Puppy Care
Your First Weeks, Planned Out
Before pickup day
The new puppy checklist covers everything to buy and prepare: crate, food, ID tag, vet appointment, puppy-proofing. Buying gear? Our crate guide and chew-proof toy guide tell you which specs matter. And budget honestly first: the pet cost guide covers what year one really costs.
The first days and weeks
Expect heavy sleep and a tight rhythm at first: 8-week-old puppies sleep 18–20 hours a day, waking every couple of hours to potty, eat, or play.
- First night with your puppy: where the puppy sleeps, how much crying is normal, and how to survive until morning
- 8-week-old puppy schedule: a realistic daily rhythm of sleep (18–20 hours is normal), meals, potty trips, and play
Training starts on day one, gently: potty training and crate training from the first morning, puppy training basics in two-minute sessions.
Health from week one
Two things need close attention in the first few months: the vaccination series, which runs from about 6–8 weeks until 16+ weeks, and teething, which typically peaks between 12 and 20 weeks with adult teeth in by about 6 months.
- Puppy vaccination schedule: which shots, at which weeks, and what they protect against
- Puppy teething guide: the chewing phase, what's normal, and when adult teeth come in (around 6 months)
Feed a growth formula, not adult food: the puppy food guide explains why, including the large-breed exception. When something seems off, puppies leave less margin than adult dogs: know the signs that need a vet, and don't wait on a puppy that won't eat or drink.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need before bringing a puppy home?
The essentials: a crate sized for adult weight (with a divider), puppy food, bowls, a collar and ID tag, a leash, chew toys, and a vet appointment booked for the first week. The complete list with reasoning is in the new puppy checklist.
How long will my 8-week-old puppy sleep at night?
Expect to get up once or twice at first: an 8-week-old bladder holds roughly 2–3 hours, stretching quickly week by week. Most puppies sleep through by 12–16 weeks with a consistent routine. Setup and survival tactics: first night with your puppy.
When can my puppy meet other dogs and go outside?
Balance is the answer: the socialization window (before ~14 weeks) matters too much to wait for the full vaccine series, so the AVSAB recommends controlled socialization (puppy classes, vaccinated adult dogs, carried outings) before full protection at 16+ weeks. Avoid dog parks and high-traffic areas until the vaccination series is complete.
When do puppies stop teething?
Adult teeth are typically in by about 6 months, and the worst chewing usually runs from 12 to 20 weeks. Frozen chews and rotation help: see the puppy teething guide for what works and what's a gimmick.
Pet Tools
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