New Puppy, Congratulations – Are you ready??


How exciting – you’re bringing home a new puppy!  This can be one of the best days ever BUT it can also be stressful and frustrating too.  Let’s be real—it’s not all cuddles and cute Instagram pics, there’s a lot of work to get prepared for puppy’s arrival. We’ve put together some suggestions to make bringing your puppy home a little easier.

1 – Puppy-Proof Your Home

First up, let’s make sure your home is safe for your little bundle of fur. Puppies are like toddlers—they get into everything!  Puppies are super curious about the world around them and enjoy a good explore – mostly this is done with their teeth!!  So here’s what you need to do to puppy-proof your home:

  • Hide all Cords and Cables: to a puppy everything looks just like a cool new chew toy to discover, so make sure you keep electrical cords out of reach or use cord protectors.
  • Stash Hazards: take a look around each room in your home and look for potential hazards such as household cleaners, plants, and small objects.  It’s a good idea to move these items up out of puppy’s reach.
  • Create a Puppy Zone: this is super important for keep puppy safe when you can’t be watching them.  It’s also a great idea to have a “time-out” space where puppy can go to have a rest without being disturbed by family members or other household pets.  This could be a crate, puppy pen or a gated-off area.  It’s a good idea initially to have a place set up in the main living area around the family.

2 – Essential Supplies

Before your new puppy arrives home, make sure you’ve got all the essentials. Here’s a handy checklist to get started:

  • Food and Water Bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic is best—easy to clean and hard to knock over. Consider enrichment feeding alternatives – we have a wide range of Lickimat and Westpaw options in our online store.
  • Puppy Food: most breeders will send your puppy home with a sample of food that your puppy has been used to eating.  It’s important to make any diet changes gradually so as not to upset puppy’s stomach.  Pick a high-quality puppy food to help them grow and to ensure all their nutrient needs are met.
  • Crate: crate training is a super important skill to teach your puppy and can make life easier for both of you.  
  • Comfy Bed: your puppy needs a cozy spot to sleep and all settle much more quickly when they have their own place to be.  I suggest having a puppy bed in each of the rooms where you and your puppy might be together.
  • Toys, Toys, and More Toys: a variety of toys will help to keep your puppy entertained and will help to give them something to chew on when they start teething. We have a variety of toy options in our online store for both baby puppies and the toughest of chewers!
  • Collar and Leash: it’s a good idea to get your puppy used to wearing a collar nice and early before they’re old enough to go for walks.  It will also make training sessions a little easier.
  • Grooming Kit: a great way to start to build your relationship with your puppy is to get into a grooming routine.  Some of the must-have items you will need to get are a brush, nail file (Dremel) or clippers, and shampoo. If you started planning early it’s  helpful to keep some of your old towels too!

3 – First Vet Visit 

New puppy being cuddled by Veterinarian on her first visit to the vet clinic
Dr Cathy Opie with Nova

Your puppy’s health is vitally important as is your relationship with your veterinary professional.  I recommend that you book a visit to your chosen vet clinic as soon as possible.  On your first visit it’s a great opportunity to pop in, meet your vet and get your puppy used to the smells of the clinic.  I like to take my new puppy into the clinic early, pop them on the scales and introduce them to the staff and get cuddles – ensuring they have a positive experience.  Then you can schedule an appointment for a check-up, vaccinations, and talk about things like deworming and flea prevention.

4 – Training and Socialising

Early training and socialising for your puppy is key.  Here’s what you need to focus on:

  • Toilet Training: establish a routine and reward your puppy for going outside.
  • Basic Cues: start with the basics like sit, stay, and come using positive reinforcement to reward your puppy when they make good attempts.
  • Socialisation: introduce your puppy to different environments, people, and other animals. This helps to create a confident puppy and prevent future fear and aggression issues.
  • Puppy class: positive and fun puppy training classes, run by a qualified training professional, can give you and your puppy a solid foundation for your future together.  We have a variety of puppy classes available at Pawz Perfect and would love to welcome you and your family to join us!

5 – Time and Patience

In the first few days and weeks your puppy will need a lot of your time and attention. Make sure you are ready for the time commitment required of your for things like: frequent regular feeding times (usually 3 times per day), toilet breaks (lots and often), training time and lots of playtime. Patience is essential—be prepared – there will be accidents and sleepless nights. But it’s all part of the journey and doesn’t last forever!

6 – Bonding Time

Most importantly, enjoy this time with your new puppy. Play, cuddle, and create happy memories. FUN training sessions as well as quiet moments together will build a strong bond that lasts a lifetime.

Bringing home a new puppy is an incredible experience that can fill your home with lots of love and laughter.  By making sure your home is prepared, getting the right supplies, ensuring good veterinary care, and focusing on training and socialisation, you will set up a wonderful life together. Embrace the fun and the challenges, and you’ll find a loyal and loving companion in your new puppy.

Are you ready?  Of course you are – all you need is a little prep and a lot of love!!

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