When I get a new pup or even young adult, I spend the first months on just teaching the dog how to be a good dog. The AKC STAR Puppy course is great for pups under one year. It is about socialization and manners with an introduction to very beginning obedience. For dogs one year and older, the Canine Good Citizen is a great start. Here are some things I start with from day one regardless of the pup's age:
Housebreaking- if the dog or pup doesn't know this yet, I crate train and select the place where I will take them out on a schedule to go potty.
Setting the boundaries- my dogs do not have the run of the entire house. This makes it easier to dog proof so they do not ingest objects or destroy things. The pup's crate, toys, water pail, and dog bed are all in this room.
Manners- in the dog room or area, I make sure there is no garbage or trash the pup can get into, and I teach him not to get onto the furniture. I train an alternate behavior for my pup when he wants attention: he can put his front feet on a foot stool or bench for petting rather than jumping up on me. I also work on manners at the door by training him to go to his bed when I am going in and out of the door carrying groceries, etc. If we are going out for a walk, I practice with putting on the collar and leash and standing by the door without him rushing it. I gradually build on this while he waits as I open the door. If I am eating a snack, my dogs gets a little dog treat to enjoy in his crate or on his bed without begging for my snack.
Focus- I play little games to get my dog to make eye contact with me. I use a little treat and say the dog's name while I hold the treat by their nose, then say "Watch me" as I move the treat up by my check. When my dog looks, I mark the good behavior with a yes, and give him the treat. I do this just a few times and keep it upbeat.
Handling- I make it pleasurable and rewarding for my pup to allow me to open his mouth, check his ears, handle his feet, and feel him all over. While he is on his back for a belly rub, I handle each paw followed by a good chest scratch. I use words such as "teeth" when I gently lift his lips, and then praise him well for cooperating. The same the "paws" as I pick up and examine a paw, followed by lots of praise and pets.
Walking- Before I take my pup outside with lots of distractions and expect him to heel on a loose leash, I practice in the room off leash with treats and encouragement to get my dog to follow around the room with me roughly near my left knee. I clap my hands and say this way! and mark his following with a "Yes!" I do this for a couple of minutes a few times a day. We begin walking outside in the driveway or front yard on leash using the watch me cue and encouraging our dog to follow as we circle around and make twists and turns for a couple of minutes. Keep treat in your pocket so your dog will associate hanging out with you as a good thing, versus trying to take off dragging you.
All of these will set the foundation to start obedience work, but more importantly, shape your dog into a well behaved companion.
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