There's no stage of a dog's life Lilli loves training more than puppyhood. It's where foundations are built, habits are formed, and the earliest version of your dog's future temperament starts to take shape.
It's also the stage where small choices add up fast. The puppy who's allowed to jump on guests at 10 weeks becomes the 70-pound dog who knocks over grandma at a year. The good news? The same is true in reverse. A few weeks of the right structure now can save you years of fixing problems later.
Here's where to focus first.
1. Potty training
Potty training is about routine more than anything else. Take your puppy out after every meal, nap, and play session, and first thing in the morning. Praise them the moment they go in the right spot. Accidents happen. When they do, clean up thoroughly and adjust the schedule, rather than scolding after the fact.
2. Crate training
A crate isn't a punishment. Done well, it becomes your puppy's safe, quiet space. It also makes potty training easier, keeps your puppy out of trouble when you can't watch them, and makes travel, vet visits, and boarding far less stressful later.
Start with short, calm periods and build up slowly. Feed meals in the crate. Make it the best spot in the house.
3. Socialization, done right
Socialization isn't about meeting every dog and every person. It's about calm, positive exposure to the world: new sounds, surfaces, places, and people, at a pace your puppy can handle.
A puppy who watches a busy parking lot calmly from a distance is learning more than a puppy being passed around by strangers. Quality matters more than quantity.
Ask your veterinarian when your puppy is protected enough to visit public places where other dogs spend time.
4. Confidence building
Confident puppies grow into confident dogs. Let your puppy explore new things at their own pace. Climbing onto a low step, walking on a wobbly surface, or hearing a new noise are all chances to learn that the world is safe and manageable.
5. Foundational obedience
Your puppy is never too young to start learning. Focus on the basics: responding to their name, coming when called, sitting, walking nicely on a leash, and settling calmly. Keep sessions short and fun. A few minutes several times a day beats one long session.
Las Vegas puppy tips
Raising a puppy in Las Vegas comes with a few extra things to think about.
Hot ground. Pavement and artificial turf can get hot enough to hurt young paws. Test the ground with the back of your hand. If it's too hot to hold there, it's too hot for your puppy.
Training indoors. On hot days, move training sessions inside. Short indoor sessions are a great way to keep building skills.
Busy shared spaces. Apartment hallways, elevators, and shared courtyards are great socialization opportunities. Practice calm behavior in them early.
Common puppy mistakes
Too much freedom, too soon. Free run of the house leads to accidents and chewing. Freedom is earned.
Waiting until they're "old enough." Training starts the day your puppy comes home.
Greeting every dog on walks. It can teach your puppy that every dog is a party, which can turn into leash frustration later.
Inconsistent rules. If one person allows jumping and another doesn't, your puppy learns that jumping sometimes works.
Puppy training options in Las Vegas
If you'd like professional help from the start, we offer two paths.
Raise & Train: your puppy lives with us during their most important developmental weeks. We focus on potty training, crate training, socialization, confidence building, and foundational obedience, through daily structure, enrichment, and positive experiences.
Private lessons: step-by-step coaching for you, while your puppy stays home. Each lesson builds on the last, with a plan built around your goals.
"She raised my puppy during her first month home and then continued working with me through private lessons for months afterward." Samantha T.
The bottom line
The weeks you're in right now matter more than you think. Give your puppy structure, calm exposure, and clear expectations, and you're building the dog you'll live with for the next decade or more.
Not sure where to start? Every program begins with a free evaluation.