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All About Puppies: Your First Week Guide from an Alexandria Dog Trainer

golden retriever puppy

Bringing a Puppy Home is Exciting… and Overwhelming


A new puppy is adorable, but it also means accidents on the carpet, sleepless nights, and endless questions. When should you start training? How do you socialize safely? What should you expect at each stage of development?

As a dog behaviorist in Northern VA, I’ve helped countless families through those first weeks. This guide, based on my All About Puppies podcast episode, will give you the clarity you need to start off right.


Step One: Prepare Before Puppy Arrives

Preparation is the secret to making week one smoother. Here’s what to have ready before the big day:

  • Crate: Your puppy’s safe den and key tool for house training

  • Potty Plan: Decide on a routine and outdoor potty spot before your puppy comes home

  • Chew Toys: Redirect chewing from shoes and furniture

  • Food and Bowls: Consistency matters—pick a feeding schedule and stick to it

  • Vet Appointment: Book early to keep vaccines and health checks on track

  • SLEEP: Your puppy needs 18-20 hours of sleep per day

Local Tip: In Alexandria VA, many owners start their first puppy walks in quieter neighborhoods or parks like Ben Brenman Park for safe exposure.

Step Two: Training Starts Immediately


One of the most common questions I hear is, “When should I start training my puppy?” The answer is simple—day one.


Training at this stage does not mean formal obedience drills. It means shaping everyday habits:

  • Reward calmness, not chaos

  • SLEEP SLEEP SLEEP your puppy needs around 18-20 hours of sleep per day. They will cry in the crate. This is normal- Let them be.

  • Take them outside every 45 to 60 minutes and praise when they potty in the right spot

  • Introduce the leash indoors with short sessions

  • Practice immediatly teaching their name with food. They don't need to learn "sit" as the first exercise. It's pretty useless for puppy training but being able to recall is extremely helpful

  • Watch THIS VIDEO on what a dog trainer teaches their puppy first


These micro lessons build the foundation for everything that follows.


A Closer Look at Teething


Between three and six months of age, puppies begin losing their baby teeth and cutting adult teeth. This stage can be uncomfortable and often leads to an increase in chewing, nipping, and even whining.


Tips to make teething easier:

  • Offer frozen Kongs or rubber toys to soothe sore gums

  • Keep a rotation of chew toys so your puppy does not get bored

  • Supervise closely and redirect chewing away from furniture or shoes

  • Avoid tugging games that may put stress on loose baby teeth

  • WATCH THIS VIDEO TO HELP TEETHING

Watch this video for more help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udFBBk_uClw

Step Three: Understand Puppy Development Stages


Knowing what to expect keeps you from feeling blindsided.

  • 8 weeks to 3 months: Bonding, trust building, crate training, housebreaking

  • 3 to 6 months: Testing boundaries, increased independence, learning basic commands

  • 6 months to 12 months: Adolescence. Focus becomes harder, consistency may feel like it disappears, patience is essential

Every stage comes with its own challenges. When you understand them, you can guide instead of react.


Step Four: Socialization Done Right


“Socialize your puppy” is advice you will hear everywhere, but the way you do it matters.


True socialization is calm exposure to the world, not throwing your puppy into overwhelming situations.


  • Introduce new sounds like traffic or kids playing at a distance

  • Let them observe other dogs calmly from across the street before engaging

  • Explore new surfaces like grass, gravel, or wood floors

  • Keep interactions short, positive, and safe


This approach prevents fear and builds confidence.


Step Five: Address Common Puppy Challenges


Every puppy chews, barks, and tests boundaries. Here is how to respond:

  • Chewing: Provide safe toys and redirect immediately when chewing the wrong item

  • Barking: Teach calmness by rewarding quiet behavior rather than shouting back

  • Nipping: End play when teeth make contact and redirect to toys

  • Pulling: Begin leash skills indoors where distractions are minimal


Correcting these behaviors early prevents them from turning into lifelong struggles.


Step Six: Surviving Adolescence


By six months, puppies enter their teenage stage. Owners often feel frustrated here because progress seems to stall or even backslide.

This is when your consistency matters most. Stick to routines, keep reinforcing what your puppy already knows, and remind yourself that adolescence is temporary. A calm, steady approach now creates a reliable adult dog later.


Key Takeaways for New Puppy Owners in Northern Virginia


  • Preparation before your puppy comes home makes the first week easier

  • Training starts immediately with structure and small lessons

  • Socialization should be controlled and calm, not overwhelming

  • Common challenges like chewing and barking are normal but need redirection

  • Adolescence requires consistency and patience


Final Thoughts and Next Steps


The first week with a puppy is not about perfection, it is about creating structure and confidence that lasts a lifetime. Whether you live in Alexandria, Arlington, or anywhere in Northern Virginia, early guidance sets the stage for success.


If you want hands-on help with your new puppy, explore my Puppy Head Start and In-Home Training Programs here at Pack Leader Help. Together, we can turn the chaos of puppyhood into calm routines and lasting results.


Cheers,

Brianna Dick

Owner & Head Trainer

Pack Leader Help

 
 
 

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