I have a series of Training Milestones (goals) that I use to organize dog training lessons.
For example, for a Puppy, up to 4 months of age, these are my Milestones:
Housetraining completed
Mouthing (mostly) eliminated
Basic Command word associations (such as Heel, Sit, Down, Come, etc.)
Leash and collar introduction
Socialization and Essential Exposures completed
Establishment of “Home”
Crate training completed
Acceptance of grooming completed
Acceptance of examination by a veterinarian
Fetch and Tug introduction established
Basic Puppy Manners established
Puppy Level Handler Engagement and mutual affection established
Handler has completed Basic Puppy Handling Skills
Family participation in all the above (age appropriate)
My personal and professional pet peeve: I really hate seeing trainers and owners who attempt to short circuit these milestones. For example, putting an under 4-month-old puppy through a brief program to turn that 4-month-old dog into an artificial 4-year-old dog. I just don’t get it. Why get a puppy and then compel that puppy to not be a puppy?
Where is the basic love for the puppy? Where is the bond between the puppy and family when you force a young puppy to do things that would better be acquired over the next 2 years?
What is the best way to start? I prefer owners give the puppy enough time to attain these milestones, meaning beginning with an 8-week-old puppy. That gives the puppy a full 2 months. With a diligent program, this can all be done in a happy manner and set the stage for a great adult dog.
As you can tell, I like to provide a lot of initial homework for new puppy owners. Early effort now makes it a lot easier later on.
I think it is best to have a plan than to just wing it and miss these important Training Milestones. There are other milestones along the way. Note that while a lot can be accomplished during that first 2 months home, these are not adult level milestones. Those are best reached through various stages of maturity and development in future months of training. It is best to invest time in these Puppy Milestones since their attainment makes all future training much easier.
Plan accordingly.