Skip the Basics: Why ‘Sit’ and ‘Down’ Can Wait

Bringing home a new puppy? Forget everything you think you know about "sit" and "stay." That stuff is fine—but it's not what makes life with a dog easy. The first few months are your one shot to build real-life habits that actually matter. Because let’s be honest, nobody returns a dog because they didn’t learn to shake hands.

Here are the 10 rules your puppy needs to learn right now to be the best roommate you’ve ever had (and save your sanity). 🧠

1. Just Because the Front Door Opens Doesn’t Mean You’re Invited to Bolt 🚪

Translation: Stop trying to be Usain Bolt, little dude.

A puppy running out the front door is a heart attack waiting to happen. Cars, strangers, lost dogs—it’s a dangerous world out there. Teach your puppy that doors mean "pause" not "party."

Quick fix:

• Keep your puppy on a leash every time you open the front door.

• Open the door slowly. If they try to bolt? Shut it.

• Reward calm behavior like it’s a jackpot.

• Practice with different people coming to the door. This prepares them for the post man or friends coming over.

Your dog should learn that standing still is what unlocks freedom.