Puppy Training Tips Australia: The First 8 Weeks at Home

The First 8 Weeks: Your Puppy's Most Important Learning Window

Bringing a new puppy home is one of the most exciting things you'll do as a dog owner. It's also one of the most critical periods for shaping your dog's behaviour for life. The habits and experiences your puppy has in their first weeks at home will influence how they behave for the next 10–15 years.

Here's what to focus on, week by week.

Before They Arrive: Set Up for Success

• Puppy-proof your home (remove toxic plants, secure cables, block off hazards)
• Set up a crate or pen in a quiet area
• Buy food, bowls, collar, lead, and ID tag
• Book your first vet appointment for within 48 hours of arrival
• Choose a vet and locate the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic

Week 1–2: Settling In

Your puppy is overwhelmed. Keep things calm and consistent.

• Crate training: Introduce the crate as a safe, positive space. Feed meals inside it. Never use it as punishment.
• Toilet training: Take your puppy outside every 1–2 hours, after meals, and after naps. Reward immediately when they go outside. Expect accidents — clean up without fuss.
• Sleep: Puppies need 16–18 hours of sleep per day. Don't over-stimulate.

Week 3–4: Building Foundations

• Sit, stay, come: Start with 3–5 minute training sessions using high-value treats. Keep it fun and positive.
• Bite inhibition: When your puppy bites too hard, yelp and withdraw attention. Redirect to a toy.
• Name recognition: Say their name, reward when they look at you. Simple but powerful.

Week 5–6: Socialisation Sprint

The socialisation window closes around 12–16 weeks. This is your most important period.

• Expose your puppy to different people, sounds, surfaces, and environments
• Arrange puppy playdates with vaccinated dogs
• Enrol in a puppy preschool class (most vets and trainers offer these)
• Introduce car rides, grooming handling, and vet-style examinations

Week 7–8: Recall & Lead Training

Recall (coming when called) is the most important safety skill your dog will ever learn.

• Always make coming to you the best thing that ever happens to them
• Never call your dog to you for something unpleasant (bath, nail trim) — go to them instead
• Practice on a long lead before attempting off-leash
• Introduce loose-lead walking with positive reinforcement

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Punishing accidents — it creates fear, not understanding
• Letting "cute" bad behaviour slide (jumping, mouthing) — it won't be cute at 30kg
• Skipping socialisation because of incomplete vaccinations — consult your vet about safe options
• Over-exercising — puppy joints are fragile; limit walks until growth plates close

Keep Your Curious Puppy Safe From Day One

Puppies are escape artists. A Pawfetchers waterproof AirTag holder on your puppy's collar means you can track them the moment they slip through a gap in the fence. Lightweight, secure, and waterproof — perfect for puppies who love to explore.

Final Thought

The first 8 weeks at home are intense, but they're also the most rewarding. Invest the time now and you'll have a confident, well-behaved dog for life.