Pawsitive Journey

What to Expect in Your Puppy’s First Year:
The first year of your puppy’s life is a critical time filled with rapid growth, learning, and development. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

  • 8–16 Weeks: Socialization is key! Expose your puppy to new people, pets, sights, and sounds in a positive way. Begin basic obedience training now to lay a strong foundation.

  • 4–6 Months: Teething peaks. Provide appropriate chew toys to protect your shoes (and sanity!). Continued socialization and positive reinforcement training will help curb undesirable behaviors.

  • 6–12 Months: Your puppy may test boundaries as they move into adolescence. Stay consistent with training and be patient. Exercise, mental stimulation, and a routine are vital during this stage.

Learn more about some of the basics

  • Early Training: It’s never too soon to begin teaching your puppy important life skills. Early training not only encourages good behavior but also strengthens your bond. Remember: A small, playful pup becomes a big, strong dog before you know it. Building good habits now will set the stage for a lifetime of happiness together.

  • Puppy Care Highlights:
    To help your puppy thrive, here are some essential care tips:

    • Nutrition: Feed a high-quality, balanced diet by Earth Options Pet Food —fresh, all-natural, and locally sourced!

    • Veterinary Care: Keep up with vaccinations, regular check-ups, and preventative treatments for parasites.

    • Exercise: Provide age-appropriate physical activity to burn off energy and promote healthy development.

    • Grooming: Regular brushing, nail trims, and dental care help keep your puppy looking and feeling their best.

    • Mental Stimulation: Engage your puppy’s mind with toys, puzzle feeders, and basic training exercises.

Remember, your puppy looks to you for guidance, love, and security. Every effort you make now will help shape your puppy into a well-mannered, confident adult dog.

We’re so excited to be part of your journey. If you have any questions along the way—whether about training, feeding, or general puppy care—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every paw step of the way!