Welcoming a puppy into your home? This free 30-day puppy checklist is your daily guide to building smart habits, calming chaos, and bonding with your new best friend. Whether it’s crate training, potty schedules, or socialization, we break it down week-by-week to keep you and your pup on track!
30-Day Puppy Checklist: Daily Routine for the First 4 Weeks
Welcoming a puppy into your home? This free 30-day puppy checklist is your daily guide to building smart habits, calming chaos, and bonding with your new best friend. Whether it’s crate training, potty schedules, or socialization, we break it down week-by-week to keep you and your pup on track!
🐾 30-Day Puppy Checklist: Weekly Routine Breakdown
Week 1: Settling In
✅ Establish a consistent potty schedule
✅ Start crate training with short sessions
✅ Create bonding time with gentle handling and play
Week 2: First Lessons
✅ Teach name recognition and simple commands like “sit”
✅ Begin leash introduction indoors
✅ Stick to a regular feeding routine
Week 3: Building Confidence
✅ Introduce new environments, people, and sounds
✅ Add short 2–5 minute training sessions
✅ Encourage calm, curious behavior with praise
Week 4: Strengthening Skills
✅ Reinforce basic commands daily
✅ Practice short separations to reduce anxiety
✅ Encourage polite greetings and calm playtime
🐶 Dog Mom Tip:
The first week I brought Bentley home, I was overwhelmed! This checklist helped me stay sane and actually enjoy those early days. Just take it one week at a time — your pup will thank you!
My Favorite Week 1 Essentials
Disclaimer: As an Amazon affiliate I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small growing business.
Give Your Puppy the Comfy Sleep They Deserve
A soft, calming bed helps your pup feel safe, sleep better, and settle into their new home faster.
Feeding Time Made Easier (and Cleaner)
Skip spills and neck strain with this elevated bowl set that grows with your pup.
This Amazon-favorite cleaner zaps odors fast and keeps your home puppy-fresh.
Housebreaking Help You Can Count On
These ultra-absorbent pee pads simplify training (and save your floors).
A Space That’s Just for Your Puppy
Keep your pup secure while they explore, play, or nap — no stress, no mess.
Create a Calm, Cozy Space for Crate Training
This Amazon-approved crate doubles as a secure den where your puppy can nap, relax, and learn to love their quiet time.
💛 Final Thoughts: Your First Month with a New Puppy
Bringing home a puppy is a whirlwind of cuddles, chaos, and learning curves. But with the right routine, a little patience, and a few tried-and-true essentials, you’ll build a strong foundation for a happy, well-adjusted dog. This 30-day puppy checklist is more than a to-do list — it’s a bonding blueprint that helps you grow together, one day at a time.
Remember, every pup is different. Don’t stress if your timeline shifts or your training takes a few detours. Progress over perfection is the goal.
Looking for more support?