Puppy Tips & Tricks for a Great Start at Home
At Ghostpine Breeders, we do everything we can to give your puppy the best start in life before they ever come home. But training and socialization don’t stop at eight weeks—they’re just beginning! To help you and your new furry friend transition smoothly, we’ve put together practical tips and trusted resources.
What We Do Before Your Puppy Comes Home
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) (3–16 Days)
From the very start of life, we gently handle each puppy through ENS and introduce new scents through ESI. These early exercises help build resilience, support healthy development, and encourage a confident, well-balanced temperament.
Litter Pan Training (3–4 Weeks)
Around three weeks of age, our puppies begin litter pan training. This early introduction helps them learn to keep their living space clean and makes house training easier once they’re home.
First Bath, Nail Trimming, and Grooming Practice
We introduce puppies to gentle grooming early on—including their first bath, nail clipping, and brushing sessions. These positive experiences help desensitize them to regular care, so future grooming feels natural and stress-free.
Crate Training Introduction (6 Weeks)
By six weeks, we start short, positive crate sessions so your puppy gets used to this safe, cozy space. When you continue crate training at home, it helps with housebreaking, creates a predictable routine, and gives your puppy a quiet place to rest.
Early Socialization
From a young age, our puppies are exposed to children, other pets (including our cats and dogs), and even farm animals. These positive experiences help them grow into confident, friendly, and well-adjusted family companions.
Structured Daily Schedule (6 Weeks)
At six weeks of age, we put our puppies on a consistent routine for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and naps. This structure helps them feel secure, learn good habits, and transition smoothly into your home.
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Side Note: If a puppy remains with us beyond 8 weeks of age, we provide additional basic training to give them an even stronger start in their new home.
What to Expect as a New Puppy Owner
The first few nights may be noisy. Puppies miss their littermates, so crying or whining is normal at first. Patience and consistency help them adjust quickly.
Accidents happen. Even with litter pan and crate training started here, your puppy will still need frequent potty breaks and gentle guidance.
Chewing is part of growing. Redirect your puppy to appropriate chew toys instead of scolding.
Routine is everything. Consistent mealtimes, potty breaks, and bedtime help your puppy feel secure and learn faster.
Training is ongoing. Basic manners and socialization need to continue at home to raise a confident, well-adjusted companion.
Tips for Training at Home
1. Stay Consistent
Use the same words and routines/schedule for potty breaks, meals, and bedtime. Puppies thrive on structure.
2. Keep Sessions Short and Fun
Five to ten minutes is plenty for young puppies. End on a positive note with treats or playtime.
3. Socialize Safely
Expose your puppy to different sights, sounds, and people in controlled settings. Avoid high-risk areas until vaccinations are complete.
4. Reward Good Behavior
Catch your puppy doing something right—reward them immediately so they connect the behavior with the praise.
5. Patience Is Key
Accidents and mistakes are part of learning. Stay calm, redirect, and celebrate progress rather than perfection
6. Be Prepared
Create a designated area for your puppy during the day so they don’t have free run of the house. An xpen works great—include a litter pan or pee pad, food and water bowls, a crate, toys, and a waterproof mat to catch any potential accidents. Here is how you could set up your dog's designated area.
Helpful Resources to Continue Training
Potty Training a Puppy To Go Outside
This video walks viewers through step-by-step methods to teach a puppy to go potty outside. Many owners share that their puppies hesitate to go outdoors, so these training tips focus on making the process easier and more successful.
How To Stop Your Puppy From Biting
This video shares simple, effective ways to teach your puppy to stop nipping. Puppies naturally explore with their mouths, so it’s important to guide them early on about what’s okay to bite and what isn’t. These quick, humane methods can help reduce biting in just a few training sessions.
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**A Quick Note**
We are not professional dog trainers. The information on this page is intended as general guidance for new puppy owners. Every puppy is unique, and training needs may vary. For personalized advice or advanced training support, please consult a qualified trainer.
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Puppy Essentials Checklist
Must-Haves on Day One
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X-pen or playpen – Safe space for your puppy when you can’t supervise.
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Crate – For house training, routine, and restful downtime.
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Food and water bowls – Stainless steel or ceramic for easy cleaning.
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Puppy food – The same formula they’ve been eating here to prevent stomach upset.
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Collar with ID tag and leash – For safety and early walks.
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Toys – Chew toys, plush toys, and interactive toys to keep them busy.
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Enzyme-based cleaner – Removes accident odors so your puppy won’t re-mark.
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Pee pads or pee-proof mats – Helpful during nighttime or for apartment living.
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Poop bags – A must for clean-up during potty breaks or walks.
Good-to-Have Soon After
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Brush and grooming supplies – Keeps your puppy’s coat healthy and mat-free.
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Nail clippers or grinder – Start nail care early to get your puppy comfortable.
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Small treat pouch – Makes training on the go easier.
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Slow-feeder bowl – Helpful for puppies who eat too quickly.
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Car restraint or travel carrier – Keeps your puppy safe on vet visits or road trips.
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First-aid basics – Styptic powder, puppy-safe wipes, digital thermometer.
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Get in touch with any questions!
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or inquiries. We are here to provide lifetime support for you and your new furry family member.
Location
Three Hills, Alberta
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