This new puppy checklist is the week-by-week plan every first-time puppy parent wishes they had on day 1 — vet care, food, potty training, insurance, flea prevention and the gear that's actually worth buying. Get the free puppy first 30 days checklist PDF below.
Last updated: September 2026
Takes 20 seconds. Emailed instantly — no spam.
When to book the first vet visit, the real vaccination schedule, fecal testing, and which questions to ask.
How to transition food safely, how much to feed by week, why scheduled meals beat free-feeding.
Name recognition, sit, crate games, bite inhibition — and why weeks 3–14 are the golden socialisation window.
Why experienced owners get quotes before problems appear, and what to compare with the vet.
What’s safe at 8 weeks, and why handling teeth/paws early saves you fights later.
What actually matters for sleep, teething and chewing — and what’s marketing fluff.
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Vet visit, vaccination start, crate + safe room setup, quiet bonding |
| Week 2 | Feeding schedule, food choice, potty training routine, flea & tick preventive |
| Week 3 | Socialisation window, puppy class, handling practice, first training cues |
| Week 4 | Second vaccinations, weight tracking, dental routine, records & scorecard |
Within 3–5 days of bringing your puppy home, around 8 weeks of age.
Carry them in your arms for socialisation trips until your vet clears ground contact.
Yes — fill the form above and the PDF is emailed to you instantly. No payment.
We made a kitten version with species-specific advice — litter training, scratching, Fear-Free handling and more.
Get the New Kitten Checklist →Subscribe our marketing platforms for latest updates