Raising a puppy is a challenge for new and experienced dog owners alike, but it also can be a very exciting time. The goal is to provide your puppy with a safe environment, but there is a fine line between being safe and being overprotective.

To help your pup develop into a happy, healthy, well-adjusted adult dog, the American Kennel Club offers a few tips for puppy-rearing.

- Socialization is vital — It is crucial to make sure that your dog is comfortable in all situations. Socializing is extremely important and should start early on, as it sets the stage for your dog to feel happy and confident. Once your puppy is properly vaccinated, it is important to start exposing her to new people, places and situations.

- Don’t play too rough — Puppies love playtime, but it is important that they learn the appropriate level of rough play at a young age. Your puppy needs to learn her manners when it comes to playing with other people and other animals. If you let her play too rough when she is a puppy, it can become a bad habit in her adult years.

- Training — Any cute puppy misbehavior will become a lot less cute when she’s older. Make sure you teach your pup good manners when she is young. Training the basic commands as a puppy will go a long way throughout her adult years. Training classes can be extremely helpful.

- Stay consistent — Decide which furniture or parts of the house are off-limits and be consistent with enforcement. Don’t reprimand your dog for being on the couch one day and then let her up there the next. Make sure to praise your pup when she follows the rules.

- Eliminate household dangers — Make sure there aren’t places in your home where your puppy can easily fall or become trapped. Also, don’t keep substances that can sicken her — like the garbage, household cleaners, medications or pesticides — within her reach.