What's inside
Three phases. Nothing missed.
Every task in order, with the why attached — so you're never googling "puppy second shots when" at midnight.
Settle & secure
- First vet visit + what to bring
- Vaccine record check
- Parvo precautions for Alberta
- Crate & sleep setup that works
- Pet insurance — enrol early or pay later
Socialize & school
- The socialization window (it closes fast)
- Puppy class — how to pick a real one
- Second vaccine round
- Bite inhibition & alone-time training
- City licence deadlines by municipality
Build the routine
- Final shots + rabies
- Spay/neuter — timing by breed size
- First groom before they decide it's scary
- Food transition done right
- Winter prep — paws, coats, cold limits
Why Alberta-specific
Puppy advice written for Alberta, not California.
Unverified records are the real risk
The Alberta SPCA specifically warns buyers of pups with unknown or unverified vaccine histories to watch for parvo. If your puppy came from a rehoming post, the checklist shows you exactly what to verify — including the 16-week dose almost everyone skips.
Licensing is municipal
Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge — every city runs its own dog licence with its own deadlines and fines. The checklist has yours.
Winter is a training season
A pup that hits adolescence in January needs a different plan than a June puppy. Cold limits, paw care, and indoor socialization that actually works.
Coming next
Alberta picks
Vetted local recommendations — chosen by the community, not by who paid.
Vets, trainers, and groomers that Alberta dog owners actually use and vouch for, city by city. We're gathering recommendations from thousands of local owners right now. Checklist subscribers see it first.