It's never too soon to start training your new puppy

You've just brought home a new puppy and discovered that your cute, cuddly ball of fur likes jumping up on guests and chewing on the furniture.

What do you do now?

Start training your puppy as soon as you get him, advises Toni Nappa, a professional dog trainer at Best Friends Norwalk, CT Pet Resort. "Simple obedience commands are the very first things to teach your new pooch. But most important is to convey that you are the boss, so your new puppy will take direction from you."

As pack animals, dogs naturally attempt to assume a leadership position. Your family is pooch's new pack, and you must quickly establish yourself as leader by being firm, consistent and clear in your communications.

The most important command you can teach your dog, for his own safety and yours, is "come." Nappa recommends the leash method. Begin by putting a collar on your puppy. Once he's used to wearing it, attach a leash and standing several feet away, say 'come,' and gently pull him toward you.

As he reaches you, praise him. Puppies have short attention spans, so make it fun for him by keeping each session down to a few minutes. Do not repeat yourself or raise your voice. Soon your puppy will associate the word with the action. Then, you can begin practicing without a leash.

Teaching your dog early to sit and then lie-down are also very important. Both of these commands place your dog in a submissive position, and can be used to settle your dog if he is acting up.

You can also make a game out of encouraging your puppy to pick up his toys. Praise him for it, then teach him to "drop it." When first playing this game with him, be sure to keep your valuables out of reach until he learns which are his toys. Practice object exchanges, where the puppy trades you something he has for something you've got. Your pup will soon be adept at bringing you things and dropping them on command.

If your dog is playing too roughly in the house, interrupt him and send him outside to play. That way he'll learn that outside is the place for running and playing — not near the cabinet full of family heirlooms.

Successful dog training relies on positive reinforcement and establishing yourself early as the leader. Remember these golden rules for puppy training:

• Start training as early as possible.
• Practice patience.
• Be consistent.
• Be firm.
• Give your puppy lots of opportunities to succeed.
• Limit the opportunity for making mistakes, and stop your pup if he does.
• Always reward good behavior with words of praise, hugs and treats.
• Practice more patience.

While there are many good books available on puppy training, most experts agree that one of the best ways to get started is by joining a group class. It's a great way to socialize your pup, while you, the handler, learn the correct ways to teach, reward and correct him. For further information on training classes offered by Best Friends center, see Best Friends Canine College.