Every year, thousands of puppies join families over the holidays bringing joy, chaos, and, by February, a whole lot of head-scratching from their new humans. "Why is my puppy biting everything (including me)? Why won't they listen? Why do they pee on the rug right after being outside?"
According to Sarah Rutten, force-free dog training expert and founder of The Canine Perspective, these early weeks are critical for setting puppies up for a lifetime of good behaviour, without outdated punishments, confusion, or frustration.
"The first two weeks can make or break your relationship with your pup," Sarah says. "Start off right, and you'll prevent a whole heap of headaches down the track."
Sarah, a straight-talking advocate for force-free training, shares her top do's and don'ts for the first 14 days with a new puppy, so overwhelmed pet guardians can breathe easy and build a strong foundation from day one.
The Do's: Setting Your Pup Up for Success
Establish a routine – Your pup doesn't need a rigid schedule, but predictability helps! Take them out for toilet breaks after naps and meals to make toilet training click faster.
Reinforce the good stuff – If your puppy is calmly lying down, reward it! Too often, we ignore the good and only focus on 'fixing' problem behaviours. Show your pup what you do want!
Introduce new experiences (safely!) – Socialisation is crucial, but make sure it's positive. Worried about vaccines? Carry your pup and expose them to sights and sounds safely.
Let them rest – Puppies need a lot of sleep! Ensure they have quiet time and discourage kids from constantly handling them.
Be patient and consistent – Puppies are learning a whole new world. Keep cues consistent and avoid overloading them with rules all at once.
Give them time to adjust – Leaving their littermates is a huge change. Stay with them as much as possible for the first two weeks before slowly introducing alone time.
Keep their diet stable – Changing food too soon can cause tummy troubles. If you want to switch their diet, do it gradually.
Puppy-proof your home – Shoes, cables, and anything chewable should be out of reach.
Provide appropriate chew toys – Puppies bite—it's how they learn about the world! Redirect them to appropriate chew toys rather than punishing them for mouthing.
Enrol in a force-free puppy class – Training isn't about 'fixing' your dog—it's about teaching you both how to communicate.
Consider pet insurance early – Vet bills can pile up fast! Getting insurance early prevents exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Introduce other pets slowly – Existing dogs and cats might not love the new addition immediately. Give them escape routes and safe spaces.
Have fun and get to know your pup – Every dog has their own personality, history, and instincts. Learn what makes your pup tick!
The Don'ts: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don't punish 'bad' behaviour – Punishment creates fear, not learning. Puppies aren't 'misbehaving'—they just don't know the rules yet!
Don't overwhelm them – New experiences should be introduced gradually. Rushing can cause anxiety and stress.
Don't force handling – Get your puppy comfortable with being touched slowly—don't just grab their paws or ears and expect them to love it!
Don't expect too much too soon – Your pup is just a baby. Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun.
Don't ignore stress signals – A stressed pup might yawn, lick their lips, or avoid eye contact. Learn to read their signals and give them space when needed.
Don't leave them alone for hours on end – Arrange for someone to be with them during the first couple of weeks, and ease into alone time gradually.
Sarah Rutten believes that the best dog guardians aren't the ones who have 'perfect' dogs—but the ones who take the time to understand their dog's needs. "Training is about building a relationship, not just teaching cues," she says. "If you listen to your dog and guide them with kindness, you'll get the kind of companion people dream of—without the stress and struggle."
Sarah is about to welcome a new puppy into her own home, once again giving her firsthand experience with all the joys (and challenges!) that come with raising a young dog and she will be sharing her journey with her puppy with her social media following.
Sarah Rutten has also written a book, The Canine Perspective, which includes an entire chapter dedicated to puppy training. In addition to her book, she offers training courses including 'Online Puppy School' and other expert-led programs to help dog guardians navigate puppyhood with confidence.
Key Facts:
Force-free dog training methods
How to set up for success with a new puppy
About us:
Sarah Rutten is not just another dog trainer—she's a thought leader pushing for real change in how humans and dogs understand each other. With a no-nonsense, science-backed approach, she's on a mission to educate dog owners, challenge outdated training myths, and advocate for ethical, force-free methods that strengthen the human-dog bond.
