If your new puppy could talk, she would say..
..
"Ok..
..
what is it that I need to do, to fit in around here?" Your new dog or pup, no matter how young or old, craves structure, habits, and a familiar schedule.
No, she did not arrive with a wrist watch or a calendar, but all dogs are hard wired for structure.
They instinctually observe you and the surroundings to determine "how things are done here".
Puppies need a structured set of repeated activities, for learning (training) and to develop a comfortable low stress life with their new family.
That's why important learning goals such as potty training are most successful when you set expectations with great consistency.
She takes comfort in knowing where her spot is, outside, to do her "business".
And your being consistent about taking her out, after each nap, each meal.
Short intervals of time between outside visits, to her own special spot, will help her learn as quickly as she is able, to lock in the daily habits you expect.
She wants to fit in.
She wants to learn and follow the rules.
But since she can't talk with you about it, she observes and learns.
Particularly in the early stages of training, always follow the pattern.
Use the same door to go outside.
Walk the same path to her corner of the yard.
Don't check the mail box first or change, in any way, the behavior patterns you are teaching her.
Of course, always praise and reward her actions, when she does her part correctly.
Use your excited voice to praise with enthusiasm.
She gets it, when you are happy with her actions.
She will quickly learn to watch you for that response.
If she makes a mistake in your home, just clean it up quickly, and ideally when she cannot see the clean up.
No scolding, no nose rubbing, no spanking.
Never.
All those old ways of training do not help.
In fact, given a short memory, she cannot connect your punishment with the "crime".
Negative reactions like this will only cause her to lose trust and comfort in you.
Always remember that your dog is wired to observe and monitor you.
As she grows older, and has learned "how things are done around here" her observing and learning never stops.
She will learn that you clear your throat, or turn your head a certain way, before you ask her to go outside.
She will learn your facial expressions and other cues and hints that you (the highly evolved human) don't even realize.
But, this is the good news.
Your dog's incredible ability to "read you" will always help her to learn, and help build the life long bond with you, her best friend.