Puppy Buyer's Checklist
A complete, personalised care guide for your new puppy — from pickup day through the first year. Select your breed and generate a checklist covering vet schedule, vaccines, nutrition, training, neutering timing, and what to expect through adolescence.
Every item includes honest guidance from a responsible breeder's perspective — not just what vets routinely recommend, but what experienced breeders actually advise their puppy buyers.
Generate your checklist
Takes 30 seconds. Every item is personalised to your breed size and adjusted with honest, research-backed guidance.
Why this checklist is different
- Neutering age recommendations are breed-size specific — not a blanket 6-month guideline
- Vaccination notes reflect what experienced breeders actually advise, including titer testing
- Socialisation and adolescence guidance is honest about what to expect — including the hard parts
For breeders — give this to every buyer
One of the most common causes of puppies being returned or surrendered is owners who weren't prepared for adolescence, didn't understand the socialisation window, or made health decisions (particularly neutering timing) without being properly informed. Sharing this checklist at pickup gives your buyers a framework before they hit these challenges — and before a well-meaning but sometimes generic vet recommendation undoes good breeding work.
New puppy essentials
Digital Thermometer
Essential for monitoring a new puppy's temperature and health.
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Puppy Care Kit
Everything you need for a healthy start.
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Puppy Record Book
Track vet visits, vaccines, and milestones in one place.
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New puppy FAQs
What should I do in the first 48 hours with a new puppy?
Book a vet visit within 48 hours. Set up a quiet safe space. Continue the breeder's food exactly as instructed. Confirm the microchip is registered to you. Get pet insurance in place. Keep the environment calm — your puppy is going through the biggest transition of its life.
When should my puppy be vaccinated?
The DHPP series begins at 6–8 weeks (usually done by the breeder), with boosters at 10–12 weeks and 14–16 weeks. Rabies is typically given at 16 weeks. Some breeders and integrative vets use titer testing after the second dose to confirm immunity before automatically giving the third. Bordetella (kennel cough) is only needed if your puppy attends kennels, daycare, or dog parks.
When should I get my dog neutered?
Timing depends significantly on breed size. For small and toy breeds, waiting until at least 12 months is widely recommended. For large and giant breeds, current research from UC Davis and others shows early neutering (before 12–18 months) is associated with increased risk of joint disorders and certain cancers. Responsible breeders increasingly recommend 18–24 months for large breeds, and waiting until full physical maturity for all breeds.
What is the socialisation window and why does it matter?
The socialisation window is approximately 8–16 weeks of age. During this period puppies are most receptive to new experiences and learning what is 'normal' in the world. Positive exposure to people, sounds, surfaces, and environments during this window has a lifelong impact on temperament and confidence. This window closes — missing it cannot be fully made up later.
What is the fear imprint period?
Around 8–10 weeks puppies go through a fear imprint period where negative experiences have a disproportionate and lasting impact. A single very frightening experience — a painful vet procedure, rough handling, a car accident — can create persistent fear responses. Keep this period calm, positive, and avoid anything that might genuinely frighten your puppy.
My puppy seems to have forgotten their training — is this normal?
Almost certainly yes — this is normal adolescent behaviour, not a failure of training or a problem with the dog. Between roughly 4 and 18 months, dogs go through neurological development that temporarily affects their responsiveness and recall. Stay consistent, use positive reinforcement, and don't punish — the phase does pass. This is the most common reason dogs are surrendered to shelters, but it is completely normal and manageable.