Your puppy’s first year is crucial for developing the foundation for their temperament, training, and overall health. Read on so you know what to expect for some of your puppy’s important “firsts.”

Your puppy’s first diet

The correct nutrient ratio is key for properly fueling your puppy’s growth and development. Giant breeds in particular require specialized nutrition to ensure they do not gain weight and grow too rapidly, because this can lead to a lifetime of serious orthopedic problems. 

A wide range of puppy diets is available, formulated with greatly varied ingredients for your puppy’s breed and expected adult size. You should choose a grain-inclusive diet that lists a high-quality protein as the first ingredient, and avoid diets that contain artificial colorings and flavorings, which can cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset. 

If you’re struggling to find a diet that fits your puppy’s needs, you should discuss your options with our Memorial Animal Hospital veterinarian, who will advise you about the appropriate diet that will help your pup grow up strong and healthy.

Your puppy’s first training session

Whether you want to train your puppy at home, or are researching training courses in your area, you should keep a few rules in mind. When teaching your new pup right from wrong, follow these guidelines:

  • Use positive reinforcement — High-value treats go a long way in the canine world, as do engaging toys, praise, and pets. When your puppy behaves the way you want, such as sitting when you come in the door, or urinating outside, heap them with treats and praise. Your pup will soon catch on that their action precedes all sorts of good things.
  • Avoid punishment — It’s a common misconception that animals need punishment to learn that a behavior is incorrect, but punishment damages your relationship, and positive reinforcement is a much more effective training method. You may want to scold your puppy for chewing your shoe or urinating on the rug, but don’t do that. Swatting your pup for nipping, rubbing their nose in an accident, or yelling at them for excessive barking teaches them to be afraid of you. Instead, ignore behavior you don’t want, and guide your puppy to perform the correct behavior and immediately reward them with treats and praise. 
  • Be consistent — Consistency is key when training your puppy, so ensure every household member is on the same page to avoid confusion. For example, when teaching your puppy not to jump up in greeting, everyone must avoid any interaction until your pup’s paws stay on the ground. Small children may run and shriek as your puppy jumps up, which is a reward on its own, while adults may push your puppy down, which is also a rewarding interaction. As soon as your puppy is standing or sitting still, bend down to greet them, and stop your attention if they jump again. With time, your pup will learn the rules.

Your puppy’s first socialization period

Dogs go through several socialization periods as they develop, but none plays a bigger role in building a strong foundation than the period from 3 to 14 weeks of age, when your puppy forms lasting opinions of their world. This is the best time for positive exposures to the many potentially frightening things, such as loud noises, car rides, baths, nail trims, and the variety of other pets, people, and places that your pup will likely encounter throughout life.

When socializing your puppy, proceed slowly, allowing them to approach new people, pets, and things at their own pace, and then retreat if they want. Don’t lure your puppy with treats, because they may come close enough to take the treat, and then panic because they are so close to a stranger when the treat is gone. However, you should reward your puppy when they explore on their own and offer plenty of treats while you perform unpleasant tasks like nail trims. Socialization is lifelong, and rewards will help your puppy form each new positive association.

Your puppy’s first veterinary visit

No, we don’t require multiple visits as your puppy grows simply because we love playing with adorable puppies, although that is a perk. Rather, your puppy needs several wellness visits three to four weeks apart to protect them from infectious diseases as their immune system develops. Puppies are born with some protection from maternal antibodies, but that defense wanes over time, and your pup needs vaccinations at each wellness visit to trigger their immune system to become strong enough to protect them. 

In addition to the vaccination series, we will monitor your puppy’s explosive growth and development during their first few months, and make recommendations on their diet, training, behavior problem prevention, dental care, and grooming. Your puppy’s breed and expected adult size will determine when they should be spayed or neutered, and a microchip can be implanted at any age. We will also keep track of your puppy’s weight to ensure they receive the correct parasite prevention for protection from heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites.

Congratulations on your new puppy! Our Memorial Animal Hospital team can’t wait to welcome them to our family. Give us a call to schedule your puppy’s first wellness visit and get them started on the right paw.