Training Tips & Socialization

Consistency is the key to potty training success. The more opportunities you give your puppy to succeed outside, the faster they will learn.

• Take your puppy outside immediately after waking up, after eating or drinking, after play, and before bed.
• Choose a consistent potty spot and take them there every time — the familiar scent helps encourage them to go.
• Use a simple, consistent cue word like 'go potty' as they are eliminating so they begin to associate the word with the behavior.
• Praise and reward immediately after they go in the right spot — timing matters.
• Supervise closely indoors. If you cannot watch your puppy, confine them to a crate or small, puppy-proofed area.
• Accidents will happen. Clean them up thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent. Never punish your puppy for accidents — they do not understand after the fact.
• Most puppies can hold their bladder for roughly one hour per month of age, plus one. A 2-month-old puppy needs a trip outside at least every 2–3 hours.

A crate is not a punishment — it is a safe, comfortable space that helps your puppy feel secure and prevents unsupervised mischief. Most puppies learn to love their crate when it is introduced gradually and positively.

• Introduce the crate slowly. Let your puppy explore it with the door open before closing them inside.
• Feed meals near or inside the crate to build positive associations.
• Start with very short periods inside the crate while you are home, and gradually increase the duration.
• Never use the crate as punishment.
• Make the crate comfortable with a soft bed and a safe chew toy or stuffed Kong.
• Puppies should not be crated for longer than they can reasonably hold their bladder. Young puppies need frequent breaks.
• Some whining when first crated is normal. Wait for a brief pause in whining before opening the door so you do not reward the behavior.

The socialization window — roughly 3 to 14 weeks of age — is the most important period for shaping how your puppy responds to the world. Positive experiences during this time have a lasting impact.

• Expose your puppy to a wide variety of people, including children, men, women, and people wearing hats, uniforms, or glasses.
• Introduce new sights, sounds, and surfaces gradually and at your puppy's pace. Watch for signs of stress and never force interactions.
• Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, avoid areas frequented by unknown dogs, such as dog parks and pet store floors. Carry your puppy or use a stroller for outings.
• Puppy classes with vaccinated puppies in a clean environment are a great socialization option once your veterinarian approves.
• Invite friends and family over to meet your puppy in a calm, positive setting.
• Expose your puppy to everyday sounds like the vacuum, dishwasher, TV, and traffic from a safe distance.
• Pair new experiences with treats and praise to build positive associations.

Helping your puppy become comfortable with alone time from the start is one of the kindest things you can do for them.

• Practice short absences from the very beginning, even when you are home. Step out of the room, then return calmly.
• Avoid making arrivals and departures overly dramatic. Calm, matter-of-fact goodbyes and hellos help your puppy learn that your leaving is not a big deal.
• Provide safe enrichment — a stuffed Kong, a chew, or a puzzle toy — when your puppy is in their crate or pen alone.
• Gradually increase the time your puppy spends alone so they build confidence at their own pace.
• If your puppy shows signs of significant distress when left alone, consult a veterinarian or certified trainer early — separation anxiety is much easier to address when caught early.