The first year with a puppy is busy and rewarding, and a little planning helps you cover the essentials.
In the early weeks, focus on a vet check, starting the vaccination series, and gentle socialisation with new people, sounds, and experiences while your puppy is young and receptive. Begin house training with a consistent routine and plenty of praise.
As your puppy grows, continue vaccinations and parasite prevention on your vet's schedule, and start simple, reward-based training for basic cues like sit, come, and settle. Short, positive sessions work best.
Feed a quality puppy food in measured meals, and ask your vet when to move to adult food, which depends on your dog's expected size. Introduce grooming, nail trims, and tooth brushing early so they become normal parts of life.
Around six months, discuss neutering and long-term health care with your veterinarian. Throughout the year, keep records of vaccinations and milestones so nothing slips through the cracks.
Patience and consistency in the first year pay off with a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.