calm, well-trained dogs so he learns good behavior instead of rough play.

For sleeping alone, start with short times apart and gradually increase them. Build up to longer periods once he’s comfortable.

Training takes time, but it’s worth it!

10

A trainer who has experience working with families and kids might be a good idea. Not all trainers are used to working with young children in the house.

11

Since you’re short on time, focus on just a few things at first. For everything else, try to set up barriers to prevent bad habits.

For example, if barking is an issue, limit his exposure to whatever is triggering it. Then work on training later when you have time.

12

Please don’t crate train. Puppies have small bladders, and they can’t hold it for long.

Dogs aren’t meant to be locked in small spaces like that. It’s just a human convenience. Instead, set up a designated safe space where your puppy can relax—like a gated-off area in your home.

My dog learned to go outside in a week. He would paw at the door when he needed to go out. If he had been stuck in a crate, how would he have told me?

13

@Melanie
Crate training isn’t about locking a dog up. It’s about giving them a safe space.

The crate helps with potty training because puppies won’t usually go where they sleep. You take them straight from the crate to their potty spot, and if they don’t go, back in the crate for a bit. It helps set a routine.