Puppy Training Checklist - Interactive Progress Tracker

🛒 Phase 1: New Puppy Essentials

Adjustable wire crate Creates a secure den for sleeping and housebreaking Flat collar & 6ft leash Safety basics for walks and early training Chew toys (KONG, Nylabone) Soothes teething gums and prevents destructive chewing Puppy formula dry food A high-protein kibble formulated for developmental health Microchip registration & ID tag Ensure your pet can be identified if they ever get loose

👋 Phase 2: Critical Socialization (Weeks 8–16)

Meet 10 new people Varying age groups, hats, glasses, and appearances Walk on 5 unique surfaces Grass, tile, wood floors, gravel, and concrete Sound exposure Introduce vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, and traffic sounds safely Happy Vet visits Visit the vet clinic just for treats and weigh-ins, no needles Short car rides Build tolerance to vehicle motion to prevent car sickness

🎓 Phase 3: Basic Obedience & Behavior

Name recognition Looking directly at you when their name is called Sit command Sitting on verbal cue or hand signal using positive treats Housebreaking routine Establish strict potty times (immediately after waking and eating) Crate training baseline Remaining calm inside the closed crate for 30 minutes Bite redirection practice Redirecting chewing teeth to soft toys instead of human hands

🩺 Phase 4: Preventative Healthcare & Hygiene

First vaccinations scheduled DHPP booster rounds and rabies immunization schedule Deworming & flea treatments Veterinarian prescribed heartworm and flea/tick preventatives Nail trimming introduction Touching their paws and clipping nail tips with rewards Coat brushing sessions Getting used to bristles and pin brushes without biting Ear cleaning checkup Inspecting ears for redness and wiping outer dirt safely

📝 Puppy Training Checklist

Your Puppy Milestones

🛒 Phase 1: New Puppy Essentials

👋 Phase 2: Critical Socialization (Weeks 8–16)

🎓 Phase 3: Basic Obedience & Behavior

🩺 Phase 4: Preventative Healthcare & Hygiene