When should I start training my puppy?

Honestly? Yesterday! Hopefully, you’ve been thinking ahead and prepping before your puppy even comes home. The moment they walk through your door, they’re learning — what’s allowed, what’s off-limits, and how this whole “human world” works. Focus first on structure, potty habits, crate time, and engagement — not strict obedience just yet. Think calm leadership and clear routines over commands for now. That’s the foundation everything else is built on.

They are so cute- I want to snuggle them! Can I let them sleep in the bed?

Not yet — give your puppy the gift of independence first. Start with crate sleeping to build safety, structure, and confidence. Think of it as teaching them how to self-soothe and settle without constant help. Stay consistent — comfort without rescuing. It’s normal for them to protest a bit at first, but that passes once they realize calm is what earns release. A few solid nights of routine now can save you months of chaos later.

How do I stop biting and nipping?

Puppies experience the world through their mouths (and noses) — it’s how they learn, explore, and even self-soothe. Studies from canine development experts show that puppies use their mouths to gather information about texture, pressure, and boundaries, much like human babies do with their hands.

So, when your puppy nips, it’s not aggression — it’s feedback and curiosity. Your job is to teach bite inhibition by calmly redirecting them. Offer a chew or toy the instant teeth touch skin, then remove your hands and attention for a few seconds. No yelling, no dramatic “ouch!” (that often amps them up).

Also, avoid rough play and overexcitement — elevated arousal makes biting worse. The calmer and clearer your energy, the faster your puppy learns that gentle mouths earn attention, and wild mouths lose it.

Bite inhibition taught now is one of the biggest predictors of a safe, confident adult dog later — so keep it consistent and calm.

How much exercise does my puppy really need?

Way less than you think. Most new owners worry about wearing their puppy out, but the goal is actually to help them learn to settle. A puppy’s joints, growth plates, and nervous system are still developing, so over-exercising can do more harm than good.

A good rhythm is short bursts of structured activity — leash walks, place work, puzzle toys, little bits of training — followed by calm rest. Think “play, potty, nap, repeat.” Puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep a day to grow properly and regulate their emotions. When they’re overtired, they act out — biting harder, zooming around, or “forgetting” their manners.

Let your puppy nap often, ideally in their crate or a quiet, predictable space. Structure gives their brain time to process what they’ve learned and keeps the household balanced. A mentally fulfilled puppy who rests well is calmer, more confident, and far easier to train.

How long can my puppy stay in a crate?

A good rule of thumb — about one hour per month of age, plus overnight sleep. So a 3-month-old pup can usually handle around 3 hours at a time. But remember, the crate isn’t doggy jail — it’s their den, their calm place to rest and reset.

Research from the American Veterinary Medical Association and animal behavior specialists backs this up: short, positive crate sessions actually reduce stress and destructive behavior by teaching puppies how to self-regulate. The key is balance — crate time should always be paired with regular potty breaks, exercise, and mental enrichment.

In other words, use the crate to create calm, not confinement. When done right, it becomes your best tool for peace and structure at home.

What’s the best schedule?

Think rhythm, not rigidity. Puppies learn fastest when their days feel predictable — eat, potty, play, rest, repeat. Studies on canine learning and cortisol regulation show that structured routines help puppies relax and actually learn better. Chaos keeps stress hormones high; calm repetition builds confidence and stability.

Start with potty breaks first thing in the morning, after meals, after play, and before bed. Feed on a schedule rather than leaving food out — it helps you predict potty times and teaches your pup that you set the rhythm.

Between those anchors, sprinkle in short training bursts and guided play, but protect nap time like it’s sacred (because it is). Puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep a day to process new experiences and regulate their emotions. A well-rested puppy learns faster and has fewer meltdowns.

When in doubt, zoom out: if your pup is wild, nippy, or ignoring you, it’s probably time for a nap, not another game. Calm structure creates balance — and balance brings the peace every home needs.

When can I start leash training?

Day one! Clip on a lightweight leash indoors and start teaching calm following and engagement right away. No dragging, no tug-of-war — just quiet direction and reward. The leash should feel like a conversation, not a battle. Be patient now; those slow, steady reps in the beginning build massive trust and smooth walking later.

What if my puppy doesn’t listen?

They’re not being stubborn — they’re confused or overstimulated.
Slow down the environment, simplify the task, and reward focus. Your job isn’t to force compliance; it’s to teach understanding. When your puppy feels safe and clear, obedience naturally follows.

❤️ Mandy’s Final Thought❤️

You’re not just teaching your puppy — you’re raising the future dog who’ll share your life. Keep sessions short, clear, and kind. Structure brings peace; consistency brings freedom.