The Complete Puppy Care Guide
Everything you need to know about raising a happy, healthy puppy - from the first day home to the first year.
12 Articles in This GuideBringing home a puppy is one of life's greatest joys—and one of its biggest challenges. The first year is critical for establishing good habits, proper socialization, and laying the foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from the chaotic first night to celebrating your puppy's first birthday. We've compiled our best advice from veterinarians, trainers, and experienced breeders to help you navigate the puppy phase with confidence.
1The First Week Home
The first week is about survival—for both of you. Your puppy just left their mother and siblings, so expect some crying, accidents, and general chaos. Focus on establishing a routine, not perfection.
2House Training Basics
Potty training is the #1 concern for new puppy owners. The key is consistency, frequent trips outside, and rewarding success rather than punishing accidents. Most puppies can be reliably trained in 2-4 weeks with proper technique.
3Socialization Window
The critical socialization period is 3-16 weeks. During this time, expose your puppy to as many positive experiences as possible: different people, sounds, surfaces, and other vaccinated dogs. Missing this window can lead to fear-based behaviors later.
4Feeding & Nutrition
Puppies need more calories per pound than adult dogs and should be fed puppy-specific food. Feed 3-4 times daily until 4 months, then transition to 2-3 times daily. Avoid overfeeding large breed puppies—rapid growth can cause joint problems.
5Teething & Biting
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and teething makes the biting worse. Provide appropriate chew toys, redirect biting to toys, and teach bite inhibition by yelping and ending play when bites are too hard.
Read the Full Guides
First 24 Hours with a New Puppy: Complete Survival Guide
The first day and night with a new puppy are usually chaotic. Here's how to set yourself up for success and survive the crying.
Read Article →Potty Training a Puppy in 7 Days: A Strict Schedule
Can you housebreak a dog in a week? Yes, if you treat it like a full-time job. Here is the 'eyes-on' management schedule that stops accidents cold.
Read Article →Crate Training 101: The Happy Place Method
A crate shouldn't be a jail cell. It should be a den. Here is how to make your dog love their crate.
Read Article →Puppy Vaccination Schedule 2025: What You Need
Confusion about Distemper vs. Parvo vs. Lepto? Here is the definitive vet-approved schedule for 2025.
Read Article →What to Expect at Your Puppy's First Vet Visit
Nervous about your puppy's first vet visit? Here's everything you need to know, from what to bring to common procedures and questions to ask.
Read Article →Puppy Sleep Schedule by Age: How Much Sleep Do Puppies Need?
Your puppy sleeps 18-20 hours a day—and that's normal! Here's what to expect at every age and how to help your puppy develop healthy sleep habits.
Read Article →How Much Exercise Does a Puppy Need? Age-by-Age Guide
Over-exercising puppies can damage their developing joints. Learn exactly how much exercise your puppy needs at each age and what activities are safest.
Read Article →When Do Puppies Stop Biting? Teething Phase
Your arms look like you fought a cheese grater. When does the 'Land Shark' phase end? A timeline of teeth.
Read Article →How to Calm a Hyper Puppy Before Bed: Surviving the Witching Hour
It's 9 PM and your puppy just turned into a land shark. This is 'The Witching Hour.' Learn why it happens and the 'off-switch' routine to stop the biting.
Read Article →Socializing a Pandemic Puppy: Late Start Tips for Fearful Dogs
Missed the critical socialization window? Your dog isn't broken. Here is the 'Remedial Socialization' guide to helping fearful adult dogs.
Read Article →Common Choking Hazards for Puppies: Complete Safety Guide
Puppies will eat anything. Here's a complete list of choking hazards in your home and what to do if your puppy is choking.
Read Article →Camping with a Puppy: The Complete Gear and Preparation Guide
Nature is dirty, puppies eat everything, and tent camping adds chaos to an already chaotic life stage. Here's how to do it safely and enjoyably.
Read Article →Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I leave a puppy alone?
As a rule, puppies can hold their bladder for their age in months plus one hour. A 3-month-old can be alone for ~4 hours max.
When can my puppy meet other dogs?
After the second round of vaccinations (usually 10-12 weeks), your puppy can meet healthy, vaccinated dogs. Avoid dog parks until fully vaccinated at 16 weeks.
Should I crate train my puppy?
Yes! When done correctly, crate training provides a safe space for your puppy and helps with house training. Never use the crate as punishment.