04/05/2026
Are you getting a New Puppy?
As promised, a few weeks ago, here are some helpful tips to get you started.
The secret to a well-behaved dog isn’t complicated — it’s simple: Your dog should want to be with you. That’s the foundation everything else is built on.
Don’t Rely on “Socialising” Alone
A common mistake is thinking a puppy needs to spend lots of time with other dogs and people straight away. Yes, exposure matters — but not at the expense of your relationship.
If your puppy finds other dogs more exciting than you, you’ve already made things harder.
Instead:
Teach your dog that you are the most rewarding thing in its world.
Build Engagement Early
Start with simple, fun interactions that make your puppy naturally choose you.
Move away and encourage your pup to follow you.
Play short, engaging games together.
Keep sessions positive and brief.
You want your dog thinking:
“Where you go, I want to go.”
Stop Chasing Your Dog.
If you’re constantly running after your puppy, you’re teaching it the wrong lesson.
Flip it around.
Walk or jog away from your pup.
Let it come to you.
Reward that choice with attention or play.
This builds natural recall without forcing it.
Use Simple Games to Reinforce Focus.
One easy but powerful exercise:
Hide from your puppy (safely).
Step out of sight briefly.
Let them look for you.
Reward them when they find you.
This encourages awareness and keeps their attention on you.
Start Lead Work Early.
Don’t wait until your dog is bigger and harder to manage.
Teach from the start that:
Walking beside you is normal.
Keep it relaxed and consistent — no pulling, no battles.
Give Your Puppy a Space of Its Own.
A crate can be a really useful tool when used properly.
It should be: A calm, safe space, somewhere the dog can relax and not used as punishment, consider it as the dogs area. This helps with routine, boundaries, and settling.
Final Thought
You don’t need complicated methods.
If your dog enjoys being with you and pays attention to you, training becomes much easier.
Get that part right early — and everything else follows.
