Articles by Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB

behavior · breeder-guide · puppy-exposure-checklist · puppy-training · puppy-socialization

The Ultimate Puppy Exposure Checklist: Safe Socialization Before 8 Weeks

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · August 24, 2026

A confident puppy starts with thoughtful early experiences. This comprehensive puppy socialization checklist from Puppies.com covers safe exposure to new people, sounds, surfaces, handling, and everyday environments before puppies go home, as well as how families can continue socialization as the puppy grows.

behavior · development · socialization · training · puppy · breeder · dogbehavior · puppyhealth · breeder-guide

Week by Week: How Breeders Shape Healthy Behavioral Development

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · July 1, 2026

The difference between a confident adult dog and a fearful one often starts in the first 8 weeks of life. Here is what happens week by week, and why it matters whether you are a breeder or someone selecting a new puppy.

behavior · puppy-development · breeder-influence

The Breeder is the Most Important Person in a Puppy's Life

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · May 4, 2026

The breeder plays an important and critical role in the health and well-being of their puppies.

guides · puppybehavior · puppytraining

Much Ado About Mouthing, Part 3: Training and Managing Mouthing Behavior in Dogs

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · March 30, 2026

Use the Environment to Set Your Dog Up For Success This blog about strategies for managing mouthing in dogs is the final in a 3-part series. If you missed them, you can read Part I and Part 2. Most interventions aim to limit your dog’s mouthing while also reinforcing behaviors you like. Many people struggle [ ]

guides · puppybehavior · puppytraining

Much Ado About Mouthing, Part 2: Meeting Your Dog’s Mouthing Needs

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · March 30, 2026

Strategies to Reduce Mouthing I’m excited to tell you that you have many strategies available to help reduce mouthing in your pup. Chances are that you’ll need a combination of strategies in order to make a dent in this natural, and therefore very common, behavior. 🐕 Key takeaway: Even though mouthing is normal for dogs, [ ]

puppybehavior · puppytraining · guides

Much Ado About Mouthing, Part 1: What Is Mouthing in Dogs and Why Does It Happen?

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · March 23, 2026

What is Mouthing in Dogs? Whether you have a puppy, a young dog, or an adult dog, you have likely experienced mouthing. Mouthing is when a dog places their teeth on human skin or clothing. Although it can look similar to biting, it is generally considered a different behavior. Mouthing is extremely common in dogs [ ]

guides · picking-up-new-puppy · puppycare · travel

Bringing Home a Brand New Baby Puppy

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · March 4, 2026

Bringing home a puppy can be exciting and scary It pays off to be prepared before you bring your new puppy home for the first time Bringing home an 8-week-old puppy is equal parts magical and overwhelming. If youre feeling excited and a little terrified, you’re completely normal. One way to help quell the terror [ ]

guides · tips

Finding a Good Veterinarian for Your New Puppy

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · February 19, 2026

Bringing home a new puppy is so exciting. We know this firsthand—we bring our new girl home in just a few weeks, and we are overjoyed and so excited to meet her. Like many future puppy parents, we’ve been busy researching supplies, prepping the house, and imagining life with a puppy underfoot when we realized [ ]

new-puppy · tips · training

New Puppy, New Training Routine | Puppy Training Tips from Puppies.com

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · January 16, 2026

Learn why establishing a puppy training routine early matters. Tips for potty training, obedience, and building positive habits from day one.

Dog Potty Pads: When They Help, When They Hurt, and What Pet Owners Should Know

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · December 30, 2025

Doggy Potty Pads: Sometimes Useful and Sometimes Harmful Many pet stores sell doggy potty pads, and these pads are marketed as useful tools for either potty training your puppy or allowing your dog to bathroom inside your home when needed. Although potty pads can be useful in some situations, they can also backfire really badly [ ]

holidays · safety-tips

Holiday Dog Safety Tips: How to Prepare Your Dog and Family for a Happy Season

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · December 26, 2025

As the holidays wind down and we head toward the New Year, many of us are still enjoying time with food, friends, family, and celebrations. While this season can be joyful, we also recognize that it isn’t always easy—for people or for pets. Many cats may retreat and hide from the hustle and bustle, but [ ]

halloween · safety · tips

Dogs and Halloween: A Potentially Scary Combination

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · October 31, 2025

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year — the candy, costumes, and parties bring out everyone’s playful side. But while we enjoy the spooky fun, our dogs might see things a little differently. Flashing lights, doorbells ringing nonstop, and people dressed as monsters can all be pretty unsettling for pups. Whether you [ ]

featured · family-needs · breed-consideration · guides · puppies-com · behavior

Bringing Home a Puppy to a Household With Children or Adult Family Members

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · August 28, 2025

Bringing Home a new puppy to a household is one of the most rewarding experiences for a family.

behavior · development · featured

Puppy Behavioral Development Stages

Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB · June 17, 2025

Puppy socialization is crucial for developing well-adjusted adult dogs, beginning before they leave breeders and continuing in new homes.