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This page prints just the sheet below. Tick boxes work here too, and print as ticked. In the print box, "Save as PDF" keeps a copy on your phone.
First Two Weeks Routine
newpuppy.vet
Quiet, boring and predictable is the goal. You're also the early-warning system.
The plan
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Same food he came with. Fresh water always. A quiet sleep spot and lots of naps. Visitors can wait. |
| First few days | First vet visit. Bring every record, the food bag (or a photo) and a fresh poop sample. |
| Week 1 | Parasite prevention started. Deworming on your vet's schedule. Next shot date on the calendar. |
| Week 2 | Safe socializing begins: carried outings, calm vaccinated dog friends, new sounds and people. |
The daily loop: eat, potty, play, potty, nap, repeat.
Potty trips: take him out
- Right after he wakes up, from any nap
- Right after he eats or drinks
- Right after play
- Last thing before bed
Bedtime
- Crate or pen right next to your bed for now
- A calm potty trip just before bed
- Warm bedding and a T-shirt that smells like you
- Overnight trips short, dark and boring. No play, no party
- Never punish crying. It fades within a week or two for most puppies
14-day health log (a tick means normal; write a word if not)
| Item | Eating | Energy | Poop | No cough or sneeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ||||
| Day 2 | ||||
| Day 3 | ||||
| Day 4 | ||||
| Day 5 | ||||
| Day 6 | ||||
| Day 7 | ||||
| Day 8 | ||||
| Day 9 | ||||
| Day 10 | ||||
| Day 11 | ||||
| Day 12 | ||||
| Day 13 | ||||
| Day 14 |
Call your vet if he won't eat (sooner for toy breeds), is flat or hard to wake, has diarrhea that lasts or comes with tiredness, coughs, or strains to pee. Weak, wobbly or a swollen belly: go now.
General education, not veterinary advice. Your vet's plan for your puppy comes first.
More printables
- Before Puppy Comes HomeThe new puppy shopping list, plus the jobs to do before pickup day.
- Questions for Visit OneWhat to bring and what to ask at the first vet visit.
- Puppy Rules for KidsTen fridge rules for kids, plus Be a Tree.
- After the VisitWhat's normal and what's a call after shots, deworming, a microchip and surgery.
- Weekly Home-Care RoutineTeeth, nails, ears, coat and a one-minute check, on one card with tick boxes.
- First Birthday ChecklistThe 12-month visit and the grown-up jobs, ticked off in one go.
- First-Year Cost WorksheetThe Two-Bucket plan with blanks for your own local prices.