New puppy? Read this

🐾 The First Few Weeks Matter: Setting Your Puppy Up for Success 🐾

Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, overwhelming, and incredibly important. Those first few weeks lay the foundation for your dog’s confidence, behavior, and lifelong habits.

Here are the essential elements every puppy needs right from the start:

✔️ Structure & Routine

Predictable schedules for feeding, potty breaks, play, rest, and training help puppies feel secure and learn faster.

✔️ Clear Boundaries

Consistency matters. Decide early what is allowed and what isn’t — mixed messages create confusion and unwanted behaviors.

✔️ Socialization (Done Correctly)

Exposure to new people, surfaces, sounds, environments, and experiences builds confidence — without overwhelming the puppy.

✔️ Calm Leadership

Puppies thrive when they feel guided. Calm, confident handling teaches them how to navigate the world safely.

✔️ Early Training Foundations

Simple skills like name recognition, leash introduction, crate training, and engagement set the stage for advanced training later.

✔️ Rest & Decompression

Puppies need more sleep than most people realize. Proper rest prevents overstimulation and behavior issues.

Raising a puppy isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention, consistency, and doing things right from day one.

At Follow My Lead, LLC, we help owners build strong foundations that last a lifetime. 🐶💜