When you bring home a new puppy, it’s tempting to jump straight into obedience training. But here’s a better approach:
Focus the first five months on building your puppy’s confidence, routine, and relationship with you – not on perfecting obedience.
1. Crate & Potty Training First
Establishing structure early is essential.
Potty training prevents bad habits and builds mutual trust.
Crate training helps your puppy learn independence, rest, and calmness.
Both set the tone for a secure, well-behaved future dog.
Consistency and patience are key-routines are your best friend during this stage.
2. Confidence Before Commands
This is a sensitive period for your puppy-they’re learning how the world works.
Introduce new environments, sounds, people, and textures at a pace they can handle.
Encourage curiosity, but avoid overwhelming them.
Use positive experiences and calm exposure to build resilience.
A confident puppy is more likely to become a well-behaved adult.
3. Relationship Is Everything
Before asking your puppy to follow commands, earn their trust and attention.
Spend time playing, exploring, and setting gentle boundaries.
Teach them to look to you for guidance and safety.
The bond you build now makes obedience training much easier later on.
Connection before correction-always.
4. Obedience Can Wait
Of course, you can introduce basic commands like sit, come, and leash walking-but keep it light and fun.
Don’t expect robotic obedience during this stage.
Avoid over-correcting or pushing too hard too soon.
Let them make mistakes and learn at their own pace.
Focus on progress, not perfection.
Final Thoughts
The first five months are your chance to set the tone for a lifetime.
Build trust, shape confidence, and create routines. Obedience will come-when your puppy is ready. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries and expectations.
