How big they'll get, how to feed and crate-train them, what to expect month by month, and what the first year costs — the whole first-year picture in one place.
Quick answer
Your puppy's first year is about getting the fundamentals right: estimate their adult size to plan gear and food, feed a growth diet in the right amounts (adjusting as they grow), crate-train and house-train early with a correctly sized crate, and expect their needs to change almost month to month. It's also the most expensive year, so budget for setup, vaccinations, and spay or neuter up front.
The first year with a puppy is a wonderful blur of growth spurts, chewed shoes, and constant questions — chief among them, “how big will this little one get?” Answering that early helps you plan almost everything else, from crate size to food budget.
This guide pulls together the whole first year: estimating adult size, feeding a fast-changing puppy, choosing and sizing a crate, house-training, the behavior milestones you'll hit, and the costs to expect. The calculators help you size gear and portions to the dog your puppy is becoming.
How big will they get?
Estimating adult size — the methods, their limits, and when you'll know for sure.
Feeding a growing puppy
Portions and schedules that keep up with rapid growth.
Crate, house-training & basics
Getting the crate right and building good habits from day one.
Behavior & milestones
Biting, teething, calming down, first nights, and vaccines — what to expect and when.
Budgeting the first year
The priciest twelve months, broken down.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How big will my puppy get?
Estimate from current weight and age — roughly (current weight ÷ age in weeks) × 52 — which is what puppy calculators use, and combine it with the parents' adult sizes and breed. Read the result as a range, not an exact number. Estimates are most reliable for known-breed puppies past the early weeks.
What size crate should I get for a puppy?
Buy the crate sized for your puppy's expected adult dimensions, then use a divider to wall off a smaller, right-sized section for now, moving it back as they grow. A too-big crate lets a puppy soil one end, which undermines house-training.
How often should I feed a puppy?
Puppies need more frequent meals than adults — commonly three to four a day when young — to fuel growth, tapering as they mature. Feed a growth-formula food and adjust portions as they grow, since their needs change almost week to week.
Why is the first year so expensive?
It front-loads one-time costs that don't repeat: setup gear, the puppy vaccination series, spay or neuter, microchipping, and training, all on top of ongoing food and preventive care. Year two is noticeably cheaper.
Sources & further reading
MyNubs content is researched from published guidance by veterinary and other authoritative organizations. For this topic, see:
This article is for general educational purposes and reflects guidance from veterinary and other authoritative sources. It isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice — every animal is different, so please consult your veterinarian about your pet’s individual needs.