Bringing a new puppy home is amazing, but it can also feel overwhelming. So much happens in a puppy\u2019s development during the first half-year, and it\u2019s easy to get the “puppy blues” when teeth are biting and housebreaking takes time. Here is a clear, month-by-month guide on what is most important to focus on during your puppy\u2019s first 6 months.<\/p>\n
A puppy’s first few months are often called the socialization period. Everything the dog experiences as positive and natural now lays the foundation for the rest of its life. It\u2019s not about hard training, but about building security.<\/p>\n
Development step by step:<\/p>\n
The focus is entirely on socialization\/environmental training, housebreaking, and getting to know your new family.<\/p>\n
Scenario:<\/b> The puppy pees on the rug indoors right after you’ve been outside, or whines as soon as you go to the bathroom.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n What to do:<\/b> Take it easy. The puppy’s bladder is tiny. Carry the puppy out after sleep, food, and play. Focus on building your role as a safe haven.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n This is when the puppy is most receptive to learning how to cooperate with you.<\/p>\n Scenario:<\/b> You call your puppy in the garden, but it has found an exciting stick and completely ignores your recall.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n What to do:<\/b> Reward spontaneous eye contact. Make yourself super interesting with meatballs or a fun toy so the puppy learns that choosing you always<\/i> pays off.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The puppy is getting stronger and more curious about the world, which is often noticeable on the leash.<\/p>\n Scenario:<\/b> The puppy lunges forward and pulls on the leash as soon as it sees another person or dog on the walk.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n What to do:<\/b> Practice walking nicely for short periods. Reward when the leash is slack and teach the puppy that it doesn’t have to run up to everyone and everything.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The hormones are slowly starting to wake up and the puppy is becoming more independent. Now we consolidate the alone training.<\/p>\n Scenario:<\/b> You leave the puppy alone for 10 minutes to take out the trash and come back to a chewed-up shoe or a sad puppy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n What to do:<\/b> Take a step back in training. Alone training must be done in tiny steps (start with seconds) when the puppy is already tired and content.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Prioritize sleep:<\/b> A puppy needs to sleep up to 18\u201320 hours per day. An overtired puppy bites pant legs, barks, and cannot concentrate.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Short sessions:<\/b> Train for a maximum of 1\u20132 minutes at a time. That is more than enough for a puppy’s brain.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n No punishments:<\/b> Scolding a puppy only creates insecurity and fear. Reward the behavior you want to see more of instead.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Socialize in peace and quiet:<\/b> Sit on a bench and watch cars, bicycles, and people without the puppy needing to greet them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Raising a puppy is a marathon, not a sprint. Some weeks it feels like everything is working, the next week the puppy has forgotten its own name. This is completely normal. Consistent and joyful training will yield results.<\/p>\n It is always easier to prevent problems than to train them away later. Join a class if:<\/p>\nMonths 3\u20134: Connection and everyday obedience<\/h3>\n
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Months 4\u20135: Loose leash walking and polite greetings<\/h3>\n
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Months 5\u20136: Alone training and the adolescent phase<\/h3>\n
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4 golden rules for puppy training<\/h2>\n
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How long does it take?<\/h2>\n
When is help needed?<\/h2>\n