New Puppy? Here’s How to Prevent Bad Habits Before They Start

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of welcoming a new puppy into your life. Those first days are full of possibility: you imagine the adventures ahead, the bond you’ll build, and the kind of dog they’ll grow up to be.

Many dog owners cross their fingers and think, “I hope I’ve got one of the good ones.” But as I’ve shared for decades, hope is not a training strategy.

I’ve owned dogs for more than 30 years. Every single one of them has been not just a good one, but a phenomenal one. Every single one of them I would describe as my ‘once in a lifetime dog.’ Yes, I have owned 11 once in a lifetime dogs, not because I got lucky, but because I was intentional about how I raised them.

Enjoying a deep connection with once-in-a-lifetime dogs is what I want everyone to be able to experience too.

In this post, I’m sharing the most common mistakes new dog owners make, and how you can avoid them using thoughtful structure, meaningful enrichment, and short, fun training games that grow your new puppy’s confidence, clarity, and connection with you.

Common New Puppy Training Mistake #1: Hoping They’ll Just “Turn Out Right”

It’s easy to fall into the mindset of waiting and seeing. Maybe you’re thinking, “My puppy will grow out of it,” or “They’ll figure it out with time.”

Many people give their puppies too much freedom too soon: letting them explore without supervision, roam the house freely, or greet everyone they meet. But when things like pulling on leash, barking, or ignoring recall show up later, it can feel overwhelming.

Why this creates problems:
Dogs learn through experience. If we don’t teach them what to do, they’ll practice behaviors we don’t want them to do. And the more they rehearse it, the better they get.

What to do instead:

• Set up your home with management tools (crate, ex-pen, leash indoors)
• Decide in advance what behaviors you want to reward and reinforce
• Plan short, daily training sessions using food and play

Common New Puppy Training Mistake #2: Allowing Rehearsals of Unwanted Behavior

Puppies who jump, bark, ignore recalls, or chew furniture aren’t being “bad”, they’re practicing. And every time they repeat those behaviors, they get better at them.

Why this creates problems:
The more a puppy rehearses a behavior, the harder it is to undo later.

What to do instead:

• Prevent access to temptation (baby gates, ex-pens, supervised time outside)
• Reward the behaviors you want (calmness, focus, responding to cues)
• Be ready to redirect before the behavior becomes a habit

Key Concept: All Behavior Is Communication

Puppies use behavior to tell us how they feel or what they need. For example:

• A nippy puppy might be overtired or understimulated
• Barking could signal stress, fear, or excitement
• Chewing might come from boredom or lack of enrichment

What to do:
Instead of labeling behaviors as “bad,” ask: What is my puppy trying to tell me? Then adjust the environment, routine, or reinforcement to meet that need appropriately.

Training Through Games: Why It Works

Puppies are curious learners. Our goal is to turn them into eager learners.

Game-based training turns learning into play, building emotional safety and long-term success. Games are short, fun, and highly effective at teaching skills like:

• Recall
• Focus
• Impulse control
• Crate comfort
• Confidence in new environments

Examples:

• “Chase Me” recall game
• Crate Games (builds control and confidence)
• Targeting and tug games for engagement

By using food, play, and praise strategically, we shape behaviors dogs want to repeat.

Enrichment: Meeting Your New Puppy’s Needs the Right Way

Without structured enrichment, puppies will seek their own outlets. These often become problems later, like: Digging holes, shredding furniture, barking at everything, fence fighting etc.

Good Enrichment Options:

• Supervised shredding (paper, cardboard)
• Food-dispensing toys or puzzles (like Nina Ottosson)
• Nosework and treat-search games
• Short training sessions with variety
• Calm chewing on appropriate objects (e.g., stuffed Kongs or Toppl’s)

Guidelines:

• Choose safe, supervised activities
• Rotate enrichment to prevent boredom
• Use it as a tool for calm behavior

Structure: The Foundation of Success

Many problem behaviors start from too much freedom, too soon. Puppies don’t know the rules unless we teach them. And the best way to do that is by being intentional about what they experience.

You are the gatekeeper

Whether it’s access to furniture, other dogs, or new environments, your new puppy should learn that all good things come through you.

How to Provide Structure:

• Use a crate or ex-pen when you can’t supervise
• Give access to new things only after a desirable behavior (e.g., a sit or hand target)
• Avoid free access to highly stimulating things (like swimming or other dogs) until recall is reliable
• Include short, structured play with other dogs (not chaotic free-for-alls)

Why the First 16 Weeks Matter Most

The early weeks with your new puppy are incredibly important. It is during this time that lifelong habits, emotional resilience, and the foundation of your relationship are being formed.

Invest now, or pay later.

When we invest our time and attention early on, we can prevent many of the struggles that dog owners often face later. An intentional 16-week plan with daily training and structured enrichment can prevent years of behavioral challenges.

You do not need to fix behavior that never has the chance to develop.

And if you feel like you missed that early window or things have not gone as planned, know that it is not too late. Every moment with your dog is a new opportunity to grow confidence, connection, and joy together.

Today, I’m grateful for the eleven “once in a lifetime” dogs I’ve had the honor of sharing my life with. Each one has taught me something new and that when we lead with kindness, structure, and clarity, we help our dogs become the very best version of themselves.

---

Want to dive deeper into training your puppy or dog from day one?

Check out our full Shaped by Dog Podcast episode: 308 How To Train A Dog From Day One: Avoid Common Puppy Mistakes Through Games & Enrichment