WEEK 26
Puppy Launch 2026: Building Skills for a Lifetime
Setting Your Puppy Up for a Lifetime of Success
Bringing home a puppy is exciting… and sometimes a little overwhelming. Between house training, chewing, barking, and all the zoomies, it’s easy to feel like you’re just trying to keep up. But here’s the good news: the first few months of your puppy’s life are an incredible opportunity to set them up for a lifetime of confidence, trust, and good habits.
That’s why I’m so excited to announce that Dog’s Choice Puppy Classes are coming to Oahu in January 2026—perfect timing for all the holiday puppies and rescue adoptions.
Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ll cover in class (and a few tips you can start using right now).
Communicate First: How Dogs “Speak” to Us
Your puppy may not speak English (yet 
), but they’re always communicating. Through body language—tail position, ear movement, eye shape, posture—they’re telling you how they feel.
Learning to “listen” from the start not only builds trust, it helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the risk of fear-based behaviors down the road.
Quick Tip: Start by learning one signal that means “I need space” in dogs—like turning their head away or licking their lips. Here’s a helpful video to get you started: Understanding Dog Body Language. You can also find great visual guides, including Doggy Language by Lili Chin, on my Resources page.
Socialization: The Most Important “Class” They’ll Ever Take
Early, positive socialization isn’t just about meeting other dogs—it’s about introducing your puppy to the world in a way that feels safe and rewarding.
Think places, people, animals, sounds, objects, obstacles, and textures. Every exposure shapes how your puppy will respond later in life.
Quick Tip: Avoid errors socializing your puppy with this 30-minute in-depth guide. Aim for three new, gentle experiences a week—like walking on a different surface, hearing a new sound, or meeting a calm adult dog—paired with treats and patience. Let your puppy set the pace.
Prevention & Problem-Solving
It’s much easier to prevent unwanted behaviors than to fix them later. We’ll cover how to manage common puppy challenges like nipping, chewing, and jumping before they become habits—and how to replace them with behaviors you do want.
Quick Tip: Redirect nipping to a chew toy to protect hands and teach bite manners. Give your puppy a safe chew (like a pre-filled, puppy-safe food dispenser such as a Kong) in their own safe space—crate + x-pen with a puppy pad—when you’re not actively supervising. This prevents potty accidents and chewing mishaps.
How Dogs Learn: The Science Behind the Magic
Understanding how puppies learn makes training more effective (and way more fun). You’ll get a clear, science-based approach so you’re not guessing your way through training.
Quick Tip: Reward the behaviors you like—all of them—as they happen. Think of it like snapping a photo: instead of clicking a camera, mark “yes” and give your puppy a piece of food, a small treat, or a toy. Repeat, repeat, repeat!
Foundations for a Great Start
Before teaching “tricks,” we’ll focus on life skills your puppy will use every day—settling on a mat, walking nicely on leash, coming when called, and politely greeting people.
These basics create the framework for a well-mannered, confident adult dog.
Quick Tip: Focus on early skills like attention, follow, and settle. Here’s a great video from Kikopup on What to Train Your Puppy First.
Want to dive deeper before classes start?
Check out my Resources page for my top book picks for puppy parents, including Doggy Language by Lili Chin and Your Puppy and You: A step-by-step guide to raising a freak’n awesome dog.
Want first dibs on a spot in our January 2026 puppy classes?
Click here to join the waitlist now so you’ll be the first to know when registration opens:
Join the Puppy Class Waitlist