What to Expect During Your Puppy’s First Year with Sharon Vaturi, MS, RVT
Bringing home a puppy is exciting, rewarding, and sometimes a little chaotic. So what should you actually expect during your puppy’s first year?
In this episode of the Canine Culture Podcast, Brittany is joined by Registered Veterinary Technician, educator, author, and animal advocate Sharon Vaturi to break down the realities of raising a puppy and how owners can set their dogs up for long-term success.
Sharon shares practical advice from more than 25 years in the veterinary field, covering everything from preparing your home and choosing a veterinarian to potty training, puppy biting, socialization, sleep, routine care, and recognizing when something may be wrong.
In this episode, we discuss:
🐾 What to prepare before bringing a puppy home 🐾 The “Rule of Three” and helping a puppy adjust to a new home 🐾 How to safely transition your puppy to a new food 🐾 Why puppies need much more sleep than many owners realize 🐾 Puppy biting and how to redirect unwanted chewing and nipping 🐾 Realistic expectations for potty training 🐾 The importance of consistency, schedules, and positive reinforcement 🐾 How to safely socialize a puppy before they are fully vaccinated 🐾 Vaccines, veterinary visits, and first-year preventative care 🐾 Health warning signs puppy owners shouldn’t ignore 🐾 Getting puppies comfortable with nail trims, grooming, handling, and vet visits 🐾 Common mistakes new puppy owners make
Whether you’re preparing to bring home your first puppy, already navigating the puppy stage, or simply want to better understand your dog’s development, this episode is packed with practical tips to make that first year a little easier.
Sharon is also the author of I Got a Pet. Now What?, a guide covering pet ownership from preparing to bring an animal home through every stage of their life. Buy her book here!
About Sharon Vaturi:
Sharon Vaturi, MS, RVT, is a Registered Veterinary Technician, educator, and motivational speaker with extensive experience in veterinary medicine and teaching. She is passionate about helping veterinary professionals overcome challenges, improve patient care, and support mental wellness through practical education, storytelling, and actionable insights.
Follow Sharon Vaturi:
Sharon Vaturi's Website
Give the episode a listen on your favorite podcast platform and let us know what you think! Now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pocket Casts.
As always, the topics discussed are for informational purposes only. If you have specific questions about your pet’s health, please contact your local veterinarian.
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