0-12 months

Puppy Care Guide

Everything you need to know for your puppy's first year - from bringing them home to their first birthday.

First Weeks at Home

The first few weeks are crucial for bonding and establishing routines. Here's your essential checklist:

Schedule first vet visit within 48 hours
Set up sleeping area with comfortable bedding
Puppy-proof your home (remove hazards)
Purchase food, bowls, collar, lead, and ID tag
Introduce puppy to family members gradually
Begin house training routine
Establish feeding schedule (3-4 times daily)
Start crate training if applicable

Vaccination Schedule

Protect your puppy with timely vaccinations. This schedule is a general guide - always consult your vet.

Age	Vaccination	Notes
6-8 weeks	First vaccination (Distemper, Parvovirus)	First visit to vet
10-12 weeks	Second vaccination (Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis)	Can meet vaccinated dogs
14-16 weeks	Third vaccination (Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis)	Fully protected
12-16 weeks	Rabies (if required)	Check local requirements
6-12 months	Kennel cough (optional)	Recommended if boarding

Important: Don't walk your puppy in public areas until they're fully vaccinated (usually after the third vaccination). They can still socialize with vaccinated dogs in controlled environments.

Training Milestones

Training should be fun, positive, and age-appropriate. Here's what to focus on at each stage:

8-10 weeks

Name recognition
Toilet training basics
Gentle handling
Short lead walks indoors

10-12 weeks

Sit command
Come when called
Lead walking
Meeting people

12-16 weeks

Stay command
Down command
Leave it
Socialization with other dogs

16+ weeks

Advanced commands
Loose-lead walking
Impulse control
Puppy classes

Nutrition Essentials

Proper nutrition is vital for healthy growth and development during this critical period.

Choose Age-Appropriate Food

Feed specially formulated puppy food for proper growth and development

Feeding Schedule

8-12 weeks: 4 meals/day | 3-6 months: 3 meals/day | 6+ months: 2 meals/day

Portion Control

Follow food packaging guidelines based on breed size and weight

Fresh Water

Always provide clean, fresh water and change multiple times daily

Socialization

The socialization window (3-14 weeks) is critical. Expose your puppy to:

Different people (all ages, appearances)
Other friendly dogs and animals
Various environments and surfaces
Household noises and sounds
Car rides and travel
Grooming and handling
Different objects and toys
Gentle children under supervision

Positive Experiences: Always keep socialization positive. Use treats, praise, and patience. Never force interactions if your puppy seems scared - go at their pace.

Common Puppy Health Issues

Parasites (worms, fleas)

Regular worming treatment every 2-4 weeks until 6 months, then as advised by vet

Diarrhea or vomiting

Can be caused by diet changes. Contact vet if persistent or severe

Teething discomfort

Provide appropriate chew toys. Teething occurs around 3-6 months

Ear infections

Check ears weekly. Watch for scratching, odor, or redness

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Age

Vaccination

Notes

6-8 weeks

First vaccination (Distemper, Parvovirus)

First visit to vet

10-12 weeks

Second vaccination (Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis)

Can meet vaccinated dogs

14-16 weeks

Third vaccination (Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis)

Fully protected

12-16 weeks

Rabies (if required)

Check local requirements

6-12 months

Kennel cough (optional)

Recommended if boarding