You don't need to teach your puppy 20 commands in the first week. Focus on the ones that matter most for everyday life — and build from there.
Name Recognition
Say your puppy's name and reward them when they look at you. Do this dozens of times a day in short bursts. A dog that responds to their name is a dog you can communicate with.
Recall (Come)
Start indoors with minimal distractions. Call your puppy, reward them generously when they come. Never call your puppy to you for something unpleasant — you want "come" to always mean good things.
Place
Teaching your dog to go to a specific spot (a bed, mat, or cot) and stay there is one of the most useful skills you can build. It gives your dog a job and helps them settle when life gets busy.
Leash Manners
Walking nicely on a leash doesn't happen overnight. Start with short sessions and reward your puppy for staying near your side. If they pull, stop moving. They'll learn that pulling doesn't get them where they want to go.
Small daily wins add up fast. A few minutes of focused practice each day will give you a dog that's a joy to live with. 🐾