Puppy Raising Skills checklist

At six months, my pup:

​​☐ ​Is working towards a consistent toileting routine and good habits such as toileting before walks and not defecating on walks

​​☐​ Is comfortable with wearing a collar and the puppy coat

​​☐​ Is comfortable with touching of ears and paws, and being held in a calm restraint

​​☐​ Enjoys going for a walk!

​​☐​ Is comfortable getting in and out of the car, and going for a ride

​​☐​ Is comfortable walking up and down stairs

​​☐​ Does not jump on furniture, and is easy to get off if they do

​​☐​ Shares its resources happily; does not growl or stiffen when sharing toys or around food

​​☐ ​Is able to be alone for short periods of time of around one to two hours

​​☐​ Plays happily with other dogs; does not stiffen, growl, snap, cower or avoid playing

As well as the above, at 11 months, my pup:

​​☐​ Has a consistent toileting routine, and rarely defecates on walks

​​☐​ Is comfortable walking over a variety of surfaces

​​☐​ Is comfortable with heights, and stepping over small gaps

​​☐ ​Lets me put on their collar and puppy coat

​​☐​ Walks happily on leash and stays beside or just in front of me rather than dropping behind

​​☐​ Walks freely in their puppy coat

​​☐​ Responds to its name and can engage when I walk past another dog

​​☐​ Is comfortable exploring new things, such as different environments, new people or novel things in the environment

​​☐​ Comes when called, and responds to cues such as sit, down and stay

​​☐​ Has good house manners; Does not “steal” items, destroy or ingest things, scavenge in bins or counter-surf tables and benches for food