-Deworming: several times in the first few months- Simparica Trio and/or Pyrantyl

-Fecal exam: ASAP with new puppies and again after treament, if parasites are found and treated

-DAP vaccines: 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age (every puppy should get 3 or 4 DAP vaccines 3 to 4 weeks apart with the last vaccine of the series being at / after 16 weeks of age)

-Bordetella/Parainfluenza (kennel cough) vaccine: 8 to 12 weeks of age

-Leptospirosis vaccine (depending on lifestyle risk); 2 vaccines 3 to 4 weeks apart

-Canine Influenza vaccine (depending on lifestyle risk); 2 vaccines 2 to 4 weeks apart

-Rabies vaccine: at 4-6 months

-Spay / neuter at 6 - 18 months of age (small / medium dogs at 6 months ideally, large breeds at 1-1.5 years)

-Microchip placed (can be done at a vaccine appointment or on spay / neuter day)

-Initiate monthly parasite prevention for fleas, ticks, heartworm disease.

Puppy socialization is critical; think of it as kindergarten for your puppy. Puppy classes are a safe way for our puppy to interact with other puppies. Without socialization your puppy may become fearful as they get older. Puppy classes are held in a safe area that has been cleaned and where the other puppies are on schedule with their vaccinations and deworming.

We will advise you on vaccinations and deworming at every stage of your puppy’s development. Don’t hold your puppy back from socialization because you are concerned he or she could get an infection. Avoid public parks and dog parks where unknown dogs could be congregating to reduce the risk of infection.

These articles have more information about socializing puppies:

-https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-socialization/

-https://cattledogpublishing.com/blog/puppy-behavior-a-sensitive-period-for-puppy-socialization/

-https://elvh.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Puppy-Socialization-Checklist-1.pdf

Even if a puppy, shelter, rescue, or foster home told you your dog is completely potty trained, do NOT assume that he will know where to go at YOUR house. Remember that accidents are likely.

-Potty Training for dogs and puppies

-Potty training a puppy to go outside

Puppies are growing fast. Just like you wouldn’t restrict the amount of food your baby or toddler eats, we don’t restrict the amount of food puppies eat. If you put down a portion of food and they walk away they are full. If they eat their food quickly and look for more, increase the portion size. You will need to continually increase the volume of food you are feeding.

Until about ten to twelve weeks old puppies should eat about three times per day. After that, puppies usually do well with two meals a day and snacks for training between meals. We will let you know once it’s time to limit the amount of overall food intake for your puppy. We often have to measure their food more carefully once they have been spayed or neutered or around one to two years of age when they are no longer growing.

We highly recommend checking that the trainer you use is certified (CCPDT) and they use positive reinforcement training methods. When a trainer says they use balanced training that is often code for using negative reinforcement training which we do not recommend. There are four categories of professionals with regards to behavior: trainers(no credentials required), certified trainers, certified behavior consultants and veterinary behavior specialists. Depending on the kind of help your dog needs, we may recommend one resource or another.

Comprehensive list of behavior resources:

-Humane Portland Metro Area Dog Trainers and Behavior Professionals

This list provided courtesy of One Tail At A Time rescue

-Dr. Yin’s Top 10 Dog Training Tips

-The Learn to Earn Program

Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right by Sophia Yin