Words...

Now is the time that you must give some thought to the words you plan to use for training your puppy... to ensure consistency. Consistent and persistent actions will lead to a well-trained dog.

For instance...
If you drop something that you do not want your puppy to eat onto the floor, what one word will you say to convey that info? If you choose "off" - what word will you use if you want the puppy to get "off" the furniture? If you choose "down" then what one word will you use when you want your puppy to "lie down"? See the confusion that can result??

Come, stay, off, down, are all common commands - you just have to decide when and how you will use them.

The word "NO" can be used for everything you do not want the dog to do, but can get overwhelming, if the dog is always hearing it... NO - meaning don't chew my furniture, NO - meaning don't pee there, NO meaning don't bite, etc etc...

Some people teach their dogs to" bark", so they can teach "NO Bark"... or you could say "Quiet"!

If they nibble at you, I recommend you say "ouch" in a loud, sharp voice, so they know you have been "hurt" - Listen to the pups play together and you will hear lots of "squeaks" and cries - that is how they know it hurts... and learn to be more gentle. You definitely do not want your dog to bite you, or anyone else ever!

I wish I could turn back the clock and always call a dog "cookie" a biscuit - a word I seldom use, so it would just mean a dog cookie... If you have visitors and offer them a "cookie", be prepared to offer a dog one to your puppy as well... They will not understand why you are giving a cookie to the visitors and not to them, if you have trained them that the word "cookie" is for a doggie treat.

I am sure you get my drift... so - my advice would be to invest in a good training book (or three) or better yet...borrow some from a library - or search the internet - there is tons of advice... Determine what words you wish to use and stick to them! Your chances of getting your dog to understand what you want are best if you are consistent and persistent.