How to Train a 6-Month-Old Dog: 7 Essential Tips

So, your dog is officially six months old, huh? That’s right in the middle of puppy chaos and teenage rebellion. They’re still adorable, but let’s be honest—they’ve probably developed a few annoying habits too.

The good news? Six months is a great time to start—or reinforce—training. Your dog’s a little older, a little wiser, and totally ready to learn. Plus, now’s the time to fix any habits you’d rather not deal with long-term.

In this guide, I’ll share 7 training tips that’ll help you get your 6-month-old pup on track—without losing your sanity.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Consistency is everything—stick to your training plan.
  • Positive reinforcement helps your pup learn faster.
  • Patience is key—they’re still learning, even if it feels slow.

1. Be Consistent—Seriously, It’s Non-Negotiable

If there’s one thing dogs thrive on, it’s consistency. At six months, your pup is smart enough to recognize patterns—and believe me, they will pick up on inconsistencies faster than you think. If you let them jump on the couch today but scold them for it tomorrow, they’ll be confused and start thinking the rules don’t really apply (classic teenager vibes, right?). Pick a set of rules and stick to them.

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For example:

  • If the dog isn’t allowed on furniture, make sure everyone in the house enforces that.
  • If you’re crate training, be consistent with when you use the crate (and don’t give in to those puppy-dog eyes when they beg to sleep in your bed “just this once”).

Remember, dogs need structure—without it, they’ll create their own. And trust me, their version of “structure” usually involves tearing through your shoes or treating the trash can like a buffet.

2. Positive Reinforcement—AKA, Bribery Works

Let’s be real: dogs love treats. And honestly, who can blame them? Positive reinforcement is the best way to get your 6-month-old pup to obey. Every time they follow a command, reward them with a treat, praise, or their favorite toy. You’re essentially telling them, “Hey, do this, and good things happen.”

Pro tip: Make sure you’re using high-value treats. Not that basic kibble—nope, we’re talking tiny bits of chicken, cheese, or even special dog treats. The smellier, the better. And don’t skimp on the praise! Sometimes a belly rub and a cheerful “Good dog!” is as powerful as a treat.

And please, don’t punish your dog. It’ll just confuse them and make training harder. Focus on rewarding the behaviors you want, and ignore the ones you don’t.

3. Leash Training—No, They Shouldn’t Be Dragging You Around

At six months, your dog’s probably getting bigger—and stronger. You might’ve noticed that walks are starting to feel like a full-body workout, with your pup yanking you down the street like they’re on a mission to sniff every tree in a five-mile radius. That’s why leash training is so important.

Start by getting a comfortable harness (because, FYI, pulling on their neck isn’t great for their throat). When your dog starts pulling, stop walking. Don’t move until they come back to you or stop pulling. Once they do, reward them and continue walking. Repeat this process every time they pull.

It might take some patience (okay, a lot of patience), but eventually, your dog will learn that pulling doesn’t get them anywhere. Bonus: no more being dragged across the park like you’re auditioning for a bad dog-walking sitcom.

4. Socialization—Because Your Dog Shouldn’t Be a Loner

Your 6-month-old dog might be past the “everything is terrifying” phase, but socialization is still super important. If you don’t expose them to different people, places, and other dogs, they could become anxious or reactive as they grow up.

Take your pup to dog-friendly parks, introduce them to new friends (both human and furry), and even visit pet-friendly stores. The goal is to make sure your dog feels comfortable in different environments so they don’t freak out when a new situation pops up.

Pro tip: Try to keep these experiences positive. You want your dog to associate new things with fun, not fear. So, bring treats and make every interaction a little celebration.

5. Crate Training—It’s Not a Jail Cell, I Promise

Some people think crates are mean, but let me tell you—when used properly, crates are actually a godsend. They give your dog a safe space to chill, help with house training, and prevent them from causing chaos when you’re not around to supervise.

But here’s the catch: crate training should be positive. Never use the crate as punishment. You want your dog to think of it as their cozy little den, not a timeout spot. Start by leaving the crate door open and tossing treats inside. Let your dog explore it at their own pace, and once they seem comfortable, start closing the door for short periods while you’re in the room.

Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate, and make sure they get plenty of love, treats, and praise when they’re in there. Soon enough, they’ll happily go to their crate for naps or quiet time. Just don’t expect them to send a thank-you note. 😉

6. Address Bad Habits—Don’t Wait Until They’re Full-Grown

By six months, your dog might’ve already picked up a few bad habits. Maybe they’re still nipping at your hands, barking at every squirrel that crosses their path, or chewing on furniture like it’s their personal chew toy collection. Now’s the time to nip those behaviors in the bud—before they become even bigger problems down the road.

Here’s how to tackle some common issues:

  • Nipping: Redirect their attention to a toy whenever they nip at your hands. If they bite too hard, let out a yelp (like their littermates would) and stop playing for a few moments. This helps them learn that biting too hard means fun time ends.
  • Chewing: Make sure they have plenty of appropriate chew toys, and redirect them whenever they start gnawing on something they shouldn’t (like your brand-new shoes).
  • Barking: Teach them the “quiet” command. Reward them when they stop barking, and don’t shout—it’ll just sound like you’re joining in on the barking party. 😅

7. Keep Training Sessions Short and Sweet—Because Dogs Have Short Attention Spans

Let’s be real: your 6-month-old dog isn’t exactly ready for hour-long training sessions. In fact, they’ll probably lose interest after about 10–15 minutes. Keep your training sessions short, fun, and engaging. Break up training into multiple short sessions throughout the day instead of trying to cram everything into one long session.

For example:

  • Spend 5 minutes practicing “sit” before breakfast.
  • Do a 10-minute leash training session during your walk.
  • Teach a fun new trick like “shake” after dinner.

This keeps your dog engaged without overwhelming them—and makes training feel more like a game than a chore.


FAQs About Training a 6-Month-Old Dog

Q: Is it too late to start training my 6-month-old dog?
A: Nope, it’s not too late! Six months is actually a great time to train your dog. They’re still young and eager to learn, but they’ve outgrown some of that early puppy chaos.

Q: How long should training sessions be?
A: Keep them short—around 10 to 15 minutes. Dogs have short attention spans, especially when they’re young. Multiple short sessions work better than one long session.

Q: What if my dog won’t listen to me?
A: Be patient! Training takes time. If your dog isn’t listening, they might be bored, tired, or just distracted. Try shortening your training sessions or using higher-value treats to keep their attention.

Q: How much exercise does my 6-month-old dog need?
A: Your dog needs both mental and physical exercise. A couple of daily walks, combined with training and playtime, should do the trick. Remember: a tired dog is a well-behaved dog.


Final Thoughts: Patience, Consistency, and Treats—Your Secret Weapons

Training a 6-month-old dog is like training a furry little toddler with extra energy and sharp teeth. It’s not always easy, but with consistency, positive reinforcement, and a whole lot of patience, you’ll turn that wild pup into a well-mannered dog in no time.

And remember—dogs feed off your energy. Stay calm, be consistent, and don’t forget to celebrate the small wins (because every little success counts). Plus, with enough practice, your 6-month-old pup will be obeying commands like a pro—and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get through a walk without being dragged down the street. 💪

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