Start with safety and comfort

Puppy foundations are not about drilling cues. They are about helping a young dog feel safe, notice people and places, recover from novelty, and learn that the handler is worth checking in with.

Useful early skills

  • Name recognition with one cheerful cue.
  • Engagement and short follow games.
  • Gentle handling paired with rewards.
  • Crate or pen comfort in tiny steps.
  • Easy sit, down, and settle patterns.
  • Safe exposure planned with your veterinarian’s vaccine guidance.

Keep sessions tiny

Two to four minutes can be plenty. End while the puppy still wants another rep, then give rest, chewing, or quiet time. Repeating short successful sessions beats one long session.

Bokedex outputs are best treated as context for owner decisions. For health concerns, safety concerns, panic, biting risk, or sudden behavior change, involve a veterinarian, certified trainer, or qualified behavior professional.