
09/07/2025
It’s officially puppy season!
We want all puppies to be set up for success here at Darn Good Dogs Chicago, so here are 3 common mistakes we see new puppy owners make all the time!
(From over 30+ years of training experience!)
1. Not getting enough sleep (your puppy and you!)
Puppies need a LOT of rest, they actually need 18–20 hours a day. Without proper sleep, your pup can become cranky, bitey, and overstimulated. As well as creating a hyper adult dog with endless energy and no off-switch.
2. No routine in place from Day 1
Structure helps your puppy learn what’s expected and builds confidence fast. Dogs thrive on predictability. Skipping a routine makes potty training, crate training, and settling so much harder than it needs to be.
3. Letting your puppy greet everyone on walks
It seems harmless now, but greeting every person and dog can cause major frustration-based reactivity as your puppy grows. A dog that expects to say hi to everyone may struggle when they can’t, with pulling, barking, and whining becoming the norm on walks!
If you’re a busy Chicago dog owner with a new puppy and want to raise a confident, calm city dog - we designed our Puppy Training Programs are specifically for you.
💙In-home training, tailored to your busy schedule
💙Real-world skills to help your puppy thrive in city life
💙Force-free, science-backed support from certified trainers
Skip the guesswork, the conflicting online advice and the YouTube tutorials that leave you even more confused than before, instead
Want to work with us? Book a free Discovery Call today via our website https://go.darngooddogschicago.com/discovery to start building your dream life with your city companion!