Puppy First Month Checklist: Vet Visits, Vaccines, Training

Week 1: Settle and observe

• Day 1-2: Settle period. Quiet room, familiar smells (a blanket from the breeder/shelter is gold). Don't introduce too many new people or other pets. Sleep is more important than play.
• Day 3: First vet visit. Full health check. Bring a stool sample if possible (parasite check). Confirm any vaccines already received.
• Day 3-7: Establish a basic schedule. Wake / potty / breakfast / play / nap. Repeat every 3-4 hours. Puppies sleep 18-20 hours a day.

Week 2: Routine and first vaccines

• DHPP vaccine #1 at 6-8 weeks (if not already done). See [Dog Vaccination Schedule](https://www.beomelo.com/dog-vaccination-schedule).
• First deworming. Puppies are born with roundworms 95% of the time. Pyrantel pamoate is the standard. Talk to your vet.
• Crate training. Crate = safe space, never punishment. Start with door open, treats inside.
• Name training. Say their name + treat. Repeat 50 times a day.

Week 3: Socialization (critical window)

The socialization window closes around 14-16 weeks. Every safe, positive experience during this window pays back for 12+ years.

• Different surfaces: grass, tile, carpet, gravel, stairs.
• Different sounds: vacuum, doorbell, traffic (start low volume).
• Different people: men, women, children, hats, beards, glasses.
• Other vaccinated dogs: controlled introductions only after second vaccine.
• Car rides: short, positive (end at a fun place, not just the vet).

Week 4: Training basics

• Sit, down, come. 5 minutes, 3 times a day. Treats + praise.
• Leash training. Indoors first. No tension on the leash.
• Bite inhibition. Yelp + walk away if puppy bites too hard.
• Alone time training. 5 minutes alone, then 10, then 20. Build gradually.

Feeding schedule

• 8-12 weeks: 4 meals/day
• 3-6 months: 3 meals/day
• 6-12 months: 2 meals/day
• 12+ months: 2 meals/day (or 1 for some adults)

Use [Omelo's free feeding calculator](https://www.beomelo.com/tools/feeding-calculator) for the right volume per breed and age.

Sleep

• 8-week puppy: 18-20 hours per day
• 4-month puppy: 16-18 hours
• 6-month puppy: 14-16 hours

Puppies are like newborns. Lack of sleep causes hyperactivity (counterintuitive but true).

Red flags in the first month

• Vomiting more than twice in 12 hours
• Diarrhea with blood
• Not eating for >12 hours (puppies can hypoglycemic fast)
• Lethargy, won't wake to play
• Pale gums
• Belly distention
• Difficulty breathing

What to track

• Daily weight (puppies should double weight in first weeks)
• Meals (volume, what)
• Vaccinations
• Deworming dates
• Behavior milestones

By 6 months, you'll have a longitudinal record that any vet you ever see can use.

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