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Complete Puppy Care Guide (0–1 Years Old)

Puppies grow fast, and this stage is crucial for setting up a lifetime of health, happiness, and good behavior.

General

Puppy Advice

You will be greatly rewarded with a wonderful dog if you take the time to learn about puppy behavior and show patience and love toward your puppy.

Establish a Vet!

Your puppy will need vet care for the rest of her life, establish a vet within 2 weeks of adoption.

  • Get any shots your vet recommends
  • Have your dog neutered or spayed at 6 months

Behavior suggestions

Chewing

Puppies will chew almost anything until they get their second teeth. When she nips you, say: ” No!” sharply and shake the scruff of her neck then ignore her. If she chews something you don’t want her to, put a product called “Bitter Apple” on it. Also give her a substitution, like a rawhide bone or a Kong Toy stuffed with dog food that you’ve put in the freezer overnight.

Sometimes it also help to put your fist into the puppy’s mouth when she nips because their natural response is to to lick you when you pull back. Then reward the lick with praise.

Crate training

For the first 6 months we recommend crate training your puppy. If you need specific advice on how to crate train, any library, pet store or bookstore will have book on puppy care that will help you determine a schedule. After a year you may not need the crate but your dog might like it as her own quiet spot.

Contain your puppy in the crate for no longer than 4 hours at a time. If you work outside the home all day, arrange for someone to let the puppy out during the workday. Gradually you can extend the time but to no more than 7 hours.

When your puppy is first confined she may cry. Ignore her. Then when she’s quiet, go in and reward her for being quiet. Do not give her attention when she cries.

Establish a consistent morning routine. For example: puppy goes out, eats, goes out again, has some play time, goes out a last time, then gets confined. Give her a treat when you confine her and say something like “I’ll be back!” and walk away. You might leave a radio on for her.

Never reprimand your puppy if she soils in the crate. She’s still a baby and doesn’t have complete control yet.

Jumping

Discourage your puppy from jumping on you by turning your back and ignoring her. When she’s stopped, give her attention.

Socializing

Your puppy is used to being with her litter or other dogs. So keep her with you whenever you can, in areas you can easily clean when she’s in the house. Establish where she will sleep and stick to it.

Puppies also need socialization with other dogs from the time they’re about 8 weeks old. So enroll your puppy in Puppy Kindergarten soon and then progress to Obedience Classes.

Supervision

Keep your puppy off slippery surfaces, which can cause hip and joint problems later in his life.

Be very careful of your puppy around children and don’t leave him unsupervised around children. Children can unintentionally harm a puppy and puppies have a tendency to nip and scratch.

Vitamins

Many vets recommend keeping your puppy on Vitamin C. Begin with 500 units and then over a period of 2 weeks increase to 1000 units gradually decreasing again to 500 units for the rest of his life.

Some vets also recommend giving Vitamin E to puppies for muscular development. Discuss these options with your vet.

1. Nutrition & Feeding

Puppy-specific food: Choose a formula designed for growth and development (more protein, fat, and calories than adult food).

Feeding schedule:

  • 8–12 weeks: 3–4 meals/day
  • 3–6 months: 3 meals/day
  • 6–12 months: 2 meals/day

Portion control: Follow feeding guidelines on the food bag, adjusting as your vet recommends.

Avoid unsafe foods: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, caffeine, xylitol, bones, and fatty scraps.

Fresh water: Always available.

2. Health & Veterinary Care

    Vaccination schedule (general guideline—your vet may adjust):

    • 6–8 weeks: Distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza
    • 10–12 weeks: DHPP booster, leptospirosis, Bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza (optional)
    • 14–16 weeks: Final DHPP, rabies

    Parasite prevention: Start flea, tick, and heartworm prevention early.

    Spay/neuter: Typically recommended between 6–12 months, depending on breed and vet advice. All animals adopted from PetSavers are spayed or neutered before adoption.

    Regular checkups: At least every 3–4 weeks during puppyhood until vaccinations are complete.

    Microchipping & ID: Essential in case your pup gets lost.

3. Socialization & Behavior

Critical window: 3–14 weeks is the prime socialization period. Expose your puppy (safely) to new people, places, sounds, and animals.

Positive experiences: Keep all exposures fun and non-threatening.

Handling exercises: Gently touch paws, ears, mouth, and tail to get your pup used to vet exams and grooming.

Prevent fear: Never force them into scary situations—go slow and reward bravery.

4. Training & Boundaries

    Start early: Puppies can begin training as soon as they come home (usually 8 weeks).

    House training:

    • Take outside frequently (every 1–2 hours, after meals, naps, and play).

    • Praise and reward immediately after elimination outdoors.

    Basic commands: Sit, stay, come, leave it, down.

    Positive reinforcement: Reward with treats, toys, or praise. Avoid punishment.

    Crate training: Provides a safe den and helps with potty training.

    Chewing: Provide plenty of safe chew toys to protect your furniture.

Boundaries are Important!

(If Supergirl had read this, she'd know better.)

5. Exercise & Play

Short bursts: Puppies tire easily—keep play sessions short and fun.

Avoid over-exercise: Too much impact can harm developing joints.

Mental stimulation: Use puzzle feeders, basic training, and scent games.

Safe play: Puppy-proof your home and supervise playtime to avoid accidents.

6. Grooming & Hygiene

Brushing: Get them used to brushing early; frequency depends on coat type.

Bathing: Every few weeks or when dirty; use puppy-safe shampoo.

Nail trimming: Start early so they learn to tolerate it.

Dental care: Begin brushing with dog-safe toothpaste or provide dental chews.

Ears & eyes: Check weekly for dirt, discharge, or signs of infection.

7. Home & Safety

Puppy-proofing: Remove cords, small objects, toxic plants, and cleaning supplies from reach.

Safe space: Provide a crate or pen for rest and security.

Toys: Offer chew-safe, size-appropriate toys. Rotate for variety.

Avoid hazards: No unsupervised time near pools, balconies, or open doors.

8. Love, Bonding & Patience

  • Puppies need affection, consistency, and gentle guidance.

  • Build trust with play, cuddles, and calm handling.

  • Be patient—accidents and mistakes are part of learning.

  • Celebrate small wins (first successful potty trip, learning a command).

Daily Puppy Care Checklist

  • Feed meals (per schedule)

  • Provide fresh water

  • Frequent potty breaks

  • Exercise & playtime

  • Short training sessions

  • Grooming check (coat, teeth, nails, ears)

  • Lots of love & bonding time

Puppyhood is hard work, but it sets the foundation for your dog’s entire life. With the right mix of training, love, structure, and care, you’ll raise a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted companion.