Staffordshire Bull terrier Puppies are some of the cutest puppies around and yet like all young dogs need to be taught some basic commands as early as possible. Staffy pups are very intelligent dogs and respond really well to training even when they are only 8 weeks old. So what are three key commands to teach? Well the experts may differ and yet as a Staffy owner for years these are the three I find most useful.

1. Their Name

This may sound really logical and yet many new owners dither about before they decide on what to call their new Staffy pup. This is a vital command and should be the first one you teach. Don't make it complicated either. This is a young puppy who responds well to sound and shorter words. Use it often as soon as they arrive home. Make sure you associate it with praise attention and food.

Within a matter of hours your Staffordshire bull terrier puppy will be responding.

2. Sit

The next command is to sit. It is really easy and is a way to establish your leadership role quickly with your new puppy. Use the two old faithful methods to get a response, that is puppy treats and praise to make sure your Staffy pup understands what they need to do. Combine it with a hand signal and you will get the desired result. A combination of hand signals food and praise works every time.

3. Wait

This is something I teach all my Staffordshire bull terrier puppies. It is similar to the stop command and has a number of uses. One of the easiest ways to teach this is using food and feeding time. By now you will have already taught your Staffy pup to sit. Now by using hand signals and sound you can make him or her wait for food until you command that they can have it.

Really advanced dog training can come later. These three commands are the essential ones that will make your life and that of your Staffy puppy that much easier and happier.