What to Focus on When You Bring a New Puppy Home

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Many new puppy

Raising a puppy is equal parts fun and patience.

parents worry that they only get one chance to “do it right.” The truth is, raising a well-adjusted dog is a lifelong journey, and you don’t have to teach everything at once.

In the first few weeks, here are the three areas we recommend focusing on with your puppy.

1. Potty Training

Potty training is about teaching your puppy where it’s appropriate to go to the bathroom. Since puppies have tiny bladders and little muscle control, they need to go often—and not always with much warning.

Tips for successful potty training:

• Take your puppy outside frequently (or to a designated indoor potty area).

• Use consistent surfaces (grass, mulch, rock, or a potty patch) so your puppy develops the right “surface preference.”

• Avoid pee pads if possible—carpet can feel too similar, making accidents more likely.

• Stick to the motto: “When in doubt, get puppy out!”

  
  

Patience and consistency are key. Every family is different, so choose a potty training system that works for your lifestyle.

👉 Want step-by-step potty training guidance? Inside our Dog Training+ App you’ll find detailed potty training information and sample schedules to help you stay consistent.

2. Puppy Socialization

Socialization means helping your puppy safely experience the world and build positive associations. Puppies have a critical socialization window from 3–14 weeks old, which is the best time to create confidence in new situations.

Socialization isn’t just about other dogs or people. It also includes exposure to:

• Surfaces (wood floors, grass, gravel, sand)

• Sounds (vacuum, traffic, fireworks recordings)

• Grooming and handling

• New sights and smells

  
  

The goal is positive experiences, not just exposure. Use treats generously so your puppy learns “new things = good things.” And remember: observing from a safe distance counts, and can sometimes be better than getting up close. For example, a puppy who calmly watches a skateboard go by while eating treats is socializing successfully.

Puppy socialization classes with certified trainers can also help your pup learn safely and give you confidence in reading body language.

💡 In the Dog Training+ App, you’ll find a “Puppy Socialization Checklist” with ideas to track your pup’s progress and make socialization stress-free.

3. Bonding and Having Fun

Raising a puppy isn’t just about training, it’s also about building a relationship. Many new guardians experience the “puppy blues” (feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or even regretful). That’s normal.

To strengthen your bond:

• Play together every day.

• Notice and savor joyful moments (puppy breath, snuggles, silly games).

• Let go of perfection—mistakes are part of learning.

• Take breaks when needed, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or a professional trainer.

  
  

Bonding reduces stress for both you and your puppy and makes training easier down the road.

Final Thoughts

Your puppy doesn’t need to master “sit” or “stay” right away. Focus on potty training, socialization, and bonding during the first few weeks at home. Dogs can learn new skills at any age, but these foundations set you both up for a lifetime of success together.

If you’d like structured, positive reinforcement-based support, download our Dog Training+ App.  You’ll get access to puppy training plans, socialization checklists, expert tips, and more—all in your pocket.