15 Things to Expect in Your Puppy’s First Year

Bringing home a bouncing ball of fur is exciting, but puppies come with a whirlwind of challenges and responsibilities. The good news? The first year is a golden window for growth, learning, and bonding. This guide unlocks 15 key things to expect and do during your puppy’s first year, ensuring a smooth, enriching journey for both of you!

Rapid Growth and Weight Changes

In the first few months, your puppy will snowball, sometimes doubling or tripling in size. Frequent vet visits for weight checks are essential to ensure healthy development.

Teething and Chewing

Expect your puppy to chew on everything as they teethe. Providing appropriate chew toys can alleviate discomfort and save your furniture. The behavior may come from pain, so you may want to see a vet.

House Training Challenges

Potty training can take up to a full year for puppies, so be prepared for it. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are useful in teaching your puppy where to do their business.

Socialization Time

Your puppy can start socializing from its first year, and starting within is important. Exposing it to different people, animals, and environments will help it become a well-adjusted adult dog. Introductions to other pets should be done slowly and under supervision. Positive interactions with other animals help your puppy develop good social skills.

Basic Obedience Training

In their first year, Puppies can start learning basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Teach them early to obey them. If you need some structure and support, you can enroll in a puppy training class.

First Vet Visits and Vaccinations

Regular vet visits for check-ups and vaccinations are essential. Your puppy will get a series of shots to protect it from contracting and spreading certain diseases.

Learning to Walk on a Leash

Walking on a leash is a skill that puppies can learn from eight weeks old. Patience and positive reinforcement during training will make walks enjoyable for both of you.

Experiencing Fear Periods

Puppies often experience fear periods, during which they are more sensitive to their surroundings and which can last 2-3 weeks. Early socialization and gentle exposure can help them overcome these phases.

An Established Feeding Routine

Puppies can learn a feeding routine within weeks to months! Younger ones, who have 3-4 meals per day, may take longer to learn, but as they grow and transition to 2-3 meals per day, consistency is key. It’s important to stick to set mealtimes every day to help regulate their system. With consistent effort, by 3-6 months of age, your puppy should be a pro at their feeding routine!

Understanding and Adapting to Household Rules

Puppies need to learn the rules of the house, such as where they can go and what they can chew on. You can teach them this in their first year, and if you are consistent, it will make them understand these boundaries better.

First Time Alone at Home

Gradually getting your puppy used to being alone helps prevent separation anxiety. Start in the first year with short periods and gradually increase their time alone.

Developing a Strong Bond with You

The first year is when you and your puppy can build a strong bond through play, training, and spending time together. This bond is the foundation for a lifelong relationship.

Teach to Play Appropriately

Teaching your puppy appropriate behavior for playing, including bite inhibition, is non-negotiable. Redirecting biting to toys and rewarding gentleness helps them learn.

Dealing with Common Puppy Ailments

Puppies may experience common ailments like ear infections, parasites, or digestive issues. Being vigilant about their health and maintaining regular vet appointments can address them promptly.

Changes in Sleeping Patterns

Puppies sleep a lot, but their sleep patterns will change as they grow. Initially, they may sleep up to 16 hours daily, and this may reduce to less than 14 hours.