New Puppy for the New Year.
- Amys Mtn Dog Training
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
You have probably just recently brought your new puppy home. Everything is brand new for both your puppy and your world. This is the perfect time to start getting into the flow of an everyday routine.
Puppies go through a fear phase between 8–12 weeks old, which is often right around the time they come home. During this stage, they’re experiencing many changes—new people, new environments, and new expectations. Try to make this transition as calm and stress-free as possible.
Potty Training
Potty training is key at this stage. Start creating a consistent daily schedule right away. Take your puppy outside:
After eating
After playing
After naps
After training sessions
In the beginning, this usually means every 30 minutes to an hour. Consistency is what sets your puppy up for success.
Teething & Biting
Teething is another common behavior you’ll experience. Puppies explore the world with their mouths and will want to chew and bite everything.
When your puppy starts chewing on you, redirect them to an appropriate toy or chew. You can also begin working on basic cues to shift their focus from biting to training, helping them learn what is acceptable.
Crate Training
A crate should be a safe, comfortable place where your puppy can relax. Crate training is extremely helpful for:
Potty training
Preventing destructive chewing
Keeping your puppy safe when you can’t supervise
If you take your puppy outside and they don’t go potty, bring them back inside and place them in the crate for a few minutes. Then try again. Repeat as needed.
Crates are also useful when you leave the house for extended periods, ensuring your puppy stays safe and out of trouble.
Basic Obedience (Early Puppy Stage)
Your puppy can start learning basic skills right away, including:
Start teaching your puppy their name immediately. Say their name, and when they look at you, reward them with a treat. Practice this throughout the day to build attention and connection.
The Second Fear Phase & Teenage Puppy Stage
Your puppy will go through a second fear phase between 5–6 months old. During this time, they’re experiencing significant physical, mental, and emotional changes. Once again, the goal is to make this phase as calm and stress-free as possible.
Welcome to Adolescence
You have now entered the teenage stage, also known as adolescence. This phase typically begins around 5–6 months and can last until 1½ to 2 years old, when your dog reaches full maturity.
During adolescence:
Socialization is extremely important to prevent reactivity toward other dogs or people
This is often when reactivity begins to show
Your puppy still needs your love, patience, and support
It may also feel like your puppy has forgotten everything they’ve learned. Don’t worry—this is normal. Continue reinforcing the skills they already know, and consistency will pay off.
Potty Training & Teething (Adolescent Stage)
By this age, your puppy should be almost fully potty trained. If accidents happen, simply return to the basics and tighten up your routine.
Teething may still be happening but should be improving. Continue offering appropriate chew toys and redirection.
Jumping & Counter-Surfing
As your puppy grows, you may start noticing new behaviors such as jumping on people.
Your puppy may also begin counter-surfing. Be proactive by keeping counters clear and pushing items out of reach. Teach your puppy to stay off counters by directing them to lay on their bed. If your puppy jumps up, calmly say “off.”
Basic Obedience (Next-Level Training)
By this stage, your puppy should be able to:
Sit
Lay down
Stay
Come
Leave it
Pay attention to you
Now you’re ready to move into next-level training, such as:
Heeling on a leash
Improved listening skills
Distraction training
If you’re not quite sure how to advance your training, we have the perfect class to help guide you and your puppy through this stage successfully.
