Puppy Training in Campbelltown: 7 Skills to Start With

Megan, Holistic Hounds
Updated 24 September 2026 · 7 min read

Bringing home a puppy is exciting — and, if we're honest, a little overwhelming. There's advice everywhere, and it's hard to know what actually matters first. These are the seven skills I suggest every new puppy owner in Campbelltown and Macarthur starts with.

1. A toilet routine that sets them up to win

House training is mostly about timing. Take your puppy outside after they wake up, after eating, after play, and every hour or two in between. Go to the same spot, wait quietly, and reward generously the moment they finish.

Accidents inside? Clean with an enzyme cleaner and don't scold — puppies who are punished for toileting often learn to hide it, not to go outside.

2. Settling and resting

Young puppies need a surprising amount of sleep — often 16 to 20 hours a day. Many "naughty" puppies are simply over-tired. Build short, regular rest periods into the day in a pen, crate or quiet area with a chew, and reward calm behaviour when you see it.

3. What to do about biting

Puppy biting is normal. Puppies explore with their mouths and bite more when tired or over-excited. What helps:

• Keep a toy handy and redirect biting onto it.
• If the biting continues, calmly end the game for a moment.
• Offer appropriate chews — especially while teething.
• Watch for over-tiredness and help your puppy settle before the "zoomies and teeth" phase kicks in.

4. Engagement: checking in with you

The foundation of almost every other skill is a puppy who thinks paying attention to you is worthwhile. Reward your puppy whenever they choose to look at you or come near you — in the house, the yard and on outings. You're building a habit that pays off hugely during adolescence.

5. Recall, from day one

Young puppies naturally follow you — take advantage of it. Say your recall word in a happy voice, then run a few steps away and make a big fuss when they reach you. Keep it easy and never call them for something they dislike, like a bath. Read more in why dogs come back at home but not outside.

6. Handling and body care

Your puppy will need nail trims, grooming, ear checks and vet examinations for life. Practise short, gentle handling paired with treats: touch a paw, treat; lift an ear, treat. Stop before your puppy wriggles to get away, and go slowly with anything they find tricky.

7. Calm, positive socialisation

Socialisation isn't meeting as many dogs and people as possible — it's helping your puppy feel safe and comfortable around the sights, sounds and experiences of normal life. Quality beats quantity:

• Watch the world go by from a distance — traffic, bikes, people with prams.
• Let your puppy choose whether to approach, and let them retreat if they want to.
• Pick calm, vaccinated, puppy-friendly dogs for play.
• Follow your vet's advice about outings before vaccinations are complete.

Don't forget adolescence

Somewhere between about six and eighteen months, many dogs seem to "forget" everything. It's normal, and the foundations you laid as a puppy make it much easier to get through. Keep practising — this is a great time for a group class.