5 Things Every Puppy Owner Should Prioritise in the First 30 Days

By Bond and Behave – Puppy & Assistance Dog Training Support

Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s biggest joys — but the first month is also the most important period of your dog’s entire future. The habits, experiences, and skills your puppy learns now will shape their confidence, behaviour, and wellbeing for years to come.

Whether your puppy is destined to be a family companion or an assistance dog in training, these five priorities will set them up for success.

1. Early Socialisation – the Foundation of a Confident Dog

The first 12 weeks of your puppy’s life are a “super-learning window.”

During this time, positive exposure to the world helps prevent fear, anxiety, and reactivity later on.

Focus on gentle, calm introductions to:

• New people (different ages, movements, clothing)

• Other friendly, vaccinated dogs

• Everyday sounds (traffic, kitchen appliances, bins)

• New environments (parks, pavements, shops that allow dogs)

Socialisation isn’t about overwhelming your puppy — it’s about building confidence through safe, structured experiences.

Tip: Carry your puppy if they’re not fully vaccinated yet. Seeing and hearing the world still counts!

2. Reward-Based Learning – Start Good Habits Early

Your puppy is learning from the moment they arrive home.

Reward-based training builds trust, reduces stress, and creates behaviours you want your puppy to repeat.

Great first-week skills include:

• Responding to their name

• Coming when called

• Settling on a mat

• Appropriate play behaviour

• Gently introducing a loose-lead concept

Short, fun sessions are best — and using food rewards isn’t “spoiling,” it’s simply teaching effectively.

3. Handling and Grooming Practice – For a Stress-Free Future

Teaching your puppy that being touched is safe and enjoyable prevents issues later.

This is especially crucial for assistance dogs, who may need to cope with more handling in daily life.

Practice:

• Brushing and gentle touches on legs, ears, tail, paws

• Opening the mouth briefly

• Wearing a harness

• Calm, positive vet-style checks

Pair each experience with praise or treats.

A few seconds a day now prevents years of difficulty later.

4. Routine and Rest – The Secret to a Well-Behaved Puppy

Many behaviour struggles come from overtired puppies.

Young dogs need far more sleep than most people imagine — often 16–20 hours a day.

Create:

• Predictable nap times

• A calm bedtime routine

• A safe space like a crate or quiet room

• Regular opportunities for toileting, play, and rest

A puppy who sleeps well learns well.

5. Lets get on top of the toileting troubles!

Puppies will have accidents and that's OK! It's important to get started on your puppies toilet training as soon as they come home. Why not add a cue word like "Go Pee" or "Hurry Hurry" to make learning easier (and quicker)— and for assistance dogs, toileting on cue is especially important.

Focus on:

• Toileting your puppy on different surfaces (grass, slab, stones)

• Toileting your puppy in different areas (quiet areas, around distractions)

• Handle 'accident' frustrations calmly - Puppies don't know where is right to toilet, its up to us to teach them where is right, keep a cool head and ignore those toileting mistakes (getting angry/frustrated will only lead to your puppy feeling anxious and scared - this may lead to more accidents …. not less!)

  
  

• Make toileting outside enjoyable! (give praise - treats or cuddles, each time your puppy correctly toilets in the right area)

Remember this is all new to your puppy so patience and consistency is KEY!

Even if you don't think its working, keep going , it will all click in the end!

When to Get Professional Support

Every puppy is different. Some need extra help with confidence, guidance with socialisation, or support with specific behaviours.

At Bond and Behave, we specialise in:

• Early puppy development

• Preparing dogs for assistance roles

• Helping families build strong, trusting relationships with their dogs

• Tailored one-to-one guidance that meets each puppy’s unique needs

If you’d like help getting your puppy off to the best start, we’re here to support you.

Ready for Your Next Training Step?