Month 1 (8–12 weeks): safety and rhythm
Focus: decompression, potty schedule, crate love, name recognition, hand-feeding, gentle handling (paws, ears, mouth).
Socialization: calm exposure to new sights/sounds/surfaces. Carry puppies before vaccinations are complete.
Month 2 (12–16 weeks): foundations
Add: sit, down, hand target ('touch'), trade game (swap an object for a treat), recall in the house.
Start short on-leash walks. The fear period (~8–10 weeks) is real — keep experiences positive and low-pressure.
Month 3 (4 months): generalization
Practice known cues in new places: yard, quiet street, friend's house. Lower your standards in new environments — pay more, ask less.
Begin loose-leash work in boring spots.
Month 4 (5 months): impulse and adolescence prep
Add: stay (start with 1 second), leave it, settle on a mat.
Adolescence is starting. Expect 'selective hearing.' This isn't defiance — the brain is rewiring. Keep sessions short and wins easy.
Months 5–6: proofing
Practice everything around mild distractions: people, dogs at a distance, food on the ground.
If reactivity, fear, or guarding shows up, loop in a force-free trainer (CCPDT-KA / KPA-CTP) or veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) early. Early help is short help.