📅 Action Planner
New Puppy Care Schedule and Milestones
Your guide to a smooth and successful puppy journey, tailored for easy reference and immediate application.
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Week 1: Getting Started
Day 1: Introduction
Visit the vet for an initial check-up.
Set up a comfortable crate or bed in a quiet area.
Introduce basic commands like "sit" and "stay."
Establish a feeding routine, starting with a good-quality puppy kibble.
Day 2: Feeding and Hygiene
Feed the puppy twice a day, using measured portions.
Provide fresh water at all times.
Start a short grooming session: brush and check for any skin issues.
Introduce a puppy pad or litter box for potty training.
Day 3: Basic Socialization
Take the puppy out for a short walk to get them used to the outside world.
Introduce the puppy to family members and other pets (if any).
Start teaching simple commands like "come" and "leave it."
Day 4: Establishing Rules and Boundaries
Set up a routine for crate time, including brief periods of free play.
Begin introducing the puppy to different surfaces and textures.
Start crate training by leaving the door open and gradually increasing time inside.
Day 5: Introduction to Toys and Training
Introduce toys to encourage chewing and play.
Continue basic training commands with positive reinforcement.
Practice basic potty training in the designated area.
Day 6: Mealtime and Potty Breaks
Offer meals at regular intervals and ensure potty breaks are frequent.
Practice consistent potty routines, such as after meals or naps.
Provide supervised playtime to tire out the puppy.
Day 7: First Visit to the Vet
Schedule and attend the first vet visit.
Discuss vaccination schedule and any necessary medications.
Get all necessary paperwork and vaccinations.
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Week 2: Building Foundations
Day 8: Advanced Training
Introduce advanced commands like "down" and "heel."
Continue potty training with consistency and positive reinforcement.
Practice leaving the puppy alone for short periods, starting with 5-10 minutes.
Day 9: Socialization and Exposure
Take the puppy to a dog park or dog-friendly area.
Introduce the puppy to different sounds and sights to build confidence.
Begin basic obedience training with short, focused sessions.
Day 10: Introduction to Grooming
Use a soft brush to clean and condition the puppy’s coat.
Trim nails using a pet nail clipper.
Start teeth brushing with a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.
Day 11: Mealtime and Exercise
Feed the puppy twice a day, ensuring portions are appropriate.
Increase exercise with longer walks and play sessions.
Practice potty breaks before and after meals and naps.
Day 12: Training Sessions
Dedicate time to training in a quiet environment.
Use treats and praise for positive reinforcement.
Practice "no" commands gently and consistently.
Day 13: Crate Training
Increase the time the puppy spends in the crate during the day.
Use the crate for short periods of separation, gradually increasing time.
Practice leaving the house for brief periods with the puppy.
Day 14: Weekly Review
Evaluate progress in training and potty training.
Adjust the puppy’s routine as needed based on their behavior.
Plan for upcoming milestones and continue positive reinforcement.
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Week 3: Developing Skills
Day 15: Advanced Commands
Introduce commands like "wait" and "place."
Practice commands in different environments.
Increase the duration of training sessions.
Day 16: Playtime and Enrichment
Provide new toys and activities to keep the puppy engaged.
Play fetch or hide-and-seek to encourage interaction.
Introduce puzzle toys to promote mental stimulation.
Day 17: Socialization and Interactions
Encourage socialization with other puppies and people.
Introduce the puppy to different environments, like parks or stores.
Practice walking on a leash in busy areas to build confidence.
Day 18: Training Sessions
Focus on advanced commands and tricks.
Practice obedience training in distracting environments.
Use clicker training for consistent and immediate reinforcement.
Day 19: Grooming and Hygiene
Bathe the puppy if necessary, using a pet-safe shampoo.
Brush the coat thoroughly to remove tangles and loose fur.
Trim the fur around the eyes and ears if needed.
Day 20: Mealtime and Potty Routines
Continue feeding a balanced diet, monitoring weight and growth.
Adjust potty training based on the puppy’s needs.
Practice potty breaks before and after meals and naps.
Day 21: Weekly Review
Assess overall progress in training and behavior.
Adjust the puppy’s routine and training schedule as needed.
Plan for upcoming milestones and continue positive reinforcement.
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Week 4: Consolidation and Growth
Day 22: Advanced Training
Introduce more complex commands and tricks.
Practice commands in different environments and distractions.
Increase the duration of training sessions.
Day 23: Playtime and Socialization
Provide opportunities for play with other puppies and people.
Introduce the puppy to different environments and sounds.
Practice walking on a leash in various settings, including parks and trails.
Day 24: Training Sessions
Focus on advanced commands and tricks.
Practice obedience training in distracting environments.
Use clicker training for consistent and immediate reinforcement.
Day 25: Grooming and Hygiene
Brush the coat thoroughly to maintain good hygiene.
Trim nails and clean ears to prevent infections.
Groom the puppy’s fur to prevent matting and tangles.
Day 26: Mealtime and Potty Routines
Continue feeding a balanced diet, monitoring weight and growth.
Adjust potty training based on the puppy’s needs.
Practice potty breaks before and after meals and naps.
Day 27: Weekly Review
Assess overall progress in training and behavior.
Adjust the puppy’s routine and training schedule as needed.
Plan for upcoming milestones and continue positive reinforcement.
Day 28: Milestone Celebration
Reward the puppy for all their hard work and progress.
Take the puppy out for a special treat or outing.
Document the puppy’s journey so far and plan for future growth.
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Tips and Reminders
Consistency is Key: Stick to a routine and be consistent with training and potty breaks.Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and affection to encourage good behavior.Patience and Love: Puppies learn at their own pace, so be patient and loving throughout the process.Regular Vet Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups to ensure the puppy’s health and well-being.
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Puppy Kibble (Orijen Large Breed Puppy) - Orijen Large Breed Puppy Kibble Training Collar (PawPleasant No Pull Harness) - PawPleasant No Pull Harness Interactive Toy (Tug-a-Jug Interactive Dog Toy) - Tug-a-Jug Interactive Dog Toy
By following this week-by-week action plan, you’ll be well on your way to raising a happy, healthy, and well-trained puppy. Hang this guide up where you can see it, and keep it handy for reference. Best of luck on your journey!