New Puppy Guide
First 30 Days With a New Puppy
A week-by-week checklist for the milestones that set your puppy up for a calm, confident, healthy life. Print it, save it, and check things off as you go.
Day 1–3
Arrival & settling in
- Puppy-proof one quiet room — remove cords, plants, and small objects.
- Set up crate, water, food bowls, and a soft bed in that space.
- Keep introductions calm: one person, one room, short greetings.
- Start a feeding log — same food the breeder/shelter used, 3–4 meals a day.
- Pick a potty spot outside and visit it every 1–2 hours plus after meals and naps.
Week 1
First vet visit & health baseline
- Book a wellness exam within 3–7 days of arrival.
- Bring any vaccination, deworming, and microchip records.
- Confirm next vaccine dates (typically every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks).
- Start a flea, tick, and heartworm prevention plan with your vet.
- Note weight, stool quality, appetite, and energy — daily for two weeks.
Week 2
Routine, crate & name recognition
- Lock in a daily rhythm: wake, potty, eat, play, nap — repeat.
- Build positive crate time: meals in the crate, short closed-door sessions.
- Teach name + 'sit' with tiny treats in 2–3 minute sessions, 4× a day.
- Introduce gentle handling: paws, ears, mouth, collar — pair with treats.
- Begin leash desensitization indoors before walking outside.
Week 3
Safe socialization
- Expose puppy to 5–7 new sights, sounds, and surfaces per day — calmly.
- Carry puppy in public before full vaccinations to safely watch the world.
- Invite one calm, vaccinated adult dog over for a short, supervised play.
- Practice short separations (5–15 minutes) to prevent velcro habits.
- Sign up for a positive-reinforcement puppy class starting around week 4.
Week 4
Habits that stick
- Review the feeding log — adjust portions as puppy grows.
- Lengthen training cues: 'down', 'come', 'leave it'.
- Start a grooming routine: brushing, nail handling, tooth brushing intro.
- Schedule the next vaccine booster and confirm spay/neuter timing.
- Celebrate wins — and write down what's still tricky for next month's plan.
Educational content from PetProsHQ. Always confirm health decisions with your veterinarian.