Puppy Milestones: 8 Essential ‘Firsts’ You Won’t Want to Miss
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Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time. Each milestone during their first year is an opportunity to shape their behavior, build trust, and help them grow into a happy, healthy adult dog. It may seem overwhelming, but we asked the experts about some of the essential “firsts” to help guide you through those early times with your new puppy.
Puppy Milestones: 8 Essential ‘Firsts’
Here are some important milestones you won’t want to miss with your new puppy.
1. First Night at Home
Your puppy’s first night with you is likely their first time away from their siblings, which can be overwhelming for them. Dr. Elizabeth Morley, a veterinarian with VCA Peone Pines Animal Hospital in Mead, Washington, suggests using Adaptil, a relaxing pheromone, to create a soothing environment. You can spray it on their bedding or use a plug-in diffuser. “Soft music or a heartbeat toy can also help them feel more at ease,” Dr. Morley adds.
Tarik Jayousi, founder of A&T Trained Dogs, recommends setting up a designated sleeping area with familiar scents, like a blanket from their breeder or rescue. He advises not to over-comfort a whining puppy, as it could reinforce anxiety. Instead, offer calm reassurance and establish a bedtime routine. This creates a sense of structure and trust from day one.
2. First Vet Visit
Your puppy’s first vet visit is a major milestone in their life, introducing them to a range of new experiences.
Dr. Morley emphasizes that this visit is essential for setting up your puppy’s health care plan, including vaccinations, socialization advice, and heartworm prevention. For example, Credelio Quattro (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets) is a monthly beef-flavored chewable that protects dogs against ticks, fleas, heartworm disease, roundworms, hookworms†, and tapeworms.* It is approved for use in dogs and puppies as young as 8 weeks of age and weighing 3.3 pounds or more.1 Your veterinarian will provide guidance on selecting a suitable product for your puppy.
*Please see important safety information on individual product pages.
†Uncinaria stenocephala
To keep the experience as stress-free as possible, Jayousi recommends bringing some high-value treats and allowing your puppy to explore the exam room before the vet begins handling them. “Early positive associations can make lifelong vet visits easier and reduce future anxiety,” he says.
3. First Time Outside
Taking your puppy outside for the first time is a wonderful way to introduce them to the world around them. However, it’s important to choose a safe environment, especially since your puppy won’t be fully vaccinated until at least 16 weeks old. Steer clear of dog parks and other areas with heavy dog exposure until your dog is fully vaccinated, due to the risk of infectious diseases.
Dr. Morley advises starting in low-traffic areas such as your backyard or a quiet neighborhood street. This is the perfect time to begin leash training (more on this next) while exposing your puppy to different sights and sounds without overwhelming them.
Jayousi agrees, adding that patience is key. “Let your puppy take in their surroundings at their own pace.” Reward them with praise or treats when they engage with you, reinforcing positive behavior and building confidence. He also recommends using a properly fitted harness and leash to keep them safe.
4. First Walk
Once your puppy is ready for their first walk, it’s time to help them learn the ropes of leash training.
Dr. Morley notes that the critical window for socialization is between 12 and 16 weeks of age, but since your puppy won’t be fully vaccinated until at least 16 weeks, you’ll want to avoid common areas frequented by other dogs. Instead, practice in quieter areas to help your puppy get used to walking on a leash. If you want to socialize your dog with other dogs, choose fully vaccinated dogs belonging to friends or family members.
During these early walks, focus on creating positive experiences with new environments. Encourage good behavior by rewarding your puppy when they walk calmly by your side. Keep the walks short to avoid overwhelming them, and gradually increase the distance as your puppy builds confidence.
5. First Time Home Alone
Being left alone for the first time can be stressful for puppies, so it’s crucial to start preparing them early. Jayousi recommends alone-time training from the start to avoid separation anxiety.
Begin with short absences, leaving your puppy in a safe, comfortable space with enrichment toys to keep them occupied. Over time, gradually increase the length of your absences to help your puppy adjust. In general, the maximum number of hours your puppy can go without a potty break is equal to their age in months plus one. For example, a 2-month-old puppy should be taken outside to go potty every three hours, so you might start by leaving them alone for an hour and gradually work your way up to three hours. Then, as the puppy gets older, you can leave them alone for one hour longer each month.
Crate training can be very helpful when leaving puppies home alone. Not only does it keep them from getting into trouble that may be harmful, a crate can also provide your puppy with a secure, den-like space where they feel safe. Create a positive association with the crate, giving special treats in the crate and avoiding the use of the crate as punishment. “Avoid dramatic goodbyes and returns,” Jayousi adds. “Stay calm to show them being alone is normal, not distressing.” The key is to be consistent and patient, helping your puppy build confidence and independence.
6. First Potty Accident
Accidents are inevitable during potty training, but with the right approach, you can minimize them. Dr. Morley points out that puppies often need to go right after eating, drinking, or waking up from a nap, so keep a close eye on these moments.
If you catch your puppy mid-accident, don’t yell at them. Instead, distract them and then calmly take them outside to finish. Praise them when they go in the correct spot to reinforce positive behavior.
Consistency is key in potty training, so take your puppy outside frequently and establish a routine to help them learn when and where it’s appropriate to go. With time and patience, they’ll start to get the hang of it.
7. First Lost Tooth
At around 3-4 months old, your puppy will begin to lose their baby teeth and grow in their adult teeth. This can be an uncomfortable process, leading your puppy to chew on anything they can find to soothe their gums. Dr. Morley suggests offering frozen treats or softening their kibble in water to make mealtime easier on their sore mouth.
Be consistent in redirecting unwanted chewing. Puppies learn quickly, and setting boundaries early on will prevent destructive habits. Teething typically lasts until your puppy is around 6 months old, so keep plenty of safe chew toys on hand to help them through this phase.
8. First Dog Park Visit
Your puppy’s first visit to the dog park is an exciting opportunity for them to socialize with other dogs and burn off some energy, but timing is everything. Dr. Morley advises waiting until your puppy has had their last vaccine boosters to protect them from contagious diseases like parvovirus. This usually occurs around 16 weeks old. You should also ensure your puppy is protected against parasites.
Even then, it’s important to assess whether your puppy is ready. Some puppies may find the dog park overwhelming, so make sure they’ve built up their social skills and impulse control before going.
When you do take your puppy to the park, Jayousi recommends choosing quieter times and observing the behavior of the other dogs before entering. “Always be ready to step in and advocate for your puppy, and don’t force interactions if they seem overwhelmed,” he warns.
Extra Advice for New Puppy Parents
Raising a puppy comes with its fair share of challenges, but the milestones along the way also bring valuable opportunities to bond and learn. Here are some general tips to help guide you along the way:
Establish a routine early. Puppies thrive on consistency. Set a schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and bedtime to help them feel secure and learn more quickly.
Positive reinforcement. Reward good behavior with praise, treats, or playtime. This helps your puppy associate their actions with positive outcomes.
Socialize safely. Gradually introduce your puppy to new environments, people, and other dogs. Early socialization is critical, but make sure they are protected with vaccines before visiting high-traffic areas.
Patience is key. Potty training, crate training, and leash walking all take time. Stay patient and consistent, and avoid punishment-based training methods which can lead to fear and confusion.
Prepare for teething. Keep plenty of safe chew toys on hand, and remember that teething can cause your pup discomfort. Offer soothing options like frozen toys or treats to help them through it.
Monitor health closely. Keep track of your puppy’s vaccinations and vet visits, and remember to administer monthly broad-spectrum parasite protection, such as Credelio Quattro. Early detection of health issues will make sure your puppy stays on track to grow into a healthy adult.
Dr. Morley emphasizes, “Puppies are like sponges in the first few months of life. Expose them to new experiences in a controlled and positive way, and stay on top of their health needs to set them up for long-term success.”
With these tips and milestones, you’ll be well on your way to raising a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted dog.
Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.
Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian.
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Sources:
- MyElanco. https://my.elanco.com/us/credelio-quattro. Accessed online March 31, 2025.
