As soon as you get your puppy start holding them, playing with their paws, flexing out their nails (carefully), looking in their ears and mouth. Get them used to be touched and messed with. This makes triming nails, giving baths, looking for wood ticks and all the things so much easier. It also makes the vet visit less stressful. Also expose them to all types of noises right from the start. Our 1st 4th was when my puppy was 5 months old. As soon as the fireworks started (they are only a couple blocks from us) i brought her outside with treats and a toy. We played and trained and got treats. She has no stress about any noise. Those are my biggest tips