I have a million questions about what to do when I bring my puppy home to ensure I do things right. Is there a book with the answers?

Golden retriever (not born yet)

I’m preparing to bring home a puppy and want to approach it in a structured, informed way. I have a few months to prepare and have been going through YouTube videos and podcasts, but the information feels scattered. I’m looking for something more systematic.

**Is there a resource that lays out what to do in common day-to-day scenarios with a new puppy?**

Ideally something that covers the first ~26 weeks in a practical, decision-based way so I can respond consistently instead of guessing in the moment and correcting mistakes later.

I’m trying to anticipate situations ahead of time so I don’t accidentally reinforce behaviors I don’t want.

Examples of the types of situations I’m thinking about:

– Puppy looks at me and barks — what’s the correct response?

– During socialization (e.g., calmly working on a toppl in a public setting), the puppy shifts from settled to wanting to wander — what then?

– Picks up something like a pinecone — how should that be handled?

– First instance of whining in the crate — what’s the right approach?

– Balancing meals (e.g., feeding in the crate) with training treats without overfeeding — how to structure that?

The context is that I’ll be owner-training this dog as a service dog, so I want to be deliberate and consistent from the start.

I’m seeking high-quality resources that cover what to expect and how to respond across a wide range of situations.

Thank you!