Puppy First-Year Planner

Frequently asked questions

What should be on a new puppy checklist for the first year?

A complete first-year puppy checklist covers five areas: vet care and vaccinations (the DA2PP series, rabies, and boosters), socialization (people, places, sounds, and surfaces during the 8–16 week window), training (toilet training, crate training, core cues, and loose-lead walking), supplies (crate, bed, bowls, ID tag, and age-appropriate chews), and costs (one-time setup plus ongoing food, vet, and grooming). The planner above breaks all five into a month-by-month timeline — for a printable overview, see our puppy first-year checklist guide.

What is the puppy vaccination schedule for the first year?

Per AAHA guidelines, the core DA2PP series (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza) is typically given as three doses around 6–8, 10–12, and 14–16 weeks of age, with a rabies vaccine added at 14–16 weeks (required by law in most US states). A 6-month booster check and the first 12-month annual visit follow. Maternal antibodies and individual health histories vary, so always confirm the exact schedule with your vet.

What is the puppy socialization schedule, and when does the window close?

Per AVSAB guidance, the primary socialization window runs roughly from 3 to 14 weeks of age and peaks around 8–16 weeks — positive, low-pressure exposure to new people, animals, environments, sounds, and surfaces during this period has the most lasting effect on adult temperament. A second fear period can occur roughly between 6 and 14 months, when new experiences should be introduced more gradually. The planner’s months 2–4 cover the peak window in detail.

How much does it cost to raise a puppy in the first year?

For a medium-size puppy at the Typical lifestyle tier (US national average) with a planned spay/neuter, first-year costs — one-time setup, vet visits, vaccinations, a training class, and surgery — typically total around $2,365–$3,705, on top of roughly $125/month in ongoing food, routine vet care, and grooming. Costs scale with size class, lifestyle tier, and US state: the same profile in California runs closer to $3,000–$4,568. For ongoing adult-dog costs beyond year one, use the Dog Cost Calculator.

When should I get my puppy spayed or neutered?

There’s no single right age — per ASPCA guidance, optimal timing depends on breed, adult size, and sex, and is best discussed with your vet, with some larger breeds benefiting from waiting until growth plates close (often 12–18 months). The planner flags month 6 as the typical decision point; if you select "planned this year," it adds an estimated size-adjusted surgery cost to that month.

What size crate does my puppy need?

Crate size should fit your puppy’s projected adult dimensions, with a divider panel to reduce the usable space while they’re small — a crate that’s too large too soon can undermine toilet training. For exact sizing based on your dog’s measurements (plus airline travel sizing and bed recommendations), use the Dog Crate & Bed Size Calculator.