I sort of see what needs attention the most besides a few things like sit, let's go and so forth. Things do come up constantly and as they do, I just do what I do to either encourage or discourage a behavior. For example: Puppies tend to jump up for greetings, so when they do, I don't greet them until they sit or stay on all fours. So, they're learning as we go not to jump up on me. Puppies tend to bite hard when they play and it hurts, so I stop playing and all attention if the puppy bites too hard. If puppy mouths gently, I continue playing or giving attention so he learns to inhibit his ouchy bites. I like to teach "leave it" and will play little, short games, starting out by holding food in my closed hand and letting the pup nudge, lick and otherwise try to get it. When he backs away, (which they always do eventually) I give a treat from the hand I held behind my back. Then I transfer the lesson to other contexts and things. Another thing I like to get on soon is to come along with me without a leash, just to prepare for leash training. I reinforce frequently when the pup stays with me when I walk around in the yard or house. I let the pup drag a leash around the house a little bit here and there, but supervised, of course. Reinforcing eye contact is another good thing to get started on early.
Since I like playing with puppies anyhow, I like to start early with the "give and take" game so they learn that my taking things from them is really a terrific thing. And that people coming around their food means they're going to get some better food tossed into the bowl....that it's really super when people touch or come close to their food. I like to teach them that nail clipping and Dremeling the nails, cleaning ears etc equals a really fun time, complete with the very best treats.
Basically, whatever is important to you, you can introduce right away as long as it's done in a positive manner. You don't need big blocks or sessions of time to work on things. In fact, puppies' attention spans are very short. Just a little here and a little there seems to do the trick. They're sponges. Once the pup gets a handle on sit and stay for a short stint, I might practice a few seconds while I'm unloading the dishwasher. I might ask the pup to "let's go" when I'm walking down the hall to do my laundry or make my bed. You don't need to devote exclusive attention to training sessions, persay. Instead, it can be incorporated into your regular, daily routine....at least to a degree.
It sounds like so much to teach or would take inordinant amounts of time. But it's just a way of life. It's really a matter of interacting with them in a productive, educational way rather than wasting precious opportunities which are always present.
