I’m Charmaine, creator and primary trainer at FIKAdogs. I’m excited you are here to join me on this journey the first month with Swanny Sox, my new Basset Hound puppy. You can read more about my dog-training journey here.
FIKApup First Month
Welcome to FIKApup First Month! By the end of this course, you’ll be fully prepared to welcome your new puppy into a positive, structured environment that sets the stage for long-term success. Here’s what you can expect to achieve:
Pre-Arrival Readiness: Learn how to prepare your home and gather essential supplies so that everything is set for your puppy’s arrival.
Smooth Transition & First Impressions: Master strategies for a calm, stress‑free transition on day one, including safe transportation, welcoming introductions to family and pets, and establishing a comforting first-night routine.
House Training & Crate Management: Develop effective techniques for potty and crate training that build good habits from the start, using positive reinforcement to turn everyday challenges into learning opportunities.
Safe Socialization & Exposure: Gain the skills to introduce your puppy to new experiences and environments in a controlled way, ensuring they build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Foundational Training Through Games: Engage your puppy with fun, interactive games that teach core concepts such as calmness, focus, impulse control, and proximity—laying the groundwork for advanced training.
Long-Term Success Roadmap: Transition from early training to long-term goals that will help your puppy grow into a well-behaved, confident, and resilient companion.
Building a Relationship Through Play: Play is your superpower. It builds your puppy’s confidence in you and teaches them that you’re the best part of their environment. Whether it’s tug, chase, or food games, play makes learning joyful and your bond stronger
Troubleshooting Common Challenges: Learn practical strategies for managing common puppy struggles like chewing, overstimulation, and teething, so you can address issues proactively and confidently.
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Pre‑Learning Week: Before Your Puppy Arrives
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Pre-learning, Lesson 1: Welcome & Course Overview
Get an inside look at what to expect from the FIKApup First Month course and how to make the most of each week.
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Pre-learning, Lesson 2: Getting Your Home Ready
Learn how to set up a safe, puppy-proofed space with the right supplies for a smooth start.
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Pre-learning, Lesson 3: Concepts 101
Discover the key mindset shifts behind game-based training and how concepts shape your puppy’s behavior.
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Pre-learning, Lesson 4: Games Based Training Fundamentals
Understand how to use play, shaping, and positive reinforcement to teach your puppy real-life skills.
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Pre-learning, Lesson 5: Establishing Your Routine & Rehearsing the Room
Set your puppy up for success by creating daily rhythms and practicing the behaviors you want in each space.
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Week 1: Bringing Your Puppy Home
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Week 1, Lesson 1: Bringing Your Puppy Home
Learn how to create a calm, positive first day with safe transport, smooth introductions, and thoughtful transitions.
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Week 1, Lesson 2: Creating a Positive First Impression
Help your puppy feel safe and welcomed with intentional greetings, gentle handling, and a stress-free environment.
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Week 1, Lesson 3: First Night & Getting Started with Potty Training & Crate Training
Build early success with simple, positive routines to support restful sleep, potty habits, and crate comfort from day one.
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Week 1: Check In
Reflect on your first week, celebrate small wins, and hear real-life tips as Charmaine checks in with Swanny Sox.
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Week 2: Safe Exposure/Socialization and Starting Training Games
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Week 2, Lesson 1: Introducing Safe Novelty
Learn how to gently introduce your puppy to new sights, sounds, and experiences without overwhelming them.
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Week 2, Lesson 2: Getting Started with Games
Begin building essential life skills through simple, fun games that strengthen your puppy’s confidence and focus.
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Week 2: Check In
Review progress, troubleshoot challenges, and follow along with Swanny Sox’s second week of learning and growth.
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Week 3: Building Core Skills
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Week 3, Lesson 1: Building Core Skills
Strengthen calmness, optimism, disengagement, and proximity with purposeful games that support real-life success.
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Week 3, Lesson 2: Cultivating Calmness
Help your puppy settle and self-regulate by creating routines and playing games that build calm from the inside out.
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Week 3, Lesson 3: Boundary Games
Teach your puppy to relax and stay in place with fun, rewarding games that build focus, patience, and independence.
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Week 3, Lesson 4: Optimism & Confidence
Grow your puppy’s confidence by helping them see new experiences as safe, fun, and worth exploring.
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Week 3, Lesson 5: Disengagement
Teach your puppy to notice distractions—and choose you instead—using games that build focus and self-control.
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Week 3, Lesson 6: Proximity
Encourage your puppy to stick close and check in with you by making togetherness the most rewarding place to be.
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Week 3: Check In
Celebrate your progress, reflect on your puppy’s growing confidence, and join Charmaine for updates on Swanny Sox.
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Week 4: Putting it All Together & Troubleshooting Common Puppy Struggles
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Week 4, Lesson 1: Putting it All Together
Blend the core concepts and games you’ve learned into everyday life for a more connected, confident puppy.
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Week 4, Lesson 2: Building Your Relationship Through Play
Strengthen your bond and boost learning by using joyful, purposeful play as a tool for connection and trust.
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Week 4, Lesson 3: Long-Term Goals
Lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning by setting realistic goals and building habits that grow with your puppy.
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Week 4, Lesson 4: Troubleshooting Common Puppy Struggles
Get ahead of challenges like biting, barking, or overstimulation with simple strategies rooted in management and promoting calm.
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Week 4: Check In
Wrap up your first month with reflections, final tips, and a peek at what’s next for you and your growing pup.
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Week 4, Lesson 5: Congratulations!
You did it! Celebrate your progress, your puppy’s growth, and the strong foundation you’ve built together.
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Bonus Content
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Bonus: Grooming Basics for a Puppy
Learn how to make grooming a calm, positive experience by introducing brushing, nail care, and handling with trust-building steps.
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Bonus: Using a Harness with a Puppy
Discover how to introduce the harness gently, build positive associations, and set your puppy up for safe, stress-free walks.
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Bonus: Using a Stroller & Vehicle for Safe Exposure to Novelty
Support your puppy’s socialization before they’re fully vaccinated by using a stroller or vehicle to explore the world from a safe, secure distance.
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Bonus: Potty training, adding in walking to the door
Help your puppy build independence by gradually introducing the habit of walking to the door when they need to go out.
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Meet your instructor
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Meet your instructor ✳
Charmaine & Swanny Sox