I used Soy Trainers type of treat to teach puppies a few times in the past, and only feed them the treat after the praise key words “Good Job!” It’s hard at first because you have to take them out in the morning when they’re young, maybe they poop/pee and receive the treat, then you feed and water them, take them outside again, sit with them on your lap while you work until they want down, right back outside again.

It’s a hell of a time investment but I’ve had even small dogs figure it out before they were even 8 weeks old. Once they understand certain actions lead to treats and certain actions do not, it’s also a great time to teach sit, stay, go lay down, and come here. I’ve surprised friends and relatives by being able to put a treat on the dog’s face and leave the room, the dog will wait for the praise key words.

Sometimes Stay is the hardest to teach, but also the absolute most important. A dog who can remain calm and motionless is a dog who you have the attention of, and one who has great unwavering discipline. I dog who shakes and wiggles and jumps up is a dog who sees you as a friend and not any form of authority, it will not listen when it matters the most because your words are only suggestions.