13 Puppy Do’s and Don’ts

Bringing home a puppy is pure joy—but it’s also a big responsibility.

From their first wag to their curious mischief, this stage is crucial for shaping good habits and building trust.

Ready to raise a happy, well-behaved pup? Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How early socialization creates a well-adjusted dog.
• Why patience and routine are the secret to training success.
• The must-do habits to encourage—and the ones to avoid.
• How bonding and trust form the foundation of loyalty.

With these tips, you’ll give your puppy the best possible start!

---

13 Puppy Do’s and Don’ts

---

1. Do: Start Socializing Early

Socialization is one of the most important things you can do for your puppy.

From 8 to 16 weeks, puppies are more receptive to new experiences.

This window is key to building confidence and reducing future anxiety.

Gradually introduce your puppy to different people, animals, sounds, and environments.

Offer treats and praise to make these interactions positive.

Tip: For socialization, have short playdates with vaccinated puppies or calm adult dogs.

Real-Life Example: Milo, a young Labrador, initially seemed nervous around new people.

With gradual socialization and treats for every calm interaction, he became more comfortable.

Thanks to early socialization, Milo now confidently meets new people and animals.

You might also like: 13 Worst Dog Treats In 2025 (Avoid #7 At All Times)

2. Don’t: Overwhelm Your Puppy with Too Much at Once

While early socialization is essential, it is important not to do too much too fast.

Overwhelming a puppy can lead to fear, stress, or even aggression.

Introduce new experiences one at a time.

Watch your puppy’s body language to make sure they are comfortable.

If they seem anxious or overwhelmed, give them a break.

Quick Tip: Let your puppy retreat to a quiet space when they need a break to process new experiences.

Example: When Stella’s owner first took her to a dog park, she seemed scared by the large number of dogs.

After small playdates with one or two calm dogs, Stella’s confidence grew.

Now, she enjoys the dog park in short, controlled visits.

3. Do: Begin Basic Training from Day One

Training doesn’t have to wait.

Start teaching simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” right from the beginning.

Puppies are quick learners, especially when they’re rewarded with treats and praise.

Basic training builds trust and good habits in your puppy.

Bonus Insight: Starting early helps with complex commands later.

Essential Puppy Training Cues:

• Sit: Useful for calming your puppy and establishing basic obedience.
• Stay: Teaches patience and self-control.
• Come: Ensures your puppy’s safety, especially in outdoor settings.

Training Tip: Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) and make them fun with treats and praise. Consistency and positivity go a long way in building good habits.

Today’s Featured Article: 101 Ways To Calm Down An Overly Excited Dog (#77 Works Instantly)

4. Don’t: Use Punishment-Based Methods

Using punishment-based training can create fear and confusion.

Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.

Redirect unwanted behavior, such as chewing on furniture, instead of scolding your puppy.

Did You Know? Studies show that positive reinforcement is best for long-term behavior.

It also strengthens your bond with your puppy.

5. Do: Establish a Routine

Puppies thrive on structure and consistency.

Creating a routine helps them know what to expect, which reduces stress.

Establish regular times for meals, potty breaks, play, and naps.

Pro Tip: A consistent routine helps house train dogs and build their security.

Example: Lina, a poodle, was house trained faster than expected.

Her owner had a strict schedule for bathroom breaks.

Lina learned quickly, reducing stress for both her and her owner.

6. Don’t: Expect Instant Success with House Training

House training takes time, patience, and a lot of consistency.

Set up a regular potty schedule, and don’t expect your puppy to be fully trained overnight.

Celebrate every success with praise and treats to encourage their progress.

Quick Tip: Accidents will happen. Stay positive—they’re part of learning.

House Training Tips:

• Nighttime Potty Breaks: Set an alarm to help your puppy avoid accidents.
• Training Pads: If you use training pads, gradually move them toward the door to teach your puppy where to go.

7. Do: Provide Plenty of Chew Toys

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and chewing is a natural part of development.

Chew toys help with teething and prevent them from nibbling on things they shouldn’t.

Offer a variety of safe, durable chew toys that your puppy can enjoy.

Bonus Tip: Rotate toys regularly to keep them interesting and prevent boredom.

Teething and Chewing Phases:

• Why Puppies Chew: Teething and curiosity drive puppies to chew.
• Chewing Solutions: Frozen chew toys can help relieve teething discomfort.
• Redirecting: Teach the “leave it” command early on to prevent destructive chewing.

Reading tip: 17 Worst Dog Food Brands In 2025 (Avoid #3 At All Times)

8. Don’t: Allow Chewing on Household Items

If you allow your puppy to chew on shoes or furniture, it can quickly become a habit.

Redirect them to a chew toy if you catch them chewing on something that is off limits.

Teaching them “leave it” early on helps prevent destructive behavior.

Did You Know? Puppies learn through repetition, so consistent redirection is key.

Example: Max chewed on shoes.

His owner quickly redirected him to a designated chew toy each time.

Within a few weeks, Max learned what was off-limits, avoiding future destructive behavior.

9. Do: Encourage Gentle Play

Teaching your puppy gentle play helps avoid rough or aggressive behavior.

Encourage them to play with toys rather than with their hands or feet.

If your puppy nips, stop playing immediately and redirect it to a toy.

Pro Tip: Reward calm, gentle behavior with treats and praise to reinforce it.

Puppy Play and Exercise Routine:

• Exercise Needs: Short, gentle play sessions are ideal to avoid overexertion.
• Mental Games: Play hide-and-seek with treats to tire your puppy. It’s as important as physical exercise.

10. Don’t: Ignore Signs of Anxiety or Fear

It’s important to recognize when your puppy feels anxious or scared.

Signs of anxiety can include tucked tails, flattened ears, or hiding.

Addressing these early can help prevent long-term behavioral issues.

Slowly desensitize your puppy to triggers. Use treats and praise to create positive associations.

Quick Tip: Watch your puppy’s body language and respond calmly to help them feel secure.

Example: Lucy the puppy, was scared of loud noises.

So, her owner desensitized her by playing calming sounds and offering treats.

Over time, Lucy became less fearful and more resilient to everyday noises.

Editors Pick: 7 Scents To Deter Your Dog From Peeing

11. Do: Make Vet Visits a Positive Experience

Early vet visits can be stressful for puppies.

Turn each visit into a positive experience by bringing treats and offering praise.

Practice handling exercises. For example, gently touch your puppy’s paws and ears. This will prepare them.

Bonus Insight: A good vet visit will ease future trips for you and your puppy.

12. Don’t: Wait Too Long to Start Crate Training

Crate training provides a safe space for your puppy and helps with house training.

Introduce the crate gradually, using treats and comfort items to make it inviting.

Crate training promotes independence. It helps puppies feel secure in their space.

Pro Tip: Think of the crate as a “puppy den”—a place where they can relax and feel safe.

Crate Training Benefits:

• Supports stress-free travel and vet visits.
• Creates a secure space where puppies can relax independently.

13. Do: Prioritize Bonding and Building Trust

Bonding with your puppy is essential for a happy, healthy relationship.

Spend time with them every day, engage in play, and offer lots of praise.

This time builds trust and helps your puppy look to you for guidance.

Did You Know? A strong bond early on sets the foundation for a lifetime of loyalty and companionship.

Games for Bonding:

• Tug-of-War: Great for bonding as long as you allow the puppy to “win” sometimes.
• Hide-and-Seek with Treats: Builds trust and keeps your puppy mentally stimulated.
• Rewarding Bonding Moments: Use praise and petting to make every bonding experience positive.

Additional Tips for Common Puppy Behaviors

• Puppy Biting: Redirect nipping to a toy, then reward them for stopping.
• Jumping on People: Ignore jumping and reward all four paws on the floor to discourage this habit.
• Whining: Don’t respond to it. Instead, reward quiet moments to reinforce calmness.
• Separation Anxiety: To ease your puppy’s anxiety, briefly leave them alone with a treat in their crate.

By slowly adding short alone times, your puppy will learn that it’s safe.

This will prevent separation anxiety later.

Recommended Read: 13 Toxic Foods for Dogs (Avoid #9 Like The Plague!)

Recognizing Signs of Progress

As you follow these do’s and don’ts, you’ll start to see signs that your puppy is learning and adapting:

• Less Chewing on Furniture: Redirecting them to chew toys starts paying off.
• Improved House Training: Fewer accidents as they settle into a potty routine.
• Calmer Vet Visits: Your puppy becomes more comfortable with handling and visits.
• Gentle Play: Reduced nipping or rough play as your puppy learns boundaries.

Keep track of your puppy’s progress, celebrating each small step along the way.

With time, these behaviors become lifelong habits.

Tracking Progress Tip: Consider keeping a small journal of your puppy’s milestones.

This can help you see patterns, adjust training, and celebrate progress.

Conclusion

Raising a puppy is an amazing journey. It has both joy and challenges.

By following these 13 do’s and don’ts, you’re setting the foundation for a well-behaved, happy dog.

Remember, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are your best tools.

Each interaction helps build trust, confidence, and a strong bond with your puppy.

Are you ready to give your puppy the best start in life?

Start using these tips today. Enjoy the journey as your puppy grows into a loyal companion for years to come.

With the right guidance, your puppy will become a loving, well-mannered friend. 

He’ll be ready to share a lifetime of joy with you.

---

⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)

A: Chicken
B: Beef
C: Pork
D: Fish
E: Vegetables

Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.

==> Click Here To Discover #1 Dog Food To Avoid

---

⚠️ Top Trending Today