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THE FIRST 48

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THE PUPPY BLUES

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‍ ‍THE FIRST 48

To survive the first 48 hours with a new puppy, prioritize strict routine, constant supervision, and enforced naps. The initial days aren't about advanced training; they are about bonding, helping the puppy feel safe, and preventing accidents by keeping their environment small and predictable. 

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The First Few Hours

  • Limit their space: Do not give your puppy the run of the house. Use baby gates or a puppy playpen to restrict them to one or two rooms. This builds their confidence and prevents accidents. 

  • No strangers: Avoid throwing a welcome party. Keep the environment quiet and introduce only the immediate family to avoid overwhelming the puppy. 

  • Show them the ropes: Take the puppy to their designated outdoor potty spot immediately upon arriving and show them where their water bowl is.

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Potty and Crate Training

  • Frequent potty trips: Take your puppy out every 30 to 60 minutes while they are awake. Always take them out immediately after they wake up, eat, or drink. 

  • Crate association: Let your puppy explore the crate at their own pace with the door open. Toss high value treats inside and feed their meals there to build a positive association. 

  • Nighttime strategy: Place the crate next to your bed so the puppy can smell and hear you, which reduces separation anxiety. Expect some crying but set alarms to take them out to the bathroom during the night. 

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Managing Energy and Sleep

  • Prioritize sleep: Puppies need 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day. If a puppy is awake and acting manic or nipping constantly, they are likely overtired. Enforce crate or playpen naps every hour. 

  • Bond through play: Keep playtime short, positive, and low-key. Use toys to redirect biting and reward them for naturally calm behavior. 

  • Follow a predictable flow: Keep the day flowing in a simple loop: Eat, Potty, Play, Sleep, Repeat.

According to the community consensus on the Reddit Puppy101 Forum, taking time off work to be physically present for these initial days is highly recommended to establish this structure. 

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PUPPY BLUES

It’s perfectly normal to feel regret or anxiety after getting a puppy—commonly called the "puppy blues"—is incredibly common. It is a normal emotional response to the sudden loss of free time, sleep deprivation, and the overwhelming reality of caring for a highly dependent living creature. 

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Why You're Feeling This Way

  • Lifestyle Shock: Going from a predictable, peaceful routine to constant supervision, potty training, and interrupted sleep is a major adjustment. 

  • Puppy Behaviors: Nipping, chewing, crying, and accidents are exhausting and can make you feel like your home is being taken over. 

  • The “What Have I Done?" Moment: It is entirely normal to feel a wave of buyer’s remorse when the reality of a 10-to-15-year commitment sets in.

How to Survive the Puppy Blues

  • Stick to a Schedule: Dogs thrive on routine. Setting a predictable daily schedule for eating, potty breaks, and enforced crate/nap times will help you reclaim parts of your day. 

  • Prioritize "Me Time": Don't feel guilty about leaving your puppy with a family member or in a safe crate for an hour to go to the gym, see friends, or just relax. You need to recharge to be a good pet parent.

  • Focus on Small Wins: Celebrate tiny victories, like sleeping an extra hour or one successful outdoor potty trip. It gets better as they learn the rules of your house. 

  • Don't Do It Alone: Consider seeking professional guidance or joining supportive online communities. For structured, positive reinforcement methods, check out resources like the  30 Day Perfect Pup or visit the r/Puppy101 Reddit Community to connect with other owners who are navigating the exact same feelings. 

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Remember, this phase is temporary. As your puppy grows, matures, and bonds with you, the difficult puppy stages will fade and the rewards of having a loyal companion will emerge.

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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR NEW PUPPY

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1.      The Teething & Land Shark Stage (3 to 5 Months)

  • What's Happening: Puppies begin losing their baby teeth and growing in their adult teeth, making their mouths sore. To soothe the pain, they will chew relentlessly on anything they can find. 

  • The Consensus: Many owners find this the hardest stage because it is paired with non-stop, painful nipping ("land shark" phase) and a lack of bladder control.

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2.      The Fear Periods (Multiple Stages)

  • What's Happening: Puppies go through "fear periods" (most notably between 4–6 months and around 9 months) where they suddenly become terrified of familiar things. 

  • The Consensus: Owner’s report this is incredibly challenging because puppies may react by hiding, growling, or displaying sudden bursts of fear. 

  • Resource: Learn how to handle these developmental hurdles safely by visiting the Regina Humane Society.

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3.      The Teenage Phase (6 to 12 Months)

  • What's Happening: Hormones kick in, leading to increased independence, selective hearing, and a regression in previously learned skills. Your dog may suddenly forget commands like "sit" or "stay" and test boundaries. 

  • The Consensus: Widely regarded by trainers as the most difficult period of dog ownership due to the combination of teenage defiance and increased physical strength.

  • Resource: Read more about managing teenage behavior in the comprehensive guide from Canine Karma Training.

If you are currently struggling, know that you are not alone! You can explore experiences and advice regarding these frustrating phases on the Reddit r/puppy101 forum.

PUPPY MEDICAL CARE

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TREATMENT TIMELINE

 

Most people know that puppies should receive their first round of CORE vaccinations between 6 and 8 weeks of age. This visit generally includes the combination DHPP/DAPP vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) and a physical exam; however, there are 5 weeks prior to these core vaccinations filled with responsibilities for you as a new puppy owner that are VITAL to the health and well-being of you puppy.

The prices and suggested weeks of age within the timeline listed below are just guidelines. Specific pricing and timeline for your specific puppy with depend on what you and your veterinarian decide is best for your puppy’s lifestyle and risk factors.

Follow the standard vaccination timeline below to keep your puppy safe:

  • 2-5 days: Dew claws removed & tails docked – approximately $10-40 per puppy. Depending on the vet, there could be an office visit charge as well.

  • 7-14 days: First vet evaluation and check-up – approximately $45-85 for the physical exam;          $30-60 for a fecal test per puppy

  • 2 weeks: First round of dewormer – approximately $10-50 per puppy depending on the vet’s choice of dewormer. The vet might sell you a bottle for an entire litter to last the full 16-18 weeks of deworming.

  • 4 weeks: Second round of dewormer – approximately $25-50 per puppy unless the vet has decided to sell you an entire bottle of dewormer for the entire deworming process.

  • 6 to 8 Weeks: Third round of dewormer – approximately $25-50 per puppy unless the vet sold you an entire bottle of dewormer for the entire deworming process. First DHPP/DAPP vaccine – approximately $16-20 per puppy & optional Bordetella – approximately $10-27 per puppy

  • 8 weeks: 2-MONTH-OLD: Fourth round of dewormer – approximately $25-50 per puppy unless the vet sold you an entire bottle of dewormer for the entire deworming process. If the vet does a fecal test on the puppy, they may allow you to forgo the dewormer until issues are noticed as your puppy is exposed to different environments and animals.

  • 8 weeks OR 4lb: First flea and tick treatment: K9 Advantix II, Seresto collar & NexGard Plus –  

  • $17.5-37 a month for most treatments. Seresto collars – $60 per collar for 8mo protection

  • 8 weeks: First heartworm preventative: Heartgard Plus is now safe – ask vet for RX – $6-18 per  month per puppy

  • 8-12 weeks: wellness exam fee of approximately $40-60 before sending them to their new homes. The wellness exam fee could be higher depending on the size of your litter and the vet you chose.

  • 10 to 12 Weeks: Fifth round of dewormer – approximately $25-50 per puppy unless the vet sold you an entire bottle of dewormer for the entire deworming process. Second DHPP/DAPP booster – approximately $16-20 per puppy & Vets may  also recommend lifestyle vaccines like Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, or Canine Influenza.

  • 12 weeks: Sixth round of dewormer – approximately $25-50 per puppy unless the vet sold you an entire bottle of dewormer for the entire deworming process.

  • 14 to 16 Weeks: Third DHPP/DAPP booster – approximately $10-45 per puppy & First Rabies vaccine – approximately $15-25 per puppy & Canine Influenza – approximately $35-60 per puppy.

  • 16 weeks: 4-MONTH-OLD: Seventh round of dewormer – approximately $25-50 per puppy unless the vet sold you an entire bottle of dewormer for the entire deworming process.

  • 18 weeks: Puppy can now safely be taken to dog parks, neighborhood sidewalks, pet stores, etc.

  • 20 weeks: Eighth round of dewormer – approximately $25-50 per puppy unless the vet sold you an entire bottle of dewormer for the entire deworming process.

  • 24 to 26 weeks: 6-MONTH-OLD: Ninth & LAST round of dewormer – approximately $25-50 per puppy unless the vet sold you an entire bottle of dewormer for the entire deworming process & optional Bordetella – $10-27 per puppy

  • 12 to 16 Months: First annual adult boosters – DHPP/DA2PPV series – approximately $20-60 per dose; physical exam fee – approximately $45-80; first adult fecal test – approximately $25-45; first adult dewormer – approximately $10-50

Important Safety Note: Puppies are not fully protected until about two weeks after their final round of shots (around 16-18 weeks of age). Consult your local veterinarian to tailor these dates to your puppy's specific lifestyle and risk factors.

7-7-7 RULE FOR PUPPIES

 

The 7-7-7 rule for puppies is a popular socialization guideline used by trainers and breeders to help puppies safely explore the world and develop into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs.

 

The rule suggests that before a certain age—typically by 7 to 12 weeks old—puppies should have at least 7 positive exposures in each of the following categories:

 

7 Different Environments: Exposure to various locations such as neighborhood sidewalks, the car, a park, the vet's office, and different rooms in the house.

 

7 Different People: Meeting a variety of individuals, including men, women, children, the elderly, and people wearing hats or uniforms.

 

7 Different Sounds: Desensitization to everyday noises like the vacuum, doorbell, traffic, blenders, and loud appliances.

 

7 Different Surfaces: Walking on different ground types such as grass, tile, wood flooring, carpet, concrete, gravel, and dirt.

 

7 Different Objects/Toys: Playing with a variety of items ranging from squeaky toys and plushies to cardboard boxes and balls.

 

7 Different Containers: Eating from a variety of dish materials (metal, plastic, ceramic, paper pie plates) to prevent food-related anxiety.

 

7 Different Challenges: Overcoming small obstacles like climbing steps, stepping over a small hurdle, or walking through a tunnel.

 

 

Why it Works:

Puppies go through a critical learning and socialization window during their first few months of life. Controlled, positive exposure to new things helps prevent fear-based behavior, anxiety, and reactivity as they grow older.

 

How to Implement It:

The goal is consistency and gradual exposure rather than rushing all at once. Take one or two items per day, pair new experiences with treats or play, and allow your puppy to retreat or explore at their own pace.

 

Note: Always consult your veterinarian about appropriate times to bring your puppy out into public spaces based on their vaccination schedule to keep them safe from illness.

10-10-10 RULE FOR PUPPIES

The 10-10-10 rule for puppies refers to a structured daily schedule designed to maximize potty training success and accommodate a puppy’s short attention span. It consists of 10 minutes outside for a potty break, 10 minutes of supervised play or exercise, and 10 minutes of quiet rest inside.

The Breakdown

  • 10 Minutes Outside: Take your puppy to their designated bathroom spot immediately after they wake up, eat, or finish playing. Keep them on a leash (even in a fenced yard) to keep them focused on the task.

  • 10 Minutes of Supervision: If the puppy successfully goes potty, reward them immediately with treats or enthusiastic praise. You can then allow 10 minutes of supervised play or a short walk before heading back inside.

  • 10 Minutes of Rest: After the activity, bring the puppy inside for 10 to 20 minutes of enforced rest, preferably in a crate or a designated quiet area. This helps them avoid overstimulation and reinforces good indoor behavior.

If They Don't Go Potty

If the puppy does not eliminate within the 10-minute window outside, bring them back inside and confine them to a crate or playpen for 10–20 minutes. Do not allow free roam of the house. After that brief confinement, take them back outside and repeat the process until they are successful.

The 10-10-10 Potty Schedule Alternative

Alternatively, some trainers define a different "10-10-10" potty schedule:

  • Take your puppy out 10 minutes after they eat or drink

  • Give them 10 minutes outside to do their business

  • Repeat this routine 10 times a day