Early socialization is essential for your puppy’s emotional development. Just as important is getting your puppy used to being handled. Gently massage their ears, mouth, gums, and feet. This builds comfort and trust, making future vet visits, grooming, and nail trimming much easier.

Establishing Leadership

Your puppy should see you as the provider—the source of all good things. Treats, praise, toys, and even the privilege of sleeping on the bed should be earned through good behavior. This helps reinforce a healthy leader-follower relationship.

Choosing the Right Toys

Avoid cloth or rope toys for young puppies. Cloth resembles household items like socks and pillows, and rope toys look like rugs or blankets. These can confuse your puppy and encourage destructive chewing. Instead, choose rubber toys or stuffed bones that are safe and durable.

Daily Walks are a Must

Walks aren’t just for exercise—they’re essential for mental stimulation. Even a large backyard becomes boring over time. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior. Regular walks help keep your dog well-behaved. As the saying goes, a tired dog is a good dog.

Keep Them Busy

Try using a hollow sterilized bone stuffed with peanut butter or jerky. It’s great for crate time and keeps puppies entertained. Other great options include bully sticks, pressed rawhides (under supervision), and antlers for strong chewers.

Stay Hydrated

Not all parks have clean water stations for dogs. A small, portable water bowl is a smart and inexpensive investment for outings.

Food Isn’t the Only Reward

Food is a great training motivator, but sometimes a favorite toy can be just as effective. Mix it up to keep training exciting.

Stop Inappropriate Chewing

Puppies love to chew! If they’re targeting furniture or curtains, use taste deterrents like bitter sprays or gels. Apply them to table legs, chair corners, or drapes to discourage bad habits.

Make Training Part of Daily Life

Training shouldn’t be a separate 20-minute session—it should be woven into your daily routine. Mealtimes, walks, and playtime are great moments to reinforce commands and behavior.

Smart Use of Treats

Use food wisely during training. Don’t show it ahead of time—hide the treat in your hand to keep your dog focused on your commands, not the reward. Eventually, they’ll respond without expecting food. Use treats as a random reward, so your dog learns to obey consistently, not just when a treat is visible.

With consistency, structure, and the right tools, training becomes a natural part of life—and builds a stronger bond between you and your dog.