Woohoo! Your little pup is 9 weeks old! This is a pretty special time, as your puppy gets used to their new digs and starts exploring everything this wacky world has to offer.

But here's the thing: it's not all fun and games (well, okay, maybe it mostly is). Your puppy is in a critical stage of development right now that will set the stage for the rest of their lives – no pressure, right? But don't worry, we've got your back.

One of the most important things you can do for your puppy right now is to expose them to tons of new experiences and keep the socialization train chuggin' along. That'll help them grow up to be a confident, well-adjusted doggo who's ready to take on the world (or at least the backyard). So go on and check out our tips and tricks below to make sure your pup is on the right track.

This week's focus:

• Getting started with crate training
• Establishing a routine
• How to pick the right puppy class
• Getting started with training using a marker word
• Vaccines needed for puppy classes

Is it OK to Use a Crate for Your Puppy at Night?

Nighttime crating can be beneficial for a variety of reasons*. Not only can it help with potty training (it helps prevent nighttime accidents), but when set up to be a calm, relaxing place, it encourages deeper sleep for your pup. And puppies need their beauty sleep!

It's often safer to have your pup in a crate than in bed with you. You don't want them to get tangled up in sheets, rolled on, or jump or fall off the bed before they're big enough. 

 
*Even if you don't plan to use a crate every day as your puppy gets older, it is a great idea to train them now just so they are used to it. You may someday need crate rest after surgeries or containment while in an AirBnB, as well as many more reasons that make life easier and safer. 

Tips for nighttime crate training

DID YOU KNOW?

We answer any questions you may have in our Puppy Center.

Our medical and behavior team does this for free! 

So, let us know what you're struggling with or if you have a question about a dog product or puppy milestone. Ask Us!

Does Your Puppy Have a Routine?

Routines are important for dogs, especially for puppies who are learning the ropes in their new home. Knowing when to expect meals, exercise, naps, and more helps them feel safe and secure because their needs are being met.

Start creating patterns throughout the day of lifelong habits and routines you want your puppy to have. It doesn't mean everything has to be strictly on time; it's about providing some level of predictability.

Create a daily routine for your dog

What Age Can Your Pup Go to Training Classes?

Don't wait to sign your puppy up for puppy classes and age-appropriate puppy play groups! Managed play and beginning training is crucial for socialization and lifelong behavior, and waiting until after vaccines are finished means it's too late to take advantage of the crucial socialization period (which ends at 16 weeks old).

Choose a well-run puppy class that incorporates playtime with training and only uses positive reinforcement and force-free methods. The cleanliness of the facility is super important too! 

How to choose the right puppy class

How to prepare for puppy class and what to bring

Saying No Doesn't Work. Just Say Yes!

One of the most important things you can teach your puppy is a marker word (or using a clicker, if that's your preference). This way you have a way to tell them "Yes! You got it right!" And the more you say yes, you'll find that you don't need to say no. Besides, dogs don't understand "no" quite the way we mean them to, so it ends up not being much help in overall training. A "Yes!" marker is the first training skill you should teach your puppy, and it's super easy!

How to start using a marker word in dog training

Socialization to Surfaces

Not using our free socialization app yet? Make sure to download it and learn about the surfaces to introduce your puppy to and keep track of what they like and what they need more work on.

Don't want to use a mobile app?
Start desensitizing to surfaces now.

Vaccines That Are Needed for Puppy Classes 

You'll want to start a puppy class as soon as 1 week after your puppy receives their first round of puppy vaccines. A reputable puppy class will require proof that all the puppies are up-to-date on their vaccine series and they'll have a thorough cleaning protocol in place.

When do puppies get their vaccines?

Refusing to Eat

Your puppy’s loss of appetite may be sudden, or they may gradually eat less over time. Several things may contribute to your puppy’s loss of appetite, from being picky to stress to infections and more.

Figure out why and what you can do

Let's Play the 'Drop It' Game

Use the game of tug to practice "Drop It" training with your pup. Watch Finnegan, a Portuguese Water Dog puppy, play tug and learn "drop it" for the first time. He picks it up super fast!

Go Naked in the Crate!

It's safest to take off your puppy's collar when they are in their crate or playpen, as collar tags, loops, or buckles can get caught and cause injury or worse. Unfortunately, one of our team member's dogs died this way a long time ago.

If you feel more comfortable when your puppy has their ID on them at all times, choose a breakaway collar or a flat ID collar (such as embroidered contact info, but the leash ring and collar itself can still pose a safety issue).

Read more crate safety tips

Common Houseplants that Are Toxic to Dogs

From Aloe to Sago Palms, there are many common plants that are poisonous for dogs. If you have any of them in your home, be sure they are completely out of your puppy's reach – and ideally in completely separate, gated-off areas.

Check to see if any of these plants are in your home

We've reviewed products for safety, efficacy, and durability. What we recommend is veterinary and behavior-approved.

Calming Aids: Snuggle Puppy

A popular option for new puppies is the Snuggle Puppy. It mimics the feel of having mom or a littermate close by, with a heartbeat and heat pack. This can help with the transition from sleeping in close contact with littermates to sleeping alone in their new home.

Gates for Space Management

A big part of puppy-proofing your home is simply blocking off access using gates. This makes supervision much easier! Place gates at strategic places around your home to prevent foraging in the kitchen, getting into (potentially toxic) houseplants, and blocking direct access to stairs and doorways leading outside to prevent door dashing.

Prevent Potty Accidents from Happening Again

There will be potty accidents! But to help prevent your pup from going there again, use an enzymatic cleaner formulated specifically for cleaning up dog accidents. If they smell where they went before, they'll think it's OK to go there again.