New puppy guide (0-6 months)
The first weeks home set the behavioral and health foundation. Three priorities: uninterrupted vaccine schedule, don't waste the socialization window, establish rules from day one.
Week 1
Quiet 24 hours on arrival (stress period), no over-handling. Confirm vaccine progress (vet assessment). Start toilet training day one: after meals/naps/play, carry to the same spot, reward success.
Socialization window (3-14 weeks)
The critical behavioral development window. Safe exposure: different surfaces, sounds (hairdryer/doorbell/traffic), people (elderly/children/hats), other vaccinated calm dogs. Pair every experience with treats = positive memory.
Alone training
Short alone periods from day one (5 minutes), gradually extended. Prepare a safe area (pen + mat + water + toys). Don't make a fuss about leaving or arriving.
Basic training
Name response β sit β wait β recall. Sessions 3-5 minutes, multiple times daily. Treat-based positive reinforcement only.
π‘ Key takeaways
- βNo unknown dogs or public grass before vaccines complete (but don't delay socialization)
- βNight whining: warm towel + ticking clock simulates littermates
- βFurniture rule from day one (hard to change later)
- βWeekly weight records during puppyhood
FAQ
When can we go outside?
2 weeks after the second vaccine (~12-14 weeks). Until then, carry the puppy out for socialization without touching ground.
Crying all night the first night?
Normal β just left mother and littermates. Warm towel + ticking clock, crate near your bedroom, gradually move further. Most settle in 3-7 days.