The most important thing to remember during your first month with a new puppy is to establish a routine immediately. Everything from where your dog will sleep, to when she is first fed, to what behaviors are acceptable should be set in stone from day one. You must also set it in your puppy's mind that you are the leader of the household. This doesn't mean you're a hard-hearted drill sergeant; instead, it means you demonstrate the responsibility of a true parent by setting fair limits, acting responsibly, and being firm in the face of trouble. Spoiling your puppy can give her a sense of superiority that can cause problems later on, including aggressiveness.

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