Bringing Home a New Puppy – Your Essential Guide to a Happy Dog
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges. Puppies require time, patience, and the right training to grow into well-mannered adult dogs. This guide will help you set your puppy up for success.
Preparing for Your Puppy’s Arrival
Before your puppy sets foot in your home, make sure you're fully prepared. Here’s a checklist of essentials:
A comfy bed and a crate for safe sleeping
High-quality puppy food suited to their breed and size
Food and water bowls
Chew toys and interactive toys to keep them entertained
A secure lead, collar, and ID tag
Puppy pads and cleaning supplies for accidents
The First 24 Hours: Helping Your Puppy Settle In
Your puppy’s first day at home is a big adjustment, and they may feel nervous or overwhelmed. Here are some tips to help them settle in smoothly:
Keep their environment calm and quiet.
Introduce them to one room at a time.
Set up a designated toilet area and begin potty training immediately.
Give them space to explore but avoid overwhelming them with too many new faces.
Stick to a feeding and sleeping schedule right away.
Basic Puppy Training: The Essentials
Training should start from day one to help your puppy develop good habits. The most important areas to focus on include:
1. Toilet Training
Take your puppy outside every hour and after meals.
Reward them with instant praise or treats when they go in the right spot.
Avoid punishment—patience is key!
2. Crate Training
Use the crate as a safe, comfortable space—not a punishment.
Keep crate time short at first and gradually increase it.
Make it a positive experience with treats and toys.
3. Basic Commands
Start with simple commands like "sit," "stay," and "come."
Use positive reinforcement. Treats and praise work wonders.
Keep training sessions short and fun to hold their attention.
Puppy Socialisation: Why It’s Crucial
Exposing your puppy to different environments, people, and other dogs early on will help prevent fear and behavioural problems later in life. Try to:
Arrange playdates with vaccinated, well-mannered dogs.
Introduce them to new sounds, surfaces, and experiences.
Let them meet people of different ages and appearances.
Take them on short, positive trips in the car.
Enrichment and Playtime: Keeping Your Puppy Happy
Mental and physical stimulation is essential for a puppy’s well-being. Some great enrichment activities include:
Puzzle Toys: Stuff a Kong with peanut butter, kibble, or mashed banana to keep them busy.
Scent Games: Hide treats around the house and let your puppy sniff them out.
Short Training Sessions: Teaching tricks like “paw” or “spin” provides great mental exercise.
Safe Chewing Options: Frozen carrots, dried natural chews, rope toys, or dental chews help with teething.
When to Seek Professional Help
Every puppy is different, and some may need extra guidance. Consider:
Puppy training classes for socialisation and obedience.
Vet visits for check-ups, vaccinations, and advice on diet and behaviour.
Professional dog walkers or drop-in services if you work long hours.
Need Puppy Care in Godalming? We Can Help!
If you need help with puppy care while you’re at work or out for the day, Sit & Stay Godalming offers puppy drop-in visits in Godalming, Milford, Hascombe, Hambledon, Witley, Wormley, Brook, Elstead, Thursley, Dunsfold, Chiddingfold, Northchapel, and Haslemere. We provide toilet breaks, feeding, playtime, and lots of love to help your pup grow into a confident, happy dog.
Get in touch today to book a puppy visit!