Puppyhood is both exciting and overwhelming at the same time! If you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your home (or you’re about to), I’ll tell you this: It’s pretty amazing to watch how fast they grow and learn. That first year is filled with plenty of big milestones. Here are some of the things new puppy parents can look forward to:
Gotcha Day
The day you pick up your puppy from the breeder, rescue group, or shelter is an exciting one. It’s the start of your journey together! While this is your puppy’s first big life milestone, I always recommend keeping that first-day low key. Instead of inviting all of your friends over to love on and celebrate your new pup, it’s better to keep things as calm as possible. For baby Fido, he’s just getting to know you. He’s in a new place, smelling new smells, and going through a lot of unfamiliar experiences. So, to make him feel as secure as possible, let this milestone be between you, the people in your household, and your new pup!
In my new book, Becoming a Dog Mom: The Ultimate Guide for New Puppy Parents, I have an entire chapter filled with advice to help you survive that first 24 hours with your new puppy. Check it out:
First Trip to the Vet
Once you welcome baby Fido into your home, you’ll want to get him checked by the vet. Ideally, he’ll meet his doggy doctor within the first 48 hours for a full examination. Your vet will check his weight, perform a full physical exam, test his stool for parasites (it’s not uncommon for puppies to have worms), answer any questions you may have, and go over future medical needs.
Thinking back to the puppy stage, I remember celebrating when the vet gave my furkids a clean bill of health!
In Becoming a Dog Mom, I share tips for finding a trusted veterinarian and offer a full breakdown of all first-year veterinary needs. (The veterinary care chapter in my book was reviewed and approved by a licensed and practicing veterinarian.)
Last Round of Puppy Shots
First, let me say: I’m not a fan of over-vaccinating dogs and pumping them with shots they just don’t need. But, I firmly believe getting your dog the correct core vaccines is essential to keeping them protected and healthy.
Your dog’s vaccination series will begin when he’s around six weeks old. And he should be all finished around 16 weeks of age. After those last shots, your puppy is free to explore the world and meet other dogs. Once you’ve completed that last round of puppy shots, the world is your furkid’s oyster!
No More Baby Teeth
Anyone who has spent time with a young puppy knows they have razor-sharp teeth. Puppies explore the world with their mouths and play-bite. Plus, once they reach three or four months old, they begin losing their baby teeth, making room for their 42 adult teeth. This process is painful, so, to soothe their sore gums, they chew on practically anything. I share tips to survive the teething phase HERE, and even more in my book, Becoming a Dog Mom. But I think we would all agree: Graduating from the teething phase is a big milestone!
Spay/Neuter
Whether or not you choose to spay your female dog or neuter your male dog is between you and your vet. But, getting through these common surgeries is a big deal! Puppies are generally spayed or neutered between six and nine months old, but consult with your veterinarian to determine what’s best for your puppy.
In my book, Becoming a Dog Mom, you’ll find a complete guide detailing surgery prep, what to expect the day of surgery, and post-op care.
Responding to His Name
As pet parents, it’s up to us to teach our furkids everything we want them to know. That includes their name! The day your puppy starts responding to his name – and, better yet, coming when called – is a special moment.
The best time to start training your dog? Immediately!
Obedience School
While not every pet parent takes their dogs to obedience school, there are some big benefits! Along with learning the basic commands (while you’ll learn in class, but should also practice at home in between sessions), they get to socialize with other puppies. These two things combined will help offer your pup a lifetime of success.
The End of Potty Training
Knee deep in urine and feces … oh the joy of being a dog mom! Since puppies can’t control their bladders until they’re about four months old (for some tiny breeds it may take even longer), it’s important to monitor them closely, walk them regularly, and crate train when you can’t keep a watchful eye. The fewer accidents during the potty training phase, the better. Then, the day your pup starts running over to the door and asking to go out is huge! It’s definitely a milestone to celebrate.
First Birthday
Bake a dog cake and sing the Happy Birthday song because your puppy has made it to adulthood! You’ve survived the real tough stuff and are ready to take on this next stage in your dog’s life.
If you’re one of those dog moms who throws birthday parties for your pups (I’m guilty), check out my post How to Throw a Fun Dog Birthday Party!
More Puppy Advice
Throughout this article, you’ve seen me reference my new book, Becoming a Dog Mom. It’s a 13 chapter book filled with tips and advice to get you through the first year with a new puppy. It covers topics such as puppy proofing your house, basic training, teething, socializing, home grooming, veterinary care needs, how to select a quality pet food, physical activity, mental stimulation, cleaning, traveling, and photographing! Click HERE to take a peek inside!
