Bringing home a new puppy is exciting and joyful, but also a little bit overwhelming. There is a lot to think about, from preparing your house to understanding their daily needs.
This guide walks you through what you need to know in helping you feel prepared and confident from day one.
Preparing your home for a puppy
Before your puppy arrives, create a safe and welcoming environment.
Choose a quiet area where they can relax and feed safe. Puppy-proof your home by removing any loose wires, small objects and anything they might be able to chew. Also, set boundaries early, this will help your puppy to be able to settle in more quickly and help to keep them safe.
What to prepare:
Feeding your puppy
Good nutrition supports your puppy’s health, growth and development.
Stick with the food you were given by your breeder or rescue centre first. If you do decide you want to change your puppy’s food, do so, but gradually over 7 – 10 days, this will help to avoid tummy upsets.
Puppies need small, frequent meals throughout the day, as their bodies are growing quickly.
Helpful tips:
- Feed little and often
- Always provide fresh water
- Use age-appropriate, complete puppy food
- Gradually reduce feeding frequency as your puppy grows
Health, care and wellbeing
Early care sets the foundation for a healthy life.
Register your puppy with a vet soon after bringing them home. Your vet will be able to advise on flea, tick and worming routines, general wellbeing and microchipping (a legal requirement).
Regular grooming is a great way to bond and helps your puppy get used to being handled from a young age.
Consider having:
- Flea, worm and tick protection suitable for puppies
- Puppy-safe shampoo and grooming tools
- A comfortable collar with an ID tag
Training and socialising your puppy
Training can start from day one.
Keep sessions short positive and fun. Puppies learn best through praise, rewards and consistency. Teaching basic commands early helps to build confidence and strengthen your bond.
Socialisation is just as important. Slowly introduce your pet to new sights, sounds, people and environments at their own pace.
Training essentials include:
- Puppy pads for toilet training
- Training treats and rewards
- Gentle guidance and patience
Play, enrichment and teething
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, especially when they’re teething.
Chew toys and enrichment activities help soothe teething gums, prevent boredom and redirect any unwanted behaviour, such as chewing anything they shouldn’t.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.
Good enrichment options:
- Lickmats
- Chewing and teething toys
- Short play sessions throughout the day
Travelling safely with your puppy
Whether it’s a vet visit, their first journey home or first little adventure, travel safety matters.
Use a secure car crate or restraint when travelling by car to keep your puppy safe and comfortable. Getting them used to travel early can help to reduce anxiety later.
Helping your puppy settle in
The first few weeks are all about routine, reassurance and patience.
Sleep, feeding times, plays and toilet breaks should be consistent. Accidents will happen, it’s completely normal. With time, love and gentle guidance, your puppy will learn what is expected.
