The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Discipline should teach your puppy what to do, not frighten or hurt them. Use rewards to reinforce the behavior you want, prevent opportunities to practice unwanted behavior, and keep household rules consistent. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) says its 2021 position statement remains current following a 2025 board clarification, and states: “Evidence supports the use of reward based methods for all canine training.”
What humane puppy discipline means
For puppies, discipline works best as teaching and management: show the puppy an acceptable behavior, reward it, and arrange the environment so the right choice is easier. AVSAB says training is most effective when it teaches an animal what to do rather than punishing unwanted behavior. Its position statement concludes reward-based training has advantages over aversive methods for welfare, effectiveness, and the dog-human relationship.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Avoid hitting, yelling, intimidation, leash corrections, alpha rolls, and shock, prong, or choke collars. These approaches do not show a puppy which alternative behavior will earn a reward and can undermine welfare and trust. A puppy that chews, bites, or has an accident is not acting out of spite; consider what skill, supervision, or environmental change is needed.
14 reward-based steps to guide your puppy
-
Choose one behavior to teach
Describe the action you want in plain terms, such as “sit when greeting” or “chew a toy instead of a shoe.” A clear goal makes it easier to notice and reward success.
#1 Best Overall
Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Savory Chicken Puppy Training Treats, 4 oz- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Baby BLUE Training Treats are made with delicious real chicken as the first ingredient, plus DHA for cognitive development, making them the ideal reward for your puppy’s best behavior
- MEATY TRAINING TREATS: For puppies that love a meaty treat, Baby BLUE training dog treats are tender, bite-sized morsels that make them perfect for training
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats contain NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free of corn, wheat and soy; Plus, they’re free of artificial preservatives and colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains One (1) 4-oz bag of Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats, Savory Chicken
-
Agree on household rules
Everyone should use the same cues and boundaries. If jumping is not allowed, for example, all family members should reward four paws on the floor rather than sometimes encouraging a jump.
-
Reward the behavior you want
Offer a small treat, toy, play, or praise immediately when your puppy makes the desired choice. Treats are an appropriate reinforcer; choose rewards your puppy values and keep portions modest.
-
Use a clear cue
Say the cue once, such as “come” or “sit,” when your puppy is likely to succeed. Avoid repeating it many times; make the situation easier or help the puppy understand the action before trying again.
Recommended Free Tools
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.Rank #2
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Dog Training Treats, Natural, Grain Free, Lamb and Salmon Recipe, 8 oz Bag- GRAIN-FREE PUPPY TREATS: These bite-sized, soft puppy training treats are the perfect reward during training sessions or any time you want to thank your dog for good behavior. Puppy bites contain 6 calories per individual treat!
- SUPPORTS BRAIN DEVELOPMENT: Soft dog treats are crafted with salmon, a healthy source of DHA to promote healthy brain development.
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: These treats for dogs are made with minimal ingredients focused on quality proteins: made with lamb and salmon, with added vitamins specifically for puppies.
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Treats for dogs do not contain wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, or artificial colors.
- MADE IN USA: Our dog treats are quality-assured, made in USA, and crafted from the finest globally-sourced ingredients. Treats are tender, healthy, and bite-sized for small, medium, and large dogs of all lifestages, and activity levels.
-
Mark the right moment
A brief word such as “yes” or a clicker can signal the exact behavior that earns the reward. Follow the marker with the reward so its meaning stays clear.
-
Teach in small steps
Break a skill into achievable pieces. To teach a recall, reward first for turning toward you, then for moving closer, and finally for coming all the way in. Increase difficulty gradually.
-
Redirect to an acceptable alternative
If your puppy mouths a hand or grabs an object, calmly offer an appropriate toy or chew. Praise and reward engagement with that alternative rather than escalating the interaction.
Rank #3
Buddy Biscuits Trainers Training Bites Soft & Chewy Dog Treats, Bacon, 10 oz. Pouch- Highly Palatable with natural pork liver base
- 500 treats per bag!
- Only 1.5 calories per treat
- Clean ingredients with no corn, soy or artificial flavors
- Made with natural bacon
-
Limit access to tempting items
Put shoes, food, and other enticing objects away, and use a gate or pen to make a safe area when needed. Management prevents rehearsal of habits you do not want while your puppy learns.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Supervise closely
Keep your puppy near you indoors so you can notice signs they need a toilet break or are about to get into trouble. If you cannot supervise, use a puppy-safe space that meets their needs rather than leaving them with unrestricted access.
-
Reward outdoor toileting immediately
Take your puppy out regularly and stay with them. When they urinate or defecate outside, reward them right away while still outdoors so the reward is connected to the behavior.
Rank #4
Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies (Beef Liver, 4 oz)- Lots of flavor, not fillers: Just three simple, all-natural ingredients mean low calories and high nutritional value, making a tasty but healthy treat that your pup will actually love
- Ready for training, wherever you are: The best training is consistent training. Our small treats are lightweight and perfectly sized for quick rewards so they are ready to go whenever there is a training opportunity
- Mess free treats: No oily, greasy, crumbly messes here, Pupford treats keep your hands and pouches clean. You can even keep some in your pocket for walks, classes, or mini adventures without worrying about them getting grimy or stale
- Motivate even the pickiest of pups: A wide range of flavors makes it easy to find the perfect fit for your pup’s tastes
- Pupford Promise: We strive to always provide simple, high-quality, healthy pup essentials. If you or your pup aren't happy with a purchase, let us know so we can help find the right fit!
-
Do not punish an accident discovered later
If you find a mess after the fact, clean it up without scolding. AVSAB says puppies and adult dogs cannot connect punishment delivered minutes or hours later with the earlier toileting, and delayed punishment may teach a puppy to hide when toileting. Improve supervision and opportunities to go outside instead.
-
Offer positive, paced socialization
Introduce your puppy to people, well-socialized animals, places, and everyday situations in a way that remains positive and manageable. Let the puppy approach at their own pace; do not force an interaction that causes distress. AVSAB advises avoiding unsanitized, heavily trafficked dog areas where the animals’ health status is unknown.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Choose a reward-based puppy class
A well-run class can provide structured learning and socialization. AVSAB’s socialization statement says puppies can generally start classes at 7–8 weeks after at least one vaccine set given at least seven days before the first class and an initial deworming, with vaccines kept current. That guidance is from a 2008 document, so confirm current local precautions and your puppy’s timing with your veterinarian and the class provider.
Best Value
Pupford Soft & Chewy Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies (Chicken, 5 oz)- High Value, Irresistible Flavor: Pups love the taste and aroma, making training sessions more effective and enjoyable
- High-Quality Ingredients: Made in the USA with clean, simple ingredients, starting with chicken - nothing artificial and no fillers
- Low-Calorie: Less than 2 kcal per treat and high in protein, perfect for frequent rewarding without worry
- Perfectly Sized: Small enough for one-bite rewards, which helps prevent overfeeding while keeping training sessions flowing smoothly
- Soft & Chewy: Perfect texture for quick rewarding during training, and great for pups with sensitive teeth like senior dogs
-
Get professional help for serious concerns
Contact your veterinarian for sudden behavior changes or when illness or injury may be involved. Persistent fear, anxiety, or aggression merits veterinary assessment and help from a qualified behavior professional. Challenging cases may require management and behavior modification, and sometimes medication; a veterinarian can assess health factors and advise on referral.
When a puppy keeps biting, chewing, or ignoring a cue
Make the next repetition easier rather than raising your voice or repeating a command. For biting, pause interaction and offer an appropriate toy; for chewing, remove access to the object and provide a suitable chew; for a cue that is not working, practice in a quieter setting with a reward your puppy wants. If the behavior is persistent, severe, or associated with fear or aggression, seek veterinary and qualified behavior support.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
