How to Set Your Puppy Up for Success During the First 6 Months
Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You want to do everything right to help your puppy grow into a confident, well-mannered adult, but there’s so much information out there that it’s hard to know where to start.
Here’s the good news: focusing on the right priorities during the first six months will set your puppy up for a lifetime of success.
1.Socialization Done Right
The critical socialization window for puppies is before 16 weeks. During this time, it’s important to expose your puppy to a variety of sights, sounds, people, and environments in a safe, positive way.
Let your puppy meet friendly people of different ages.
Expose them to gentle handling of paws, ears, and collar.
Play recorded sounds like fireworks or thunderstorms at a low volume paired with treats.
Allow your puppy to see bikes, umbrellas, and different surfaces.
Remember, socialization is about positive exposure, not overwhelming your puppy. Let your puppy observe and choose to approach when they are comfortable.
2. Build Confidence Through Choice
Confidence doesn’t come from forcing your puppy into new situations; it comes from allowing your puppy to explore at their own pace.
Use treats and praise to encourage exploration.
Let your puppy retreat if they are unsure and try again later.
Play simple games like “treat toss” to build engagement in new environments.
3. Focus on Daily Life Skills
Your puppy doesn’t need a perfect “sit” on command yet, but they do need to learn how to live comfortably in your home and the world around them.
Practice settling on a mat while you cook or work.
Reward calm behavior when your puppy sees other dogs or people.
Encourage checking in with you on walks.
4.Prevent Unwanted Behaviors Before They Start
It’s much easier to prevent problem behaviors now than to fix them later.
Use baby gates and pens to manage your puppy’s freedom.
Provide appropriate chew items to protect your shoes and furniture.
Reward your puppy for pottying in the right place rather than punishing accidents.
5. Make Training Fun and Short
Training should feel like a game, not a chore. Keep sessions under 5 minutes and use your puppy’s meals as training opportunities.
Skills to start:
Name recognition
Attention to you around distractions
Gentle handling and collar touches
Coming when called
Remember: It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
Your puppy will make mistakes, and that’s normal. Focus on creating a positive learning environment where your puppy feels safe to try new things and build confidence.
The work you put in during these first six months will pay off for years to come, giving you a confident, connected, and well-adjusted companion.
Need personalized support for your puppy? We offer private sessions and puppy socialization guidance to help you set your puppy up for success!