Feeling overwhelmed with a new puppy? Start with these five things
You pictured cuddles on the couch and little walks together. Instead, you are cleaning up another puddle, rescuing your slippers and trying to work out why your puppy gets so bitey just as you sit down.
You can love your puppy and still find these early weeks hard.
There is a lot to learn, and it can feel as though everyone has a different opinion. Start by making everyday life a little more manageable. You do not need to teach everything this week.
1. Make your home easier to manage
Look at the moments that keep going wrong. Is your puppy finding shoes in the hallway? Grabbing washing from the basket? Getting into another room to toilet while you are busy?
Put tempting items away and use a puppy-safe area where you can supervise more easily. A baby gate or playpen may help, provided your puppy feels comfortable there. Introduce it while you are nearby and keep the first experiences short and pleasant.
Have suitable toys ready in the rooms where you spend time together. It is much easier to offer something appropriate to chew when it is already within reach.
If your puppy becomes upset behind a barrier, make the setup easier. Stay closer or try a different arrangement.
2. Build a simple toilet routine
Rather than waiting for an accident, offer regular toilet opportunities, especially after waking, eating and playing.
Go with your puppy to their toilet spot. When they finish, say “Yes” and reward them straight away, while you are still there.
Keep an eye out for changes such as sniffing, circling or wandering away from an activity. These can be your prompt to head outside.
Accidents are information. If one happens shortly after play, try taking your puppy out sooner next time. Clean the area thoroughly and adjust your routine rather than telling them off.
A brief note on your phone can help you spot patterns without needing a complicated schedule.
3. Leave room for rest
A day full of visitors, play and new experiences can be a lot for a young puppy.
Build quiet periods into the day. Offer a comfortable resting space where your puppy can settle without people constantly approaching, touching or waking them.
If they become particularly mouthy after a busy spell, consider what they might need. Have they had a toilet break? Are they hungry, uncomfortable or ready for some quiet time?
You do not have to fill every awake moment with entertainment. Sitting nearby while your puppy rests can be part of getting used to life together.
4. Notice the little things your puppy gets right
It is easy to give your puppy attention when they grab something or jump up. Try to notice the quieter moments too.
Perhaps they choose their own toy, look towards you or keep all four paws on the floor when you approach. Reward those moments with something they enjoy.
At Graceful Little Paws, we use the marker word “Yes”. To introduce it, say “Yes”, then immediately give your puppy a small treat. Repeat a few times in a quiet space.
Once it is familiar, use it to mark a behaviour you want to reward: your puppy looks at you, you say “Yes”, then you give a treat.
Keep practice short and easy enough that you both enjoy it.
5. Get support before you feel stuck
You do not need to wait until a behaviour feels unmanageable to ask for help.
Puppy school gives you time to ask questions, watch exercises being demonstrated and practice with guidance. It can also help you work out what matters now and what you can build on later.
Our four-week Puppy Preschool in Preston is for puppies aged 8–15 weeks at their first class. We use positive reinforcement and cover practical topics such as biting, toilet training, socialisation, settling and everyday manners.
Classes are held indoors at 220 High Street, Preston, with a maximum of seven puppies. You also receive weekly notes to help you continue at home.
If you are raising a puppy in Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury, Northcote or nearby, I would love to help you feel more confident about the next steps.