The excitement of bringing a puppy into your home is palpable, but those first few days are a lot easier when you’ve prepared essentials beforehand. New puppy owners often underestimate how fast and curious their puppy will be and how quickly they will be able to find ways to get into trouble. The goal of this checklist is to cover the most important practical things you can do to help your puppy get settled in your home.
Food and Water
Stick with the food your puppy is used to for the first week or two. Puppy stomachs are easily upset, especially when food changes suddenly. You can gradually change your puppy’s food brand by mixing it with the old food over a seven to ten day period. You want to use a complete puppy food that is right for your puppy’s expected size at full adult growth. You can use the feeding recommendations on the food package as a starting point. You can use an easily cleaned, sturdy non-slip bowl for food and water, and keep fresh water out for your puppy throughout the day.
A Safe, Comfortable Place to Sleep
A quiet spot, free from draughts, is a great place for your puppy to rest, especially if it is away from the busiest parts of the house. A nice bed or a crate with bedding works well, and a blanket that smells like home is a great addition. Puppies will sleep a lot, and it’s important to let them sleep undisturbed after they’ve eaten or played, as they need their rest. There will be some whining at night, and it’s important to be patient as your puppy learns that their new bed is a safe space.
Collar, Lead and Identification
You will need a collar and lead from the start, and as your puppy will grow quickly, you should be able to fit two fingers under the collar to check it fits comfortably. In the UK all dogs need to be microchipped, and, when in public, wear a collar with an ID tag. The contact details on your ID tag should be up to date. Your puppy should be introduced to short walks in the garden or on quiet streets when your vet has said your puppy is fully vaccinated.
Toys and Chews
Puppies explore with their mouths, so toys are very important to have. You should provide a range of toys including soft toys, rubber chews and rope toys. Be aware of the size of the toys you give your puppy to make sure they can’t swallow them. Rotate toys every couple of days. Throw away damaged toys. Supervise your puppy with new chews to make sure they don’t swallow them. You can find a good selection of pet supplies online, including chews, toys, beds and bowls, to help you get everything ready in advance.
Grooming and Hygiene
Training your puppy to be groomed early on can be very helpful, even for short-coated puppies. The first step in getting your puppy used to being handled is to get him used to being brushed. You can purchase inexpensive soft brushes that are safe for use on puppies. Next you can introduce your puppy to the nail clippers and shampoo. Each of these will help the puppy get used to being handled and will make visits to the vet, and later groomer, much easier.
Training and Routine
Because of their highly developed sense of order and routine, dogs benefit from regular meal times, outings to go to the toilet and training sessions. Use calm, pleasant tones and give treats when they’ve behaved well. Stick to short sessions and start with easy commands like ‘sit’ or ‘come’. Be sure to socialise your pup. The sooner they meet a variety of people (both men and women) and positive, socialised dogs, the more easily they’ll adapt to different situations they’ll come across as an adult dog. Expose them to everyday sounds and situations so they don’t get jumpy or aggressive.
Plan Your First Vet Visit
Book a check-up within the first few days. While your vet will likely perform a thorough health check and advise on parasitic treatments and potentially neutering, it’s always a good idea to bring along any paperwork from the breeder/rescue centre, and jot down questions beforehand. Developing a good relationship with your vet from the start will definitely pay off in the long run.
Enjoy the Journey
Although the early weeks with your new puppy can be tiring, they go by quickly. Setting up the right equipment along with a consistent routine and lots of patience will soon have your puppy feeling at home. In the meantime you will be preparing for many happy years together.
