Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) moments in your life.
You’ve got the new dog bed, all of the toys, the pretty tiny collar… but what about the things that will truly shape your puppy’s future?

If I could only focus on three things in those first few weeks, here’s what they would be:

1. Positive, Calm Socialisation

Socialisation isn’t about meeting every person and dog you see — it’s about creating experiences with the world around them.
That means helping your puppy feel safe around new sights, sounds, and situations:

• Watching people and dogs from a distance

• Walking past people and dogs without interacting

• Hearing vacuum cleaners, blenders, coffee machines and loud noises at a comfortable level

  The goal? A puppy who grows into an adult dog that’s confident, adaptable, and calm  - not overexcited dragging you to say hi to everyone and every dog but not fearful of people and dogs of all shapes and sizes either. 

2. Play

Sit, rollover, and shake-a-paw are cute, but a dog who can play with you in any environment is a dog who will find it easier to listen and pay attention to you when it matters the most. 

Through play, puppies develop:

• Coordination and body awareness 

• Problem-solving skills (figuring out how to “win” a game of tug, or get a toy unstuck)

• Bite inhibition (learning to control how hard they bite and where they grab the toy - and not your hands!) We all know those puppy teeth are like needles!!!

• Bond and Relationship (practicing give-and-take, boundaries, and communication)

Play also releases feel-good brain chemicals that help your puppy relax and bond with you. So play leaves you with a sleep puppy who's brain and body have had a little workout. Leaving you to now have a nap, get on with your work, or cleaning the house without having to try and entertain a little puppy at the same time. 

A puppy who plays with you learns you’re a lot of fun to be around - and that’s going to give you a lot more success when it comes to teaching recall, attention, and trust.

3. Sleep - Rest is Non-Negotiable

It’s tempting to think your puppy needs constant activity, but the truth is: puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep every single day.

Sleep is when your puppy’s brain processes everything they’ve learned, and their body grows.
Without enough rest, puppies can become:

• Overtired and cranky (yes, just like us humans!)

• More likely to bite, jump, or struggle to settle

• Stressed, which can affect their ability to learn

Create a predictable sleep schedule with quiet, undisturbed rest times in a safe space.
Teaching your puppy the elusive "off switch" and to enjoy calm time is one of the best gifts you can give them (and yourself!)

The Bottom Line

Puppyhood is short, it goes so fast! What your puppy experiences now will stay with them for life.
Focus on safe socialisation, plenty of meaningful play, and a solid sleep routine, and you’ll be set up well for a happy, healthy, confident adult dog.

If you want guidance every step of the way, our next Wellington Puppy Class starts August 29th.
We’ll cover all three of these priorities - and so much more - so you can raise the dog you’ve always dreamed of.

📅 Start date: Friday August 29th at 6pm (class runs for 6 weeks)
📍 Location: Kilbirnie, Wellington

Email us at hello@yourcaninecompass.com to secure your spot with your puppy!