10/08/25:

The First 30 Days: What to Expect When You Bring Home a Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—experiences for any dog owner. The first 30 days are critical for setting the tone of your relationship and laying the foundation for a well-behaved, confident companion. At Dog’s Country K9 Training, we believe that preparation and consistency are key. Here’s what you can expect—and how to make the most of this special time.

Week 1 and 2: Settling In

What to Expect:

• Your puppy may be nervous, shy, or overly excited.
• Accidents are common as they adjust to their new environment.
• Sleep schedules may be unpredictable.
• Your puppy starts recognizing your voice and routines.
• Teething may begin—watch for chewing!
• Curiosity increases, along with energy levels.

Tips:

• Make sure you have a crate, do not place it in your bedroom. If the puppy whines and cries walk into the room, tell him "no", if he stops then give a treat. 
• Stick to a consistent feeding and potty schedule. For example: Potty every hour, take puppy on a leash to the same spot in the yard. When they go potty praise with "GOOD". 
• Begin gentle handling and bonding activities like hand-feeding and cuddling.
• Introduce basic commands like “sit” and “come.”
• Begin crate training and short leash walks.
• Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior.
• Start short training sessions (5–10 minutes).

🧠 Week 3/4: Training Foundations and Building Confidence

What to Expect:

• Your puppy is more confident and eager to explore.
• Behavioral patterns start forming—good and bad.
• Socialization becomes essential.
• Your puppy may test boundaries.
• You’ll see progress in potty training and basic commands.
• Energy levels peak—playtime is essential!

Tips:

• Introduce new people, sounds, and surfaces.
• Reinforce calm behavior inside and discourage jumping or nipping.
• Practice leash walking and recall in safe areas.
• Continue socialization with other dogs (vaccinated and safe).
• Enroll in a puppy training class to reinforce skills and build community.

💬 Final Thoughts

The first month with your puppy is all about patience, consistency, and love. Every pup is different, but with the right guidance, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they learn and grow. If you’re in the Nevada, TX area, we’d love to help you and your puppy start off strong with our personalized training programs.

08/20/25: Q: What age should I start training my puppy?
                  A: As early as 8 weeks! We offer puppy socialization & basic obedience classes to help and build a strong foundation.