There’s a common line that gets thrown around in dog training that it’s never too late to train a dog.

That’s true in the sense that behaviour can always be worked on and improved. But it’s not how we tend to look at it in practice.

A more useful way to think about puppy development is that the earlier you get things right, the easier everything becomes. The longer behaviours are allowed to develop and repeat, the more effort is required to change them. That’s what people are usually noticing when they say behaviour starts to “set”.

Puppies go through an early developmental phase where they are forming their view of the world. During that time they are working out what’s safe, what isn’t, how to respond to new environments, how to interact with people, and how to deal with pressure or uncertainty. If that period is handled well, you tend to end up with a dog that is more neutral, more adaptable, and easier to guide. If it’s inconsistent or lacking, you often see the gaps show up later.

What the Research Actually Shows

There’s been some useful work done in structured working dog programs that helps put this into context. One large study followed nearly 4,000 Labrador Retrievers through a guide dog program, assessing behaviour from around 7 to 8 weeks of age through to the end of training. What they found was not that behaviour is fixed early, but that strong early traits tend to carry forward. Dogs that scored well early were likely to continue scoring well later. Poorer early scores were much less reliable. Some dogs improved with training, some didn’t, and some were removed from the program before later assessments. You can view the study here: Frontiers in Veterinary Science – Behavioural consistency in guide dogs.

That lines up with what we see in practice. Early positives tend to stick. Early issues can be improved, but it usually takes more time, more structure, and more consistency than if those issues were avoided in the first place.

When people talk about behaviour “ossifying”, it’s not that there’s a switch that flips at a certain age. It’s more that a few things start to happen together. Puppies become less open to new experiences as they move past those early developmental stages. At the same time, whatever behaviours they’ve been practising start to become more efficient and more familiar. By the time you get into adolescence, you’re often not dealing with random puppy behaviour anymore. You’re dealing with patterns.

Diminishing Returns

A puppy that learns to settle properly in the home early on usually carries that forward without much effort. A dog that has spent months practising high arousal behaviour indoors can still be taught to switch off, but it’s a very different process. The same applies to environmental confidence, independence, reactivity, and general behaviour around the house. It’s not that you can’t improve it later, it’s that you’re working against established habits rather than building clean ones from the start.

A lot of this comes back to what early development actually involves. It’s often reduced to socialisation in the sense of meeting other dogs, but that’s only one part of it. Just as important is how the dog learns to function day to day. That includes calm behaviour inside the home, appropriate outlets for energy outside, structured rest, basic engagement and training, and exposure to normal environments in a way the puppy can handle.

For example, if a puppy learns early that the house is a calm environment and that higher energy behaviour happens outside, that tends to make life a lot easier down the track. If everything is treated the same and the puppy rehearses chaos inside from day one, that pattern doesn’t usually disappear on its own.

Consistency is a big part of this as well. Dogs get good at what they practise. If a puppy repeatedly responds to uncertainty with barking, or frustration with biting, or excitement with over-arousal, those responses become familiar. If they practise settling, disengaging, and working things out calmly, those become familiar instead.

Most of the issues we see relate to a gap in understanding the development process, a lack of clear strategy, and simply starting too late, often after that early window has passed. By that point, the dog has already had weeks or months of practising behaviours that are now familiar and self-reinforcing. That is where the work becomes more involved than it needs to be.

A better question than “when is it too late” is how much easier you can make things by getting the early stages right. That’s really what this comes down to. You’re either building the patterns you want, or you’re going to have to go back and change them later.

Conclusion

If you want a structured approach to getting this right, our online programme, The Puppy Pathway, steps through the early development stages in a practical way. It covers how to manage environment, build engagement, introduce training, and avoid the common patterns that tend to create problems down the track.

The main takeaway is that behaviour doesn’t become fixed overnight, but it does become more established over time. The more it’s repeated, the more it sticks. Getting in early doesn’t guarantee a perfect outcome, but it does stack the odds heavily in your favour and makes everything that follows more straightforward.

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Puppy Overstimulation and Evening Chaos

If your puppy seems to unravel in the evening, you are not alone.

The day can feel manageable. There are naps, a bit of training, some play, maybe a walk. Then late afternoon hits and everything shifts. The biting ramps up, the zoomies take over, listening disappears, and settling feels impossible.

It is one of the most common patterns we see.

It is also one of the most misunderstood.

What Is Actually Going On?

Evening chaos is not always caused by the same thing.

In some puppies, it comes from too much stimulation across the day. In others, it is the result of not enough meaningful stimulation, training, or direction.

Quite often, it is a combination of both.

That is why simple advice like “your puppy is overtired” or “your puppy needs more exercise” only solves part of the picture.

When It Is Too Much

Puppies process a huge amount every day. New environments, sounds, people, handling, training, play. It all adds up.

When there is not enough structured rest, that load builds. By the evening, the puppy is no longer thinking clearly. You are seeing a tired dog that cannot switch off.

This often shows up as:

• frantic zoomies
• increased biting and nipping
• barking or vocalising
• ignoring cues they know
• difficulty settling

In these cases, adding more activity usually makes things worse.

When It Is Not Enough

Some puppies are not overstimulated. They are underworked, undertrained, or under-engaged.

If a puppy has not had enough:

• structured interaction
• basic training
• appropriate outlets
• mental engagement

they will often create their own entertainment. That tends to look like biting, pestering, stealing items, or general chaos.

It can look very similar to overstimulation, but the solution is different.

The Goal Is Balance

Most puppies do not need “more” or “less”.

They need the right balance across the day.

A well-structured routine includes:

• proper sleep and rest
• short, useful training sessions
• appropriate physical activity
• calm time around the home
• clear boundaries
• time to switch off

When one of these is missing or overdone, the evening tends to show it.

Why Environment Matters

One of the most practical things you can do early on is help your puppy understand that different environments have different expectations.

Puppies do not automatically know this. They learn it through consistency.

A helpful framework is:

• Indoors → generally calm, structured, and predictable
• Outdoors → more freedom for movement, play, and exploration

If everything feels the same to the puppy, they will often bring outdoor-level energy into the house. That is when indoor chaos becomes the norm.

Calm Inside, Vigorous Outside

This is a simple shift that makes a big difference.

Inside the home:

• keep interactions calmer and more deliberate
• use short training sessions
• practise settling
• manage space with pens, crates, or place work
• avoid constant high-energy play

Outside or in the yard:

• allow more movement and play
• build engagement
• expose the puppy to the environment
• use energy in a more appropriate space

This helps the puppy learn not just what to do, but where to do it.

Training Is Part of the Solution

A lot of evening behaviour improves when a puppy has more direction during the day.

Training is not about drilling commands. It is about giving the puppy usable patterns.

That includes teaching them:

• how to follow guidance
• how to disengage from biting
• how to settle
• how to pause instead of reacting
• how to work things out with you

Even short sessions done consistently can have a noticeable impact.

Rest Still Matters

Even if your puppy needs more stimulation, they still need proper rest.

Many puppies do not regulate sleep well on their own. If they stay active for too long, behaviour tends to fall apart.

This is where people get caught. The puppy looks energetic, so they add more activity, when in reality the puppy is overtired and coping poorly.

A Quick Self-Check

If your puppy is struggling in the evenings, it helps to look at the full day:

• Has my puppy had enough sleep?
• Have they had any meaningful training or engagement?
• Has the day been too busy or too unstructured?
• Are they practising high-energy behaviour inside the house?
• Am I clear about when it is time to be active and when it is time to settle?

The answers usually point you in the right direction.

What Actually Improves Things

In most cases, progress comes from:

• better balance between activity and rest
• clearer structure across the day
• more deliberate training
• appropriate outlets for energy
• consistency in how the puppy is handled
• clear expectations in different environments

Not extremes. Just better balance.

Want a Clear Framework to Follow?

Getting this right early makes a significant difference to how your puppy develops.

If you want a structured approach to raising your puppy, including how to manage stimulation, build engagement, and avoid common behavioural issues, our online programme is designed to guide you through it. Learn more here: The Puppy Pathway

Final Thoughts

Evening chaos is not random, and it is not something your puppy will simply grow out of.

It is usually a reflection of how the day has been structured.

Sometimes the answer is less stimulation. Sometimes it is more. Most of the time, it is about getting the balance right.

When that balance improves, the evenings usually do too.

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Common Toilet Training Enquiries We Hear

We routinely get enquiries from dog owners who are finding that their dog either always or intermittently toilets inside well past the initial puppy phase.  Sometimes this is due to missed opportunities early in the puppy’s training but other times the most obvious protocols have been followed and there are other factors at play.  Here are a few examples of enquiries:

• Hi, I have a 4 month female Toy Poodle.   She attended a 5 week Puppy School which we were able to take away some basic skills but I really need help with her training.  She is all over the place with her toilet training.
• We have 2 x Cavoodle dogs. One female just turning 1yo, and a male who is now 5 months old. We need assistance with toilet training as they are still have “accidents “ inside, and general behaviour, as my wife works from home and the dogs are causing her a deal of stress and anxiety.
• We have an 8 month old Jack Russell puppy that we are keen to have some in home dog training for. This mainly relates to nipping and reactive behaviours and also toilet training.

Often these toilet training issues are accompanied by other behavioural problems which can give some indication that general training and socialisation is lacking – but not always.  In other examples good toileting has regressed for one reason or another.  

Questions to Ask Before Calling a Dog Trainer

When an enquiry comes in that’s focused solely on toilet training, my first step is to ask a series of questions and provide some initial guidance. This type of issue isn’t something that can usually be solved in a single training session — especially if the dog doesn’t happen to need the toilet during that time. Successful toilet training requires round-the-clock consistency until a routine is firmly in place, unless another underlying problem is present. Here are some of the key questions I start with:

• Have you tried structured toilet training routines?
• Does your dog have a designated toileting area?
• Was your puppy ever crate trained?
• Have pee pads or indoor toileting been used as a stopgap?
• Does your dog always have access to the toileting area?
• Has the problem been consistent, or is it a recent regression?
• Are there environmental factors (stress, changes at home) that affect toileting?

These questions help us understand both the consistency of your dog’s training and any environmental factors that may be influencing the problem. If the responses suggest that toilet training hasn’t been applied consistently, we usually recommend a focused two-week reset. During this time, owners commit to a structured toilet training plan.

A Structured Two-Week Toilet Training Reset

If inconsistent training is the issue, we recommend revisiting the basics for two weeks:

• Confining or restricting the dog’s movements at night.
• Taking the dog to the designated toileting area first thing in the morning, commanding the toileting with whatever word suits you, and rewarding the dog when they ‘toilet’ with pats and praise.
• Restricting the dog’s movements indoors to allow for complete supervision at all times.
• Routinely taking the dog to the toileting area during the day if the dog has been inside. If the dog toilets during this process give praise and pats.
• Interrupting any attempt to toilet inside and taking them directly to the designated toileting area.

As you can see, the process often comes back to reinforcing the basics of puppy training while also working to break an established habit. Consistency is key — setting aside dedicated time for at least a week is essential. If training is applied only sporadically, progress will be slow and frustrating.

If after two weeks there’s little or no improvement, it’s a good idea to have a professional dog trainer assess your dog in the home environment to identify any contributing factors.

When toilet training problems occur alongside other behaviour issues, it may be a sign that the dog isn’t used to learning from their owners or doesn’t fully understand what’s being asked. This is why puppy training fundamentals are so important: they don’t just teach specific skills, they help your dog develop the ability to learn how to learn.

When Toilet Training Isn’t Just Training

Sometimes owners have put in solid effort with consistent training across multiple areas, yet toilet habits remain unreliable or even regress after initial progress. In these cases, it’s important to look beyond training alone and consider other possible factors. For example:

• Medical issues such as incontinence
• Fear or excitement urination
• Negative association with the toileting area (e.g. fear of the yard)
• Changes in routine such as moving house or new family members
• Multi-dog households leading to copying or marking behaviours
• Trauma (storms, fireworks, or frightening experiences outside)

There are many potential factors, too numerous to cover in one list, but by discussing the situation in detail with the owner we can usually uncover what might be contributing. At this stage, it’s often best to bring in a professional dog trainer who can help identify the underlying issues and guide you back on track.

Preventing Toilet Training Problems

With the exception of medical issues, most of these challenges come back to how a puppy is raised. Laying strong foundations early helps your dog learn how to learn, develop social and environmental confidence, build resilience, and establish reliable toileting habits. Being prepared from day one makes a huge difference. That’s why we created The Puppy Pathway training program — a complete resource to guide you through those crucial early stages and set your puppy up for long-term success.

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What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety in dogs is a behavioural condition where a dog experiences intense distress or panic when left alone or separated from their owner or primary attachment figure.

Separation anxiety goes beyond mild discontent.  It’s a condition that can result in destructive behaviours, emotional stress, and even physical harm to the dog.

Signs of Separation Anxiety Include:

• Vocalisation: whining, barking, or howling when left alone
• Destructive behaviour: chewing doors, windows, furniture, or crates
• Pacing or restlessness: before or during the owner’s absence
• Excessive drooling or panting: even in normal temperatures
• Attempts to escape: scratching at doors, digging, or jumping fences
• Toileting indoors: despite being house-trained
• Shadowing: following the owner from room to room constantly

Are Specific Breeds More Susceptible?

Certain breeds can be more susceptible (or less resilient when their needs are not met) to separation anxiety.  We can break these into different categories as they are vulnerable for different reasons:

• Energetic or working dog breeds such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds and similar breeds where their enrichment and stimulation needs are not met.  For this to present as ‘separation anxiety’ rather than general anxiety this would need to become apparent when left alone or isolated from their owners.
• Companion breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, toy breeds and other ‘velcro’ breeds that tend to shadow their owners.
• Breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Staffys, Vizslas, Weimaraners, Italian Greyhounds and other breeds that have a combination of inherent loyalty, sensitivity and affection.

The list could go on.  In reality, it’s just as likely that some of the owners who choose many of these breeds, particularly the affectionate loyal breeds, tend to live a lifestyle with their dog that feeds into the anxiety the dog feels when the owner is not present or unavailable.

Can Separation Anxiety Be Avoided Through Training?

In short, yes.  There are a number of things we can do to minimise the prevalence of separation anxiety in dogs, particularly via appropriate condition during the puppy phase.  Here is what the available research tells us:

Study: Optimising Puppy Socialisation – Short- and Long-Term Effects

• Method: Puppies (3–6 weeks old) were exposed to graded challenges like novel objects, noises, and problem-solving tasks vs. control group with just handling. Article link
• Key takeaway: The treated puppies were bolder, less startled, and more persistent in problem-solving during early testing. While no significant differences at 6 months, the findings suggest early stimulation boosts stress resilience and supports future emotional coping, potentially reducing anxiety—including when left alone

Additionally, a Guide Dogs breeding centre study showed that enhanced socialisation in the nest (0–6 weeks) led puppies to display fewer separation-related behaviours and less general anxiety at eight months – research link

Dog Trainer’s Perspective:

We have found that puppy socialisation via the breeder and then by the new owner has a huge impact on a dog’s general temperament, resilience and happiness.  

Raising a puppy has a number of critical components that are important in conjunction with structured socialisation:

• An understanding of what motivates your dog
• Using the knowledge around your dog’s motivation to build some basic skills – so you dog is learning to learn from you
• Creating a safe space and incorporating this into you training and routine
• Managing inadvertent rewards cycles for behaviours that are on-demand (where your dog is training you!)
• Avoiding anthropomorphism, which is attributing human traits to your dog.  This leads to a misunderstanding of their needs and responses

The great news is all of this information and support is available in ‘The Puppy Pathway’, so if you are getting a puppy we highly recommend you check this out.  Behavioural issues such as separation anxiety is one of the reasons we created this programme as we could see how avoidable these issues are with careful puppy raising.

What About Helping Adult Dogs?

We employ a number of strategies to assist dogs and their owners combat separation anxiety.  It requires an assessment of the current environment, dog temperament and general routine.  From this we set up a plan to change the environment and routines over time to help build resilience in the dog.  Almost always, managing separation anxiety takes time and patience.  Often it requires ongoing efforts to strike a balance where your dog is adequately versatile and coping with day to day life. 

In addition medication can be prescribed by a vet or behaviouralist.  We advise owners to consult a dog trainer in the first instance to see the level of response to non-medical interventions.  Often it can be managed without any medication, but even if there is residual anxiety that requires attention, often it will be reduced and require a lower level of medical intervention.

The Final Word

Separation anxiety can be extremely distressing for dogs and their owners.  It also can be very limiting with some people unable to leave their dogs home alone which restricts activities and flexibility.  In our experience separation anxiety is largely avoidable through educated puppy raising, understanding your interactions with your dog and appropriate breed selection based on your lifestyle.   We always recommend educating yourself before bringing a puppy home and a great place to start is our Puppy Pathway programme.

If you have having difficulties with separation anxiety in an adult dog, or feel that you are on a path to having anxiety issues with your pup please contact us for assistance.

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Background

Traditionally puppy training and knowledge building is done either via group puppy classes, an in-home dog trainer, a search for resources on the internet, or just by ‘the seat-of-the-pants’!  All of these methods have merit, and we certainly don’t discourage people from obtaining the support and information they need whatever the source is.  I’ll break them down in more detail.

Puppy Classes

Puppy classes are often run via vet clinics and provide an overview of the basics of keeping a puppy. Topics include simple obedience, health advice and feeding guides, socialisation principles and toilet training.  We encourage new puppy owners who have the time and money to explore the option of a puppy class as it is a great outing for the puppy, provides some socialisation (particularly exposure to a vet clinic environment) and will give a good guide to raising your puppy.  

Some of the limitations of puppy classes:

• Fixed timeslots
• Travel to the training venue
• Commences after the puppy arrives home (usually 2 weeks)
• Distraction in the group environment whilst trying to learn important information
• Generally doesn’t cater to ‘difficult’ or boisterous dogs
• Usually kids are not welcome
• Variations in quality of training and trainers

These are not criticisms, but are simply limitations of conducting group training en masse.  Some of the more negative feedback we get from dog owners in relation to these classes is that they perceived the training to be of little benefit or their dog was too boisterous and was either ignored or kicked out.

Often you have to book these classes ahead of time and try to work it in with when you think your dog will arrive.  You also have to consider your vaccination timeline to qualify for entry also.  If you are relying on puppy classes solely, one big limitation is that your puppy will have been at home for at least two weeks by the time you attend.  Your puppies learning needs commenced the moment they arrived home, and your preparation should start before that.    

If you are time poor, we recommend you spend your time on socialisation and environmental exposure rather than travelling to and from a training venue for puppy classes.

In-Home Puppy Training

As a provider of in-home puppy training we are well aware of the benefits and limitations of this service. Getting a good, experienced trainer into your home to help you set up is valuable, especially as a first-time puppy owner.  This obviously comes at a cost and sessions are usually limited to 90 minutes or less as puppies have limited bursts of energy and ability to focus.  This doesn’t provide a lot of time for in-depth training around the fundamentals of raising a puppy.  Repeat visits can accommodate for this but can increase the cost and a good portion of the information is important to know before your puppy arrives home.  

It was in doing these in-home consultations for puppies that led us to develop ‘The Puppy Pathway’.  We could see that the limited time available, delayed access to the puppy and owner (after the puppy arrives home) and inability to cost effectively deliver the really important information around development and training principles left a gap which we wanted to fill. 

The reality is that a ‘dog-trainer’ can really only teach you to then teach your dog.  Why?  Because even if you had a trainer at your house for an hour each day, that would leave 23 hours for your dog to learn or unlearn.  Your dog may well listen and understand a trainer, but it will only listen and understand you with training.  The key is to have the knowledge to work with your dog effectively to build leadership and understanding.

Where a ‘dog trainer’ is invaluable in person, is to help problem solve and analyse what strategies will work for your dog, understand reward and behaviour patterns and problem solve generally.  

A great combination for new puppy owners is a comprehensive online puppy training programme such as “The Puppy Pathway’, combined with the support if required from a dog trainer either in person or via a virtual meeting (zoom).  This has proven to be better value for the dog owner and achieves better results overall.  Once you have all the fundamental knowledge, we can quickly problem solve any issues and you now have the skills to follow through.

Internet Resources

The truth is, everything you need to know is freely available on the internet.  The difficulty is that there is so much information and much of it conflicts.  You only get one shot at developing your puppy through the critical periods of development. Getting the right information and instruction around how to deploy this knowledge is vitally important.  If you are on a strict budget, getting as much information as possible via free online sources will be of great benefit compared with not having any knowledge at all. 

Winging-it!

This might actually be the most common approach.  It can be a real adventure for sure, and let’s be honest – some people are just naturals!  The risk is if you are not a natural and lack the knowledge then a lot is left to chance.  

The major downside is that the most important aspects of raising a puppy occur immediately after arriving home. This is because most puppies are brought home around eight weeks, and from seven weeks the critical periods of human socialisation and fear impact has commenced.  During the critical periods the puppy learns what is safe and what is not, and how to interact with the living and non-living things.  

Missed opportunities during these development windows often leads to behavioural and temperament deficiencies as an adult dog.  This then requires bespoke in-home training support and often results in management rather than cure of these issues.  This in general is a major source of work for dog trainers dealing with adult dogs.

Online Puppy Training

We believe a good online puppy training programme is a fantastic way to get quality, curated information from dog training professionals when you need it – before the puppy arrives home.  

You get all of the information that you need, you can learn and access it at your own pace and when it suits you.  You can revisit topics to refresh your knowledge or as needed during your journey. 

As an example, The Puppy Pathway is the culmination of over 20 years experience working with puppies and their owners in domestic and commercial environments, learning what really matters in raising a confident happy dog.  We know that what makes a successful working dog, operating in diverse environments and in varied conditions are the same things that make a pet dog resilient, confident and happy.

One advantage of the puppy phase of development, is the dog is as close as possible to a blank canvas. Aside from genetics, temperament and breed characteristics, the needs of the puppy are common between dogs and there is a clear path to go about meeting these needs.  This is why an online puppy training programme can provide all you need for your early journey, as unique behavioural and temperament issues are not usually present except in a small number of dogs.  

The Puppy Pathway provides the underlying knowledge for you to understand how dogs learn and what motivates them.  You can then use this knowledge to teach them skills and adapt to the world.

Another advantage is that if you do need additional support, the online puppy training has given you the base knowledge. This means you already understand the principles behind training, saving a lot of time and money. It also makes any training plans to achieve your goals far more successful.

Verdict

As you can see there are a variety of options for support in training your puppy.  A combination of all of them is probably the ultimate but this will come at the cost of time and money.  We believe a mix of a good online puppy training programme plus curated socialisation and conditioning outings as regularly as possible will provide the best value for money and consistent results.  When backed by a reputable dog training company for support, the online puppy training will provide everything you need for success.  

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Before You Bring Your Puppy Home

Understand Puppy Development

Puppies experience key developmental stages: neonatal (0–2 weeks), transitional (2–4 weeks), socialisation (4–12 weeks), and juvenile (3–6 months). These phases shape how they see the world and respond to it. Understanding their emotional and behavioural needs during each stage will help you raise a confident, well-adjusted dog.  Having a clear understanding of what is required and how your dog responds to the i’s experiences and the environment is essential if you want to have a happy and well balanced dog.  Direct K9 Services have developed a comprehensive puppy programme called ‘The Puppy Pathway’ which gives in depth information and guidance on how to navigate the critical periods of development.

Puppy-Proof Your Home

Puppies explore with their mouths, so safeguard your space like you would for a toddler. Remove hazards like electrical cords, shoes, cleaning products, and poisonous plants. Set up a calm area with a crate or pen for rest and downtime.

Essential Supplies Checklist

• Non-slip food and water bowls
• High-quality puppy food (age and breed-appropriate)
• Collar, lead, and ID tag
• Crate or indoor pen
• Comfortable bed
• Puppy-safe chew toys
• Puppy pads (optional) and poop bags
• Puppy shampoo and grooming brush
• First aid kit and health records folder

Choose a Local Vet

Have a vet lined up before day one. Schedule your puppy’s initial health check, vaccinations, and discuss parasite prevention and desexing. A good vet is a lifelong partner in your dog’s wellbeing.

Choosing the Right Puppy

Do you live in a unit or on acreage? Work full-time or from home? Enjoy long hikes or prefer a more relaxed pace? Your daily routine, energy level, and household dynamics should guide your choice of breed or mix.

Research Breeds (or Consider Adoption)

Every breed—and every dog—has unique needs. Consider temperament, size, grooming, exercise requirements, and common health concerns. Rescue organisations and shelters often have puppies and young dogs looking for homes, many of them fostered in loving environments where behaviour can already be assessed.  If you are looking to adopt, the RSPCA’s national adoption website is a good place to start.

If Buying from a Breeder:

• Visit in person—inspect cleanliness, health, and socialisation
• Meet the puppy’s mum (and ideally the dad)
• Ask for health test results (hip scores, DNA tests)
• Ensure pups are raised indoors with family interactions
• Breeder should ask you questions too

🚫 Red flags: unwillingness to meet, pressure to pay deposits sight unseen, or advertising through classifieds or pet shops—these often indicate puppy farms.

Pre-Arrival Training and Education

Don’t wait until your pup arrives—start training yourself first. Our Puppy Pathway programme gives you the tools to confidently handle those crucial first weeks. Learn:

• The basics of canine communication
• How dogs learn
• Socialisation
• Toilet training
• Basic obedience
• Problem solving skills

Family Preparation

Get everyone on the same page:

• Agree on household rules (furniture access, feeding times, training words)
• Set roles (who walks, feeds, trains, and lets the pup out)
• Use consistent cues—dogs thrive on clarity

Prepare for Socialisation

Early exposure to sounds, sights, people, and animals is essential in preventing behavioural problems later. Make a socialisation checklist for your puppy’s first 12 weeks. Socialisation and environmental conditioning are subjects that we cover in depth in the Puppy Pathway puppy training and education course.  In short, it is the managed positive exposure to all living and non-living things that the puppy is likely to encounter during its life.  You need enough exposure to a variety of experiences so that the puppy can generalise between similar safe and positive situations.  The socialisation window starts closing around 12 weeks and by 16 weeks the puppy has gathered the bulk of the information it will use for the rest of its life.  Because of this, socialisation and environmental conditioning are priorities from day one.

The First Days at Home

Have a Plan

It is essential that you know what you want to do and how you will do it prior to the puppy arriving.  This includes educating yourself with enough knowledge on how to deal with unexpected outcomes, challenging behaviours and adapting your training to suit the puppy.  Remember, the puppy will start learning immediately so it is much easier and more successful if you are prepared.

Settling In

Keep the first 48 hours calm. Introduce your puppy to their new space gradually. Let them sniff and explore on their terms. Avoid overwhelming them with new people, noisy toys, or long car trips.

Create a Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit. A clear daily routine gives them confidence and security. Aim for:

• Meals at the same times each day
• Toilet breaks every 1–2 hours (initially)
• Nap times in a quiet space
• Short play sessions and gentle training

Toilet Training Tips

• Take them out after waking, eating, and playing
• Use a cue like “toilet time” and praise with treats
• Limit free roaming indoors until they’re consistent
• Clean up with enzyme spray to remove lingering smells

Health and Wellbeing

Feeding Your Puppy

Research based on your breed and what is available to you locally.  Avoid switching brands or style of food abruptly—do so gradually over 5–7 days if needed. Puppies need multiple small meals per day (typically 3–4 until 6 months).

Vaccinations and Parasite Control

Your vet will create a vaccine schedule to protect against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and more. Regular worming, flea and tick prevention are also essential—especially in warmer climates.

Grooming and Handling

Brush daily for long-haired breeds or weekly for short coats. Gently touch paws, ears, and mouth often to prepare for vet visits and grooming. Make grooming part of playtime.

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

Registration and Microchipping

In most Australian states, puppies must be microchipped and registered with your local council. Keep contact details current and make sure your dog always wears ID.

Desexing

Consult your vet with regards to desexing. 

Lifelong Commitment

Dogs live 10–16 years depending on breed. They need love, structure, companionship, vet care, exercise, and stimulation. Be ready to invest time, money, and emotion into a truly rewarding partnership.

Support and Ongoing Learning

Raising a puppy doesn’t stop at 12 weeks. Adolescence (6–18 months) brings its own challenges. Keep training, socialising, and exposing your dog to positive experiences. Invest in group classes or private sessions when needed.

At Direct K9, we can support you in Adelaide and Melbourne with behavioural challenges and if you subscribe to our newsletter you can also keep up to date with the latest information about dog training trends.  Your journey has only just begun.

Final Word

A well-raised puppy becomes a joyful companion, a loyal friend, and an important part of your family. With the right preparation, knowledge, and a little patience, you’re setting the stage for a lifetime of love.

Let this guide be your trusted foundation for raising a happy, healthy dog.

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Why the Fear of Fireworks?

Ultimately the fear of fireworks comes down to your dog’s environmental conditioning exposure during the critical development phases around 8-16 weeks.  That said, fireworks are not an easy event to replicate safely (or legally) during these periods and whilst a really well-socialised dog may be able to generalise its experiences around loud noises and flashes of light, many well adapted dogs do struggle with fireworks.  These dogs can have similar reactions to thunderstorms.

Like thunderstorms, fireworks can have the following characteristics:

• Unpredictable Sounds
  Unlike everyday noises, fireworks are sudden, loud, and come without warning. Dogs have sensitive hearing, so what seems like a bang to us can be deafening to them. The unpredictability of these noises leaves dogs unable to anticipate or understand the source, triggering a fight-or-flight response.
• Vibrations and Other Acoustics 
  It’s not just loud sounds from fireworks that can unsettle dogs.  It’s also vibrations and shockwaves from the explosions that are also unfamiliar, causing fear.
• Flashes of Light
  Fireworks light up the night sky in bright, unpredictable patterns. For dogs, this visual chaos adds to the sensory overload and can intensify their fear.
• Strange Smells
  The scent of smoke and chemicals from fireworks can be unfamiliar and unsettling to dogs, adding another layer to their anxiety.
• Instinctive Reactions
  Many dogs are naturally cautious of loud noises due to their survival instincts. A sudden bang can mimic the sound of a threat in the wild, causing dogs to react as though they’re in danger.

Another issue with fireworks for dogs is that they are unable to reduce the exposure or escape from it.  This can add to the panic and confusion for dogs and often they do try to escape the home to get away from the noises.  

Signs Your Dog Is Scared of Fireworks

Dogs show fear in different ways. Look out for these common signs of stress during firework displays:

• Trembling or shaking
• Hiding or seeking comfort from their owner
• Excessive barking or whining
• Pacing or restlessness
• Panting or drooling
• Attempting to escape or destructive behaviour

If your dog exhibits any of these behaviours, it’s a sign that they’re struggling with the experience.

How to Help Your Dog Cope with Fireworks

1. Create a Safe Space
   Set up a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your dog can retreat during fireworks. Use blankets, pillows, or their favourite bed to make it comfortable. Some dogs feel more secure in a crate with a blanket draped over it to muffle sounds.
2. Use Calming Tools
   Products like anxiety jackets, calming sprays, or diffusers with pheromones can help reduce anxiety. You can also try playing white noise or soft music to mask the sound of fireworks.
3. Distract and Engage
   Keep your dog engaged with toys, puzzles, or long-lasting chews to distract them from the noise. Engaging their mind can help take their focus off the chaos outside.
4. Stay Calm Yourself
   Dogs are highly attuned to their owners’ emotions. If you stay calm and relaxed, it can reassure them that there’s nothing to fear.
5. Consult a Vet
   If your dog has severe reactions to fireworks, speak to your vet about anxiety medications or other solutions. They can recommend the best options for managing your pet’s fear.

Long-Term Solutions

1. Desensitisation Training
   Gradual exposure to firework sounds in a controlled environment can help some dogs build resilience. Play recordings of fireworks at a low volume while rewarding calm behaviour, and gradually increase the volume over time.  Consult a dog trainer to assist if you are not sure of the appropriate thresholds.
2. Exercise Beforehand
   A tired dog is less likely to react strongly to fireworks. Take your pet for a long walk or play an intense game before the celebrations begin.
3. Plan Ahead
   If you know when fireworks will occur, prepare in advance by securing your home, setting up their safe space, and ensuring your dog is inside.

Prevention

Whilst there is no guarantee that good socialisation will result in your dog being comfortable with fireworks, putting the time in to expose your puppy to as many varied sights and sounds in a positive manner, gives your dog the best chance to associate sounds, vibrations and light flashes they experience in the environment around them as normal and safe.  If your dog copes well overall, any residual fear in certain settings should be able to be desensitised through training.  For more information on raising a puppy see our blog on raising a puppy. 

Final Thoughts

While fireworks may never become a favourite event for your dog, understanding their fears and taking proactive steps can make a big difference. By creating a safe environment and being mindful of their needs, you can help your furry friend feel more secure and less stressed during noisy celebrations.

Do you have a dog that hates fireworks? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

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In this post, we’ll explore the signs of dog anxiety, its potential causes, and steps you can take to help your furry friend feel calmer and more secure.

Signs Your Dog May Have Anxiety

Dogs can’t tell us how they’re feeling in words, but their behaviours often give us clear signals. Common signs of anxiety in dogs include:

• Excessive barking or whining: Dogs may vocalise more than usual, especially when left alone or in stressful situations.
• Pacing or restlessness: An anxious dog might have trouble settling, moving constantly as if they can’t relax.
• Destructive behaviour: Chewing furniture, digging at doors, or tearing up objects can sometimes be a way dogs cope with anxiety.
• Shaking, trembling, or hiding: Physical signs like trembling or retreating to a hiding spot can indicate fear or unease.
• Changes in appetite: Anxiety may cause a dog to eat less or stop eating altogether.
• Panting and drooling: While panting can be normal after exercise, excessive panting when your dog isn’t active may be a stress signal.
• Excessive grooming or licking: Repeated licking or grooming, even to the point of creating bald spots, can be a sign of anxiety.

If you’ve noticed any of these behaviours, it’s worth considering whether anxiety might be the cause.

What Causes Anxiety in Dogs?

Understanding the root cause of your dog’s anxiety can help you address it more effectively.  Largely these issues relate to the dog’s experiences and socialisation gaps during the critical periods of development.  You may find that certain situations or events create anxiety in your dog. Some common triggers include:

• Separation: Dogs with separation anxiety become stressed when their owners leave the house.
• Loud noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, and other loud noises can be terrifying for many dogs.
• Changes in routine or environment: Moving to a new home, adding a new pet, or even changing work schedules can cause anxiety.
• Trauma or negative experiences: Dogs who’ve had unpleasant past experiences, such as being abandoned or mistreated, may develop chronic anxiety.
• Socialisation issues: A lack of exposure to different people, animals (including dogs) places, or situations during puppyhood can make adult dogs more fearful or anxious when exposed to these things during day to day life.

How to Help an Anxious Dog

If you suspect your dog has anxiety, there are steps you can take to help them feel more comfortable:

1. Create a safe space: Give your dog a quiet area where they can retreat when feeling stressed. This might be a crate, a bed in a corner, or a specific room they associate with calm.
2. Stick to a routine: Consistency in feeding, walking, and playtimes helps reduce uncertainty and stress.
3. Exercise and mental stimulation: Regular exercise and activities like puzzle toys can help burn off nervous energy and keep your dog’s mind engaged.
4. Desensitise and counter-condition: Gradually expose your dog to anxiety triggers in a controlled way, pairing them with treats or positive experiences. For example, play soft thunder sounds at a low volume while rewarding your dog with treats to help them feel less afraid.
5. Consider calming aids: Calming collars, sprays, or supplements can help some dogs manage stress.
6. Professional training: If anxiety persists, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to develop a tailored plan for your dog.  There are a number of fundamental lifestyle training exercises that can improve the relationship with your dog and their relationship to the environment around them.

It is important to note that some behaviours can present in a similar way to anxiety but are really symptoms of a lack of guidance around acceptable behaviours, lack of stimulation/exercise, or patterns of behaviour that have led to reward in the past.  Behaviours that can be confused with anxiety include:

• Reactivity and barking generally
• Jumping on people for attention
• Boisterous behaviour and inability to settle
• Tail chasing and other obsessive behaviours.

We always recommend consulting a quality dog trainer in the first instance to ascertain if you dog has a behavioural issue or is not having it’s needs met, versus genuine anxiety.

Why You Should Address Dog Anxiety

Anxiety isn’t just unpleasant for your dog—it can also lead to long-term health issues if left untreated. Dogs deserve to feel safe and happy, and by recognising the signs of anxiety and taking proactive steps, you can improve their emotional well-being.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered, “Does my dog have anxiety?”, the signs and behaviours mentioned above can help you determine if your dog may need support. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can help your dog overcome their anxiety and enjoy a more balanced, stress-free life.

Have questions about your dog’s behaviour? Leave a comment below or contact us—we’re here to help!

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Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby

1. Start Training Your Dog Early

A baby’s arrival can disrupt routines, so the sooner you begin preparing your dog, the easier the transition will be. Essential obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” “down” and “place” are vital when it comes to ensuring safe interactions between dogs and babies. Reinforcing these commands now will make managing situations easier once the baby is home.

• Reinforce Calm Behaviour: Start rewarding calm behaviour around you. This can help when your dog inevitably encounters new sounds and activity with the baby around.
• Desensitize to Touch: Babies can unintentionally be rough, so help your dog become comfortable with gentle handling of their ears, paws, and tail to reduce any potential reactions later on.

A lot of a dog’s temperament in relation to confidence and fear-based behaviours are formed and set during the puppies critical periods of development.  This also applies to their sensitivity to touch. For more information on puppy development, see our guide to puppy training, and our puppy training services

If you think your dog’s behaviour needs attention or you are going to change some rules to suit a new baby, it’s important to make these changes well before the baby arrives.  This avoids the dog relating the changes to the arrival of the baby.

For your dog’s toys and chewable items, start storing them away if you haven’t already. Only bring them out to give directly to your dog, rather than letting them find toys on their own around the house. This helps reinforce the idea that they should only pick up items you provide. Since baby and kids’ toys often look like dog toys, this practice can prevent confusion.

2. Adjust Your Dog’s Routine Gradually

With a new baby, you may need to make some adjustments to your dog’s routine. If feeding, walking, or playtimes will change, start implementing these changes a few weeks before the baby arrives.  If you want to walk with your baby and dog using a pram, start practicing in advance and teach the dog to walk calmly next to you as you push the pram.

If your feel your dog is emotionally needy, or suffers anxiety and you don’t have the skills to manage or modify this behaviour, contact a good dog trainer to assist you with the behaviours.  These types of behaviours can make the training and routine adjustments more complex.

3. Set Up Boundaries in the Home

Establishing clear boundaries in certain areas of your home can help manage the interactions between dogs and babies. If you plan to create a “baby-only” area or room, start teaching your dog not to enter those areas unless invited.  It is easier to start with a clearly defined room before teaching an area in an open plan house.  

Introducing Your Baby: First Impressions Matter

1. Make a Calm Introduction

When your dog first meets your baby, keep the introduction calm and controlled. Allow your dog to sniff a blanket or item of clothing that the baby has used, and then let them observe the baby from a comfortable distance. Reward calm behaviour, giving your dog reassurance as they adjust to the baby’s presence.

Image courtesy of Birthmother

2. Supervise All Interactions

Until your baby is older, every interaction between dogs and babies should be supervised closely. Even the gentlest dogs may react unpredictably to sudden noises or movements. Maintaining direct supervision keeps both the dog and baby safe, allowing them to get used to each other in a secure setting.  Often it is the baby/kids that are more unpredictable so ensure the dog has a safe space in situations where you can’t closely supervise.

3. Keep Routines Consistent

Amidst the demands of caring for a newborn, try to keep your dog’s routine as consistent as possible. Regular feeding, playtime, and walks will reassure your dog that they’re still an important part of the family.  

Helping Dogs and Babies Build a Bond

Creating a healthy bond between dogs and babies takes time, and it’s essential to approach it gradually. Here are some ways to nurture that connection:

• Create Positive Associations: Whenever your dog is calm around the baby, reward them with treats and praise. Positive reinforcement helps your dog associate the baby with good experiences, reducing any anxiety or jealousy they might feel.
• Teach Children Boundaries Early: As your child grows, teaching them gentle and respectful boundaries with the family dog is essential. This includes being gentle with the dog’s ears, tail, and face, and giving the dog space when they’re eating or resting.
• Dedicate Individual Attention to Your Dog: With the arrival of a new baby, it’s easy for your dog to feel left out. Carve out special one-on-one time for activities like walks, play sessions, or just cuddling. This strengthens your bond with your dog and reassures them of their place in the family.

When to Seek Professional Help

Some dogs may need extra help adjusting to the presence of a new baby. If you notice signs of stress, aggression, or anxiety, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide tailored advice and strategies to help ease the transition for both dogs and babies.

The Long-Term Benefits of Positive Interactions Between Dogs and Babies

Investing time and effort into introducing dogs and babies early on pays off as they grow together. The relationship between dogs and children can be incredibly rewarding, filled with companionship, loyalty, and mutual love. Setting a foundation of respect, boundaries, and positive interactions ensures a lifelong bond that benefits both your child and your dog.

In Summary: Preparing Dogs for Life with a Baby

Bringing a new baby into a home with a dog is a big step, but with thoughtful preparation, patience, and support, it can be a beautiful experience. By following these guidelines, you’ll help your dog and baby build a loving, safe relationship from day one.

If you’re preparing to introduce a new baby to your dog and need advice, or if you’d like more tips on creating a harmonious environment for dogs and babies, reach out to us at Direct K9 Services for guidance. The right support can make all the difference in fostering a safe, happy bond that will enrich your family’s life for years to come.

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Why Puppy Training is Essential

Puppies, like young children, are full of energy and curiosity, but they need guidance to learn appropriate behaviour. Without training, your puppy may develop habits that are difficult to break later on. Puppy training provides structure and helps your dog understand what’s expected of them. It also encourages mental stimulation and helps prevent behavioural problems such as excessive barking, chewing, or jumping.

Key Areas of Puppy Training

When it comes to training puppies, there are a few critical areas that every new dog owner should focus on:

1. House Training (Toilet Training)

One of the first and most important tasks for any puppy owner is toilet training. Consistency and patience are key here. Set up a regular schedule for your puppy to go outside, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, is essential when your puppy successfully goes to the bathroom outside.

Pro Tip: Accidents happen, but don’t punish your puppy. Instead, clean up the mess and continue reinforcing positive behaviour. Punishment can lead to confusion and anxiety.

2. Basic Commands

Teaching your puppy basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” helps establish control and communication. These simple commands lay the groundwork for more advanced training in the future.

• Sit: Use treats to guide your puppy into a sitting position and reward them for compliance.
• Stay: Once your puppy has mastered “sit,” introduce “stay” to help them learn self-control.
• Come: Use a cheerful tone and a treat to encourage your puppy to come to you when called.

Mastering these commands can make daily life easier and is essential for keeping your puppy safe.

3. Socialisation

Proper socialisation is one of the most important parts of training your puppy. Between the ages of 3 to 16 weeks, puppies are in a critical period for social development. Introducing them to a variety of people, environments, and other dogs during this time helps prevent fear and aggression later in life.

Take your puppy for walks, invite friends over, or enroll them in a training class to ensure they get plenty of socialisation in a safe and controlled manner.

4. Crate Training

Crate training can be incredibly beneficial for both you and your puppy. A crate provides a safe space for your puppy to relax and can help with potty training and separation anxiety. Make the crate a positive place by using treats, toys, and blankets to make it feel cosy and welcoming.

Pro Tip: Don’t use the crate as a form of punishment. It should be a comfortable and secure space for your puppy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While training your puppy, it’s easy to make mistakes that could slow down progress. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Inconsistent Training: Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page with commands and rules. Consistency is key to successful training.
• Too Much Freedom Too Soon: Allowing your puppy to roam freely before they’re fully house-trained can lead to accidents and bad habits. Gradually increase their freedom as they learn.
• Lack of Patience: Puppies are learning, and it takes time for them to fully understand what you want from them. Be patient and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour.

Puppy Training Classes: Are They Right for You?

If you’re struggling with training your puppy, or simply want expert guidance, training classes can be a great solution. Many local trainers offer group classes specifically designed for puppies, which provide valuable socialization and help you learn effective training techniques.

These classes often cover obedience training, leash manners, and problem-solving for common puppy behaviours. Plus, working with an experienced trainer can give you confidence and support during the training process.

Why Positive Reinforcement is Best

When it comes to puppy training, positive reinforcement is the most effective method. Positive reinforcement rewards your puppy for doing the right thing, making them more likely to repeat that behaviour. Using treats, praise, and playtime as rewards helps create a strong bond between you and your puppy while encouraging good habits.

Always avoid harsh punishments which can damage your relationship with your puppy and lead to fear-based behaviours. If you are encountering behaviours you can’t resolve, contact an expert puppy trainer today.

Start Your Puppy Journey Today

Puppy training is essential to raising a happy, well-behaved dog that fits seamlessly into your family. By focusing on house training, basic commands, socialisation, and crate training, you’ll set your puppy up for success. Remember, patience and consistency are key, and seeking professional help if you need.

Start training your puppy today, and you’ll enjoy a lifetime of loyalty and companionship with a dog that understands and respects the rules.

Looking for expert puppy training services? Contact us today at directk9.com.au to learn more about our puppy one-on-one sessions that will help you and your pup thrive together!

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