So You Adopted a Puppy- Now What?!
You just added a new member to the family: an adorable puppy. At first, their cuteness helps them get away with everything. However, the non-potty-trained piranha who has you up every 2 hours to go out stops being so cute.
So, where do you start? Of course, scheduling a puppy consult with one of our awesome trainers is a great first step. But what should every puppy have, and what are the basics to set your new best friend up for success?
So here are our best tips for bringing a puppy home for the first time. We don’t claim to know it all, and of course, we’d love to have you attend one of our courses, but this is a great way to set you up for success in the meantime.
Areas of Focus For Your New Puppy
Puppies may be cute, but they require a lot of training.
The early weeks are critical for setting the foundation for a well-behaved, confident adult dog. Three key areas that every new dog owner should focus on are:
Crate Training
Potty Training
The Rule of 12 (Puppy Socialization)
Separation Anxiety Prevention and Muzzle Training.
Let’s walk through each of these so you and your puppy can start off strong.
1. Crate Training: Creating a Safe Space
Crate training your puppy will make everyone’s lives easier in the long run.
Crate training is one of the most effective tools for raising a puppy. Contrary to popular belief, crate isn’t a punishment. It’s a safe, den-like space where your puppy can relax, sleep, and feel secure, creating a safe space to keep your new puppy from wreaking havoc on your home and keeping them safe from potential dangers. Crate training is also important for vet and groomer visits down the line.
Benefits of Crate Training:
Helps with potty training (puppies won’t usually potty where they sleep)
Prevents chewing or destructive behavior when you can’t supervise
Builds independence and reduces separation anxiety
Prepares your dog for vet visits, travel, or boarding
Crate Training Tips:
Start slow: Let your puppy explore the crate with the door open. Use treats, toys, or meals to create positive associations.
Keep it short at first: Begin with a few minutes at a time and gradually increase duration. 1 hour per month of age until 6 months is a great tool.
Never use the crate as punishment.
Use the crate for naps and overnight sleep; consistency is key.
Do not let them out until they have settled down and are not crying.
Crates shouldn’t be oversized; they should be just big enough for your dog to stand up, sit down, and turn around without their back and body touching the sides.
Keep potential harmful items when ingested out of the crate at first, such as small toys, bones that can be swallowed, and beds with fluff material.
Think of the crate as your puppy’s bedroom, not a jail cell. It’s a must, especially if you want to keep your sanity in the early days of puppy parenthood!
2. Potty Training: Consistency Is Everything
Make sure you train your puppy properly on potty training.
Potty training is one of the first things every puppy needs to learn, and the faster you get consistent, the easier it is.
The Basics:
Take your puppy out frequently: first thing in the morning, after eating, after playing, after naps, and before bedtime. Establish a routine.
Use a consistent potty spot and reward immediately when they go in the right place. Use consistent language to queue the appropriate time and place to use the restroom.
Praise and treat within 1–2 seconds of them finishing; timing is everything. Make it a party, be over the top!
Keep a potty log if needed, especially during the first few weeks.
Accidents happen, make sure to treat the area with an enzyme cleaner to avoid future marking and smell association.
General Rule of Thumb:
A puppy can typically hold their bladder for 1 hour per month of age (e.g., a 2-month-old pup = 2 hours max). Overnight is an exception — some puppies can last longer, others may need a midnight trip.
Accidents happen, but avoid scolding. Instead, focus on supervision and routine.
3. The Puppy Rule of 12: Early Socialization Done Right
Ensuring your puppy is properly socialized is a must.
Socialization isn’t just about meeting other dogs. It’s about teaching your puppy how to confidently navigate the world. The Rule of 12 is a philosophy designed to expose puppies to a variety of experiences during their critical learning window (typically before 16 weeks of age).
The Puppy Rule of 12 Encourages Exposure To At Least:
12 different people (ages, sizes, ethnicities)
12 different surfaces (grass, wood floors, gravel, sand, etc.)
12 different sounds (vacuum, doorbell, traffic, thunder, etc.)
12 different environments (parks, vet office, car rides, pet stores)
12 different handling experiences (paws touched, ears cleaned, being picked up)
12 different animals (cats, other dogs, livestock if relevant)
The idea isn’t to overwhelm. It’s to introduce new things in a calm, positive way. Always pair new experiences with treats, toys, and praise so your puppy builds happy associations.
Well-socialized puppies grow into confident adult dogs who are less likely to develop fear, anxiety, or reactivity later in life.
4. Prevention of Separation Anxiety and Muzzle Training
Separation anxiety is one of the main things new puppy owners struggle to deal with in their dog.
Leaving your dog in the crate, with different people, and doing so often allows dogs to understand that you will always come home and establishes proper bonds.
Do not feed your puppy scraps from your plate or eat with them in the beginning.
Establish a positive association with being alone. Do not comfort your puppy every time they cry so they can establish self-confidence.
Try placing your puppy on a leash in the home, tethered to something where even at the longest part of the leash, your puppy can’t reach you. Use their dog bed as a comfy place to lie and encourage individual play with toys and taking a nap without contact.
Why Muzzle Training?
Often only seen for aggressive dogs, muzzle use for dogs is more common than you think.
Purchase a basket-style muzzle that they can eat and drink through.
Make it a game and positive, to associate it with something that, if used in the future, won’t cause stress.
Okay, but why muzzles? From groomers, vet visits, whether it’s routine or god forbid an emergency, dogs can be muzzled even without signs of aggression to protect animal professionals of all kinds. If they aren’t trained or familiar with a dog, it can cause unnecessary stress to a potentially already stressful situation.
Final Thoughts: Set the Foundation Now
Puppies are an amazing addition to any family; just make sure you’re prepared!
The first few months with your puppy are an opportunity you’ll never get back. By focusing on crate training, potty training, and intentional socialization through the Rule of 12 and completing it in the first 12 weeks you have your pup, you’ll lay the groundwork for a calm, well-adjusted companion for years to come.
If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. A professional trainer can guide you through these early stages, making the process smoother, faster, and more enjoyable for both you and your puppy.
Need help getting started with your new puppy? Contact us today to schedule a Puppy Foundations evaluation and set your dog up for success and lifelong confidence with NLR— right from the start.
