Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, and many people decided to get a dog during the pandemic, when they had more time at home. For anyone who has never owned a dog before, and even for those who have, puppy ownership can come as a bit of a shock! Before diving in, there are some things to consider so that you know what you are taking on and can give your new pup the best start in life.
Choose Your Puppy Carefully
Always buy from a reputable breeder or consider rehoming from a rescue charity. In England, puppies and kittens under six months must be bought directly from the breeder or adopted from a rescue centre rather than from a third-party seller. Make sure you see the puppy with its mother.
Toilet Training
Toilet training is something many people struggle with, particularly if you are quite house-proud. Think about the flooring in your home, especially in the room your pup will be in at first. Something like this engineered wood flooring is easier to clean than rugs and carpets.
Sleep
Be prepared to lose some sleep. A puppy is a bit like a new baby, and at first it can help to sleep in the same room as your pup so that they feel comfortable, as they may be quite nervous when they first arrive.
Chewing
All young puppies chew, so make sure you have plenty of toys for them to chew on to help save your furniture, skin and clothes from the worst of it!
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The essential kit to have ready
A few things need to be in place before your puppy arrives. A collar is needed from day one, even before walks begin; it should be snug but not tight, with room to slip two fingers underneath, and checked often as your puppy grows. In public, dogs must wear a collar with a tag showing the owner’s name and address, and puppies must be microchipped by the breeder before they go to a new home, so make sure the chip details are updated to you.
A crate gives a young dog a safe den, helps with house training and lets you know where they are; choose one large enough for them to stand, turn round and stretch out. You will also need a comfortable, washable bed, food and water bowls, a lead for training, and a secure carrier for trips to the vet. A baby gate or puppy pen is useful for keeping them out of rooms that are not yet puppy-proofed.
Names, rules and a quiet corner
Choose a name your dog can easily tell apart from everyday words. Short names with a clear sound work well, but avoid anything that sounds like a common command. A rescue dog may already have a name; you can change it, and sometimes a fresh start is a good thing for a dog from a difficult background, but give them time to learn the new one with lots of praise.
Agree the house rules as a household before the puppy arrives. Will it sleep in its own bed? Are some rooms or the sofa off limits? Everyone needs to apply the same rules from day one, as mixed messages make training much harder. Finally, give your dog a space of its own, somewhere quiet with a comfortable bed and a blanket where it can retreat from noise, visitors and other pets. This matters especially for nervous or rescue dogs. If you use heat or cooling pads, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Warning signs of a bad breeder
As demand for puppies rises, so do unethical breeding practices, and puppy farms remain a real problem in the UK. Many new owners spend hours researching food, vets and accessories, but checking the breeder deserves at least as much attention. A good breeder will be happy to answer your questions and will never pressure you into buying.
Be wary if you are not allowed to see the parents. At the very least the mother should be there with the puppies, so if she is missing and the breeder makes excuses, walk away.
Look closely at the living conditions. The puppies should be kept somewhere clean and comfortable, with access to food and fresh water. Poor surroundings suggest they are not being cared for properly. Finally, be alert to timing. If a breeder says the puppies can leave before eight weeks old, treat it as a serious warning sign. Puppies need to stay with their mother until at least that age for their health and development.