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🐕 Puppy plan

Your puppy's first 30 days

A calm, week by week path from nervous arrival to a happy, settled member of the family. Follow along at your own pace and tick each step as you go.

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Before you begin. Every puppy grows at their own speed. Use this plan as a friendly guide, and always follow your own vet for medical timing, diet, and any concern about your puppy's health.

The 30 day timeline

What to focus on, week by week

Each week builds on the last. Do the calm basics well and the harder skills come far more easily later on.

Week 1Settle and bond

Home base, gentle rest, and first trust

  • Set up one calm room with a crate, water, and a cosy bed
  • Keep the same food your breeder or shelter used
  • Let your puppy explore in short, quiet sessions
  • Start a simple potty routine every couple of hours
  • Book the first vet visit within the opening days
Week 2Routine and rhythm

Predictable days build a confident puppy

  • Feed at the same times to steady digestion and potty timing
  • Introduce a crate nap schedule for calm downtime
  • Reward every outdoor potty win right away
  • Begin gentle handling of paws, ears, and mouth
  • Keep greetings low key to prevent overexcitement
Week 3Learn and socialise

Positive firsts shape a friendly adult dog

  • Teach the name and one easy cue such as sit
  • Invite calm, vaccinated dog friends for short meetups
  • Expose your puppy to new sounds at a gentle volume
  • Practise short alone time so confidence grows
  • Reward calm behaviour more than excited behaviour
Week 4Grow and explore

Widen the world one small step at a time

  • Add short leash walks once your vet gives the go ahead
  • Rotate two or three toys to keep interest fresh
  • Reinforce potty and crate habits with steady praise
  • Introduce grooming basics like brushing and nail checks
  • Celebrate progress and note anything to raise with the vet
Save your progress

The puppy setup checklist

Tick each item as you handle it. Your progress saves in this browser, so you can close the page and pick up right where you left off.

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Pro tip. Handle the safety items first. An ID tag, a vet booking, and a puppy proofed room remove most of the early stress in one afternoon.

๐Ÿ• Puppy first 30 days

10 essentials for a smooth start

Puppy gear

The basics worth having ready

A short, sensible kit covers the whole first month. Skip the clutter and focus on comfort, safety, and easy cleanup.

Editor pick
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Puppy essential

Adjustable Wire Crate

A divider lets the crate grow with your puppy, so one purchase covers the whole first year of training and safe rest.

$48 one time buy
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Vet friendly
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Puppy essential

Stage One Puppy Food

Match the food your breeder or shelter used for the first two weeks, then transition slowly to avoid an upset tummy.

$32 monthly bag
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Most reordered
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Both

Enzyme Stain Remover

Accidents happen in month one. An enzyme cleaner removes the scent fully so your pet does not return to the same spot.

$14 lasts weeks
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Safety first
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Both

ID Collar plus Tag

A visible tag brings a lost pet home faster than a chip alone. Add your phone number the day your pet arrives.

$12 one time buy
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Calm helper
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Both

Slow Puzzle Feeder

A puzzle feeder turns mealtime into gentle brain work, which tires out busy puppies and curious kittens alike.

$18 one time buy
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