Puppies are unpredictable, and they all get into trouble at one time or another. Establishing a routine for mealtime, playtime, resting, potty calls, and training will set limits for your new little friend and help it learn what's expected of it. Getting your dog used to its new life with you is a one-day-at-a-time process. Some days you'll make progress, and some days you won't, but you will need to be patient and keep your sense of humor.

Puppies are curious. They are very mouthy and will chew on whatever is at hand, from your cell phone to your new gloves. They always want to play, expressing this wish by pouncing, bouncing, rolling over, jumping up on you, and chasing anything that moves. They have short attention spans, so what totally fascinates them one minute can become totally boring the next. They like to vocalize, growling, yipping, and barking when they play, whining and crying when they feel lonely or neglected. They need lots of sleep and frequent potty walks.

They thrive on praise, love, and attention and are confused and frightened by angry outbursts and chaotic situations. Sure, there's a lot of ground to be covered on this journey through puppyhood, but as they master the rudiments of housebreaking, training, and socialization in their day-to-day routine with you, they will eventually get a handle on what is expected of them. Like small children, they do best when their caregivers are in charge, setting limits to make them feel secure in their world.