"Dog reads"

Puppies have that certain personality you can't help but fall in love with. Maybe it's the unabashed energy. The insatiable curiosity. A spirit that smiles through everything.

Your puppy is your entire world, and from the instant you meet your newest best friend, he'll look to you to learn how to behave and play, and he'll rely on you to keep him healthy. And at every three months before his first birthday, wonderful things are happening-he's growing and learning how to become an adult dog.

We've compiled a brief (and by no means exhaustive) outline about care, behavior, and play to assist you and your puppy on this journey, taking note of some of the things you both can expect every three months of your puppy's first year.

Birth to 3 Months

This is the time when your puppy is introduced to the world.

Care: Your puppy's first vet check! When your puppy is 8 weeks old, he should have his first round of shots. He gets his second round at 12 weeks. All shots should be administered by a professional veterinarian. Make the process of getting shots as easy as possible by talking sweetly to your puppy and petting him so he knows you understand what he's going through.

Dr. Gary Raiczyk, the owner and staff veterinarian of Healthy Paws Veterinary Center, located outside Dallas, Texas, also recommends your puppy be put on a heartworm preventive, which is administered at home once a month.

Feed your best friend quality puppy food, such as Purina® Beneful® Healthy Growth For Puppies, three times a day, and be certain the food is indeed for puppies, as opposed to food for adult dogs.

Be sure to feed bigger breeds, such as Great Danes, Boxers, Labradors, and Rottweilers, large-breed puppy food because of their fast-growing nutritional needs, including additional calcium.

Behavior: Teach your best friend it's safe and fun to take walks by joining him on a leashed jaunt around the house. Susan Strough, a canine behavior expert, recommends a leather leash (fewer tangles) instead of a retractable leash.

Even though your puppy is energetic and social, it's best to limit his interaction with other puppies until all shots have been administered. Keep him indoors and venture outside together primarily for short walks and restroom breaks.

At just 6 weeks, your puppy is ready to learn things like "sit," "stay," and "down," says Strough. Be patient and dedicate time each day to work on learning new things with your puppy

Play: It's time to play, play, and play! Spend as much time as you can watching television on the couch together, and enjoy those exciting moments when you come home from work or an outing and are reunited with your best friend. Those happy times together are priceless.

While cuddling remains the favorite play activity for you and your best friend, "fetch" is another great bonding activity. Smooth Tennis balls provide the perfect means for exercise, and pet stores offer balls in the size that fits best with your puppy's body type.

3 to 6 Months

Care: By this time, your puppy is up-to-date on all of his important vaccinations. (Be sure this includes protection from rabies, which is required by most states by your puppy's 4-month birthday.) Also, by 6 months, most puppies should be spayed or neutered.

It's bath time! Puppies should be bathed with specially-made-for-puppies shampoos. Be mindful, says Dr. Raiczyk, to not bathe your puppy too much because doing so may remove some of his natural skin oils.

Behavior: Chewing is an inevitable part of puppyhood, and your best friend will lose his baby teeth between 3 and 5 months of age. Help your puppy learn the right things to chew by providing plenty of chew toys that he can access any time he wants.

Play: Your puppy goes with you everywhere, and that includes your car. By taking him for rides whenever you can, he'll realize how fun it is to travel (and won't associate the car with only trips to the vet). "All interactions you have with your puppy should be a positive experience," says Strough. "Play is learning. They're learning through play."

(Also, remember that it's impossible to cuddle too much!)

6 to 9 Months

Care: By 6 to 8 months, your puppy has a full set of teeth, and it's safe to start brushing with a toothbrush designed for puppies. Dr. Raiczyk recommends brushing at least three times a week to prevent plaque and tartar. Only use dog toothpaste, which is meant to be swallowed. Human toothpaste isn't meant to be swallowed, and if your puppy ingests it, it may cause stomach discomfort, explains Dr. Raiczyk. In addition, check with your vet to see if any vaccination updates are necessary.

Behavior: Strough says that this is the time when you work with your puppy to improve on the basics. While your puppy may be comfortable with "sitting" at home, he may need some help refining the skill in public where there are more distractions.

Play: A great game of chase is on the agenda at this age. Be sure to let your dog chase you, instead of the other way around. By taking the lead, you help your puppy realize he shouldn't run from you!

Brushing your puppy's coat is also a great way to bond. Your puppy loves the attention!

9 to 12 Months

Care: In general, your puppy isn't due for his annual wellness shots until his first birthday, but check with your vet to see if he recommends any updates. Keep current with teeth cleaning, bathing, and grooming.

Behavior: Your puppy and you are ready for anything! He's comfortable around other dogs and people and responds well to direction that involves "sitting" and "staying." Practice refining directions such as "heel," "come," and "leave it."

Play: Now is the time to step up play activities. Be sure to have a variety of toys in different shapes, colors, and textures to keep your best friend entertained. Throw fetch balls farther, and take longer walks together. And at the end of the day, help your puppy relax with a nice, long massage. Gently rub your puppy's torso, legs, and paws to help him rejuvenate for another day of fun, play, and bonding.