The first 30 days decide the next 10 years. Here is the honest week-by-week version — including the parts nobody warns you about.
Week 1 — Survival mode (this is normal)
- Crying at night for 3–5 nights is normal. Crate near your bed, calm voice, no midnight play
- Potty trips: every 2 hours, plus after every meal, nap, and play session
- One room only. A puppy with the whole house is a puppy having accidents you don't see
Week 2 — Routine takes hold
- Fixed times: wake, meals, potty, nap, play. Dogs learn clocks faster than commands
- Start 2-minute training bursts: name recognition and "sit" — always ending in success
- Begin gentle handling drills: touch paws, ears, mouth daily (your vet will thank you)
Week 3 — The socialization window
- Weeks 3–14 of a puppy's life shape their confidence forever. Safe exposure now: car rides, different floor textures, umbrellas, hats, children at a distance, recorded city sounds
- Not yet: dog parks and unknown dogs (wait for vaccinations — ask your vet)
Week 4 — Testing you
- Biting peaks. Yelp once, freeze, redirect to a chew. Never games with hands
- First "teenager moment": they know "sit" and pretend they don't. Stay boring and consistent
- By day 30: sleeping through the night, mostly potty-trained, knows name + 2 commands. That's an A+