Skip to content

A Comprehensive 12-Week Puppy Schedule

Raising a puppy can be a daunting task. With the proper planning, however, you can ensure that your puppy grows up healthy and happy. This article provides a comprehensive 12-week puppy schedule to help you raise your pup and answer the most popular Google queries regarding puppy schedules.

Week 1: Establishing a Routine

In the first week of your puppy's life, the main goal is to establish a routine. Make sure you take your pup out to go to the bathroom regularly, feed them at the same times every day, and provide plenty of love and attention. It is important to socialize your puppy at this stage, so introduce them to new people and environments, but also make sure they get plenty of rest. Additionally, you should start puppy training as soon as possible to help them learn the basics such as potty training and obedience.

Week 2: Vaccinations and Vet Visits

Your puppy should receive their first vaccinations during their second week of life. Make sure you take them to the vet for regular check-ups, and be sure to ask any questions you may have about their health. It is also important to start teaching your puppy basic commands such as "sit", "stay", and "come". Additionally, you should start introducing your pup to new people and environments.

Week 3: Socialization and Training

During the third week, you should focus on socializing and training your puppy. Take them out for walks, introduce them to new people, and teach them basic commands. You should also introduce them to new environments, such as parks and pet stores, to help them become more comfortable in different settings. Additionally, you can start teaching them more advanced commands such as "down" and "leave it."

Week 4: Crate Training

Crate training is an essential part of raising a puppy. The fourth week is the perfect time to start introducing them to their crate. Start by having your pup spend short periods of time in the crate and gradually increase the amount of time. Make sure you provide plenty of treats and praise when they enter the crate, and never use the crate as a punishment. Additionally, you can start teaching your pup more advanced commands such as "off" and "drop it."

Week 5: Chewing and Biting

By the fifth week, your puppy should have started teething. You should provide plenty of chew toys and make sure they are not biting or chewing on anything they should not be. It is important to teach your puppy that biting and chewing is not acceptable behavior, so be sure to redirect their attention and provide plenty of praise when they chew on the right things. Additionally, you can start teaching your pup to walk on a leash.

Week 6: Leash Training

Leash training is an important part of raising a puppy. Start by having your pup wear the leash in the house, and then take them outside for short walks. Make sure you provide plenty of treats and praise when they walk correctly, and never pull on the leash. Additionally, you can start teaching your pup to come when called and to stay when asked.

Week 7: Potty Training

Potty training is an essential part of raising a puppy. Start by taking your pup out regularly and giving them plenty of praise when they go to the bathroom outside. It is important to be consistent and reward them with treats and praise when they go in the right place. Additionally, you can start teaching them more advanced commands such as "wait" and "go to your bed."

Week 8: Basic Obedience

By the eighth week, your puppy should have a good grasp on the basics. Make sure you practice basic obedience commands such as "sit", "stay", and "come" regularly. It is important to be consistent and reward them with treats and praise when they obey. Additionally, you can start teaching them more advanced commands such as "down" and "leave it."

Week 9: Advanced Obedience

By the ninth week, your puppy should have a good understanding of basic obedience commands. At this stage, you can start introducing more advanced commands such as "off", "drop it", and "go to your bed." Make sure you provide plenty of treats and praise when they obey, and never use punishment as a way to teach them. Additionally, you can start teaching your pup more complex behaviors such as rolling over and playing dead.

Week 10: Socialization and Playtime

The tenth week is a great time to focus on socialization and playtime. Take your pup to the park, introduce them to new people, and provide plenty of toys for them to play with. It is important to make sure they are comfortable in different environments and situations, so be sure to supervise them and provide plenty of praise when they behave. Additionally, you can start teaching your pup tricks such as shaking hands and sitting up.

Week 11: Grooming and Health Care

By the eleventh week, your puppy should be getting used to grooming and health care. Make sure you brush their teeth regularly, trim their nails, and check their ears for any signs of infection. It is important to make sure they are comfortable with grooming, so be sure to reward them with treats and praise when they cooperate. Additionally, you can start teaching your pup more complex behaviors such as fetch and hide-and-seek.

Week 12: Preventative Care

The twelfth week is the perfect time to focus on preventative care. Make sure you take your pup to the vet for regular check-ups, and be sure to ask any questions you may have about their health. It is also important to make sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations, so be sure to follow the vet's advice. Additionally, you can start introducing your pup to more advanced commands such as "heel" and "roll over."

Following these steps will ensure that your 12-week puppy grows up healthy and happy. With the proper planning and a comprehensive 12-week puppy schedule, you can ensure that your pup is well taken care of and has all the necessary skills to be a well-behaved and obedient pet.


Related articles