Whether you’ve just welcomed a bouncy puppy into your home or are helping an older rescue settle in, training your dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a pet parent.
But, just like children, dogs learn differently at each stage of life. Understanding how your dog’s age influences their learning will help you train them more effectively and build a stronger bond in the process.
Let’s look at how to train a dog by age, from playful pups to golden oldies with a little help from well-timed treats from our Pointer pet experts.
Training Puppies: 8 Weeks to 6 Months
Training starts from the moment you bring your puppy home. This is a key socialisation period, when your pup is learning about the world, so it’s the ideal time to introduce good habits and boundaries.
Key Focus Areas:
· Socialisation: Expose your puppy to a variety of people, sounds, environments, and other dogs in a positive way.
· Basic Commands: Start with simple instructions like sit, stay, come, and leave it. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and reward your pup often.
· House Training: Be consistent with toilet breaks and praise your puppy immediately when they go in the right place.
Using Treats Wisely: At this age, treats are essential for teaching and reinforcing good behaviour, but some thought and consideration is needed. Choose small, soft treats that are easy for little mouths to chew. Reward frequently — every success should be celebrated!
Adolescents: 6 to 18 Months
This stage can be a bit of a handful. Teenage dogs often “forget” what they’ve learned and start testing boundaries. Hormones are at play, and it’s common for dogs to become more independent and distracted.
Key Focus Areas:
· Reinforcement of Commands: Keep practising all the basics in different environments — especially outdoors where distractions are plenty.
· Lead Training: Use reward-based methods to encourage loose-lead walking. A treat pouch can be handy here- our Peanut Butter Small Bite Bones are the perfect sized treat for on the go!
· Impulse Control: Teach your dog to wait, stay, and leave it. These are invaluable commands as your dog becomes stronger and more curious.
· Enrichment and Exercise: Puzzle toys and scent games keep your dog engaged mentally.
Treat Tip: Use high-value treats, ones your dog really loves, for challenging exercises or environments with lots of distractions. You might need to up the ante from standard biscuits to something more exciting like soft meaty bites. Our Grain-Free Mini Dogs are deliciously meaty and a great source of fibre as well as vitamin A and C!
Adult Dogs: 1.5 to 7 Years
By now, most dogs have settled into their personalities. They’re more focused and able to handle longer training sessions. This is a great time to teach advanced tricks, improve off-lead recall, or work on specific issues.
Key Focus Areas:
· Refining Recall: A reliable recall can give your dog more freedom while keeping them safe.
· New Skills and Games: Try agility, scent work, or even teaching the names of their toys. Adult dogs enjoy a challenge.
· Problem Behaviours: If unwanted habits have developed, consistent, reward-based training is key.
Treat Strategy: Treats don’t have to stop once the basics are learned. Use them strategically to reward calm behaviour, reinforce recall, or encourage your dog to focus when surrounded by distractions. You can also mix up treat types, crunchy biscuits for low-stakes rewards, and softer, higher-value ones for more difficult tasks.
Senior Dogs: 7+ Years
Older dogs can absolutely learn new tricks and training can help keep their brains healthy as they age. They may not be as quick or agile, but they’re often more focused and eager to please.
Key Focus Areas:
· Gentle Training: Keep sessions short and focus on mental stimulation through simple games or scent-based tasks.
· Adapt to Their Needs: If your dog’s hearing or vision is declining, try using hand signals or cues that work with their changing abilities.
· Encourage Mobility: Training can include gentle movements to help with joint flexibility and coordination.
Treat Guidance: Choose softer treats that are easy to chew, especially for dogs with sensitive teeth. Don’t stop rewarding them — older dogs appreciate praise and snacks just as much as youngsters do. In fact, a tasty reward can be a lovely way to keep them motivated and mentally stimulated. Our Assorted Mini Rolls are perfect for helping to keep senior teeth clean.
From those first wobbly sits to the calm, knowing gaze of a senior who’s mastered it all, training is a journey you and your dog take together. Wherever you are on that journey, take your time, stay positive, and enjoy the learning- it can be a great opportunity to get the whole family involved!
And of course, don’t forget the treats! Because good behaviour deserves a good biscuit. Shop our full range of treats here: To find out more tips and tricks on pet care from our Pointer pet experts, visit our blog, Instagram and Facebook.