Print it, pin it, tick it off. Timings are typical for most breeds; your veterinarian's schedule
for your puppy always wins where they differ.
Before homecoming
- Choose a vet and register the puppy
- Puppy proof the home: cables, bins, chemicals, small objects
- Buy crate, bedding, bowls, collar and ID tag, first food (same as breeder's)
- Set up a savings buffer or insurance research list
Week 1 (about 8 weeks)
- First vet visit within a few days: health check, vaccine plan, microchip check
- Start house training: outside after sleep, food and play
- Begin crate training with meals and chews inside
- Handle paws, ears and mouth gently every day
Weeks 8 to 12
- Socialization: 3-4 short, positive new experiences a week (surfaces, sounds, people, calm dogs)
- Puppy classes with a reward based trainer
- Name recognition and recall games at home
- First bath and brush sessions, kept short and pleasant
Months 3 to 4
- Complete the vaccine course per your vet
- Teething: frozen carrots and approved chews, redirect biting to toys
- Loose leash foundations in the garden
- First groomer visit for coated breeds (short and friendly)
Months 4 to 6
- Recall and leash training move outdoors on a long line
- Practice being left alone in short, built up steps
- Weigh monthly and adjust food to a lean growth curve
- Discuss spay or neuter timing with your vet for your breed
Months 6 to 9
- Adolescence begins: keep training sessions short, kind and consistent
- Proof recall around distractions before trusting it
- Adult teeth check: all 42 should be in by about 7 months
- Review insurance before the first birthday for the best terms
Months 9 to 12
- Transition toward adult food (large and giant breeds: ask your vet, often later)
- Annual vet check and weight review
- Refresh microchip and ID details
- Celebrate: set year two goals (a sport, a class, a trip together)
Pair the checklist with the cost calculator (puppy year one
toggle on) and our breed profiles for growth tables, so you know what your
puppy should weigh at every stage.