The first year sets the foundation for your dog's whole life. Here's what actually matters in those early months.
Puppies need more frequent, smaller meals than adult dogs — typically 3-4 times a day up to 6 months old, then tapering to twice a day. Use a puppy-specific food; adult formulas don't have the protein and calcium levels a growing dog needs.
Puppies need a vaccination series starting around 6-8 weeks, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until about 16 weeks. Don't skip these — early vaccination protects against parvovirus and distemper, which are common and serious in unvaccinated puppies.
The window between 3 and 14 weeks is when puppies learn what's normal and safe. Gentle, positive exposure to new people, sounds, surfaces and (once vaccinated) other dogs during this window makes a huge difference to their adult temperament.
Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after every meal, after naps, and last thing at night. Reward them immediately when they go in the right spot — consistency matters more than any specific method.