Newborn Golden Retriever Puppies: The First Month (What To Do)

Week 1: Welcome Home and Health Check

Health Check-Up

Schedule a vet visit to ensure your puppy is healthy. This check-up can identify any congenital health issues early on.

Feeding

Consult with your vet about the best puppy food for your Golden Retriever and establish a feeding schedule. Puppies typically eat three to four times a day.

Comfortable Space

Create a safe, warm, and comfortable sleeping area. Puppies need a quiet place to rest away from busy household areas.

Begin House Training

Start introducing your puppy to the area where you want them to go to the bathroom. Consistency is key.

Week 2: Socialization and Environmental Familiarization

Gentle Handling

Continue to handle your puppy gently to get them used to human touch, which will be beneficial for future grooming and vet visits.

Introduce New Sounds

Gradually expose your puppy to various household sounds at a low volume to prevent fearfulness.

Socialization with Household Members

Let your puppy meet all household members, including other pets, under controlled and calm conditions.

Continue House Training

Keep consistent with the potty training routine, praising and rewarding for correct behavior.

Week 3: Early Training and Continued Socialization

Basic Commands

Start teaching simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” using positive reinforcement techniques.

Playtime

Engage in gentle play to help with bonding and to start teaching your puppy bite inhibition.

Exposure to the Outside World

If your vet agrees, begin short, supervised exposures to the outdoors to familiarize your puppy with new sights, smells, and sounds.

Health Monitoring

Keep an eye on your puppy’s health, watching for signs of illness or discomfort.

Week 4: Establish Routines and Further Socialization

Establish Routines

Continue to establish and stick to routines for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime. Consistency helps your puppy feel secure.

Socialization Outside the Home

Start introducing your puppy to friends and extended family to further socialization, ensuring it’s done in a safe and controlled manner.

Vaccinations

Discuss the vaccination schedule with your vet and possibly start with the first set of shots if the timing is appropriate.

Preventative Care

Talk to your vet about starting preventative care for fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

Throughout these weeks, the focus should be on positive reinforcement, patience, and gentle guidance. Every puppy is unique, so while this guide provides a general framework, it’s important to adjust based on the puppy’s individual needs, personality, and the advice of your veterinarian. Remember, the goal is to build a foundation of trust, training, and health that will benefit both the puppy and your family for years to come