Foundation skills

Take your puppy out after waking, eating, playing and every hour or two, plus last thing at night. Go to the same spot, stay calm, and reward with a treat and praise the moment they finish. Accidents are just information: clean with an enzyme cleaner to remove the smell and never scold, as that teaches puppies to hide when they go. Watch for sniffing and circling, which often means “I need to go now!”

A crate can be a cosy, safe retreat when introduced slowly. Make it comfy, feed meals inside and leave the door open at first. Toss in treats so your dog chooses to go in, then close the door for a few seconds, building gradually. Never use the crate as punishment, and don’t leave a dog in it for long stretches. If your dog cries or panics, go back a step.

Socialisation isn’t meeting every dog in the park. It’s helping your puppy feel calm about the world: people of all kinds, sounds, surfaces, vehicles, handling and calm dogs. Quality beats quantity. Let your puppy watch from a comfortable distance, pair new things with treats and let them retreat if worried. Before full vaccination, carry them out and about, and ask your vet about safe ways to meet the world.

Impulse control means pausing before acting – waiting at the door, not grabbing food, settling while you eat. It’s taught through games: a treat in your closed hand opens only when your dog backs off; the bowl lowers only while they stay sitting. Build patience a second at a time and reward calm generously. Self-control is a skill that grows with practice, and it’s tiring brain work, so keep it short.