How to Care for a New Puppy: The First Weeks at Home

Before you start

• Puppy food recommended by your breeder or vet
• Food and water bowls
• A bed or crate
• Chew toys
• A collar or harness, lead and ID tag
• Puppy pads or an outdoor toilet spot

Method 1 Before your puppy comes home

1. 1

   Step 1: Get the supplies

   Buy the same puppy food the breeder or shelter used (switch slowly later if needed), bowls, a bed or crate, a few chew toys, a collar or harness, a lead and an ID tag with your phone number.

2. 2

   Step 2: Puppy-proof your home

   Get down to puppy height. Move cables, shoes, chemicals, medicines, plants and small objects out of reach, and block off stairs and unsafe areas with baby gates.

3. 3

   Step 3: Set up a safe space

   Create a quiet corner with a bed or crate, water and a toy where your puppy can rest undisturbed.

4. 4

   Step 4: Find a vet

   Choose a vet near you and book a check-up for the first week.

Method 2 Health: vet, vaccines and parasites

1. 1

   Step 1: First vet visit

   Your vet will check your puppy’s health, weight, eyes, ears and heart, and plan vaccinations, worming and flea treatment.

2. 2

   Step 2: Follow the vaccination schedule

   Puppies usually start vaccinations at 6–8 weeks, with boosters every few weeks until about 16 weeks, against diseases such as parvovirus and distemper, plus rabies where required. Keep your puppy away from unknown dogs and public ground until your vet says they’re protected.

3. 3

   Step 3: Worm and treat for fleas

   Use treatments recommended by your vet, as some over-the-counter products aren’t suitable for young puppies.

4. 4

   Step 4: Microchip and register

   Microchipping is required by law in some countries. Keep your contact details up to date.

5. 5

   Step 5: Ask about neutering and insurance

   Discuss when to neuter or spay, and consider pet insurance for unexpected vet bills.

Method 3 Feeding and sleep

1. 1

   Step 1: Feed small, regular meals

   Feed a good-quality puppy food 3–4 times a day for young puppies, reducing to 2–3 meals by about 6 months. Follow the pack guide for your puppy’s weight and adjust with your vet.

2. 2

   Step 2: Always provide water

   Keep fresh water available at all times.

3. 3

   Step 3: Avoid dangerous foods

   Never give chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), cooked bones or alcohol.

4. 4

   Step 4: Let them sleep

   Puppies need about 18–20 hours of sleep a day. Make sure children let them rest.

Method 4 House training

1. 1

   Step 1: Pick a toilet spot

   Take your puppy to the same outdoor spot each time.

2. 2

   Step 2: Go out often

   Take them out first thing in the morning, last thing at night, after waking, eating, drinking and playing, and every 1–2 hours in between.

3. 3

   Step 3: Reward straight away

   Praise and give a small treat the moment they finish toileting outside.

4. 4

   Step 4: Handle accidents calmly

   Never punish accidents. Clean them with an enzyme cleaner to remove the smell, and take your puppy out more often.

5. 5

   Step 5: Plan for nights

   Young puppies may need a toilet trip once or twice a night at first.

Method 5 Socialisation and behaviour

1. 1

   Step 1: Socialise early

   The period up to about 14–16 weeks is when puppies learn what’s normal. Gently introduce different people, safe vaccinated dogs, household sounds, car rides and handling, keeping experiences positive and short.

2. 2

   Step 2: Redirect chewing and biting

   Puppies explore with their mouths. Swap your hands or shoes for a chew toy, and stop play briefly if they bite too hard.

3. 3

   Step 3: Teach the basics

   Start short, fun training sessions with rewards: name, sit, come and settle.

4. 4

   Step 4: Build alone time slowly

   Leave your puppy alone for a few minutes at a time, gradually building up, to prevent separation problems.

Troubleshooting

Frequently asked questions

Summary