What should you know before bringing home your first puppy?

Bringing home a puppy transforms your life in unexpected and surprising ways. The journey begins long before those four tiny paws cross your threshold. Preparation, education, and setting realistic expectations form the foundation for a successful transition from solo living to life with a canine companion. If you found your future family member at a local shelter, through a breeder, or at a Puppy Boutique, preparing properly ensures you and your new pet start your relationship on solid footing. Your choices during this preparation phase will influence your puppy’s adjustment period and set patterns for your life together. Creating a harmonious home for your new puppy requires thoughtful planning across multiple areas. From physical preparation of your living space to mental preparation for the changes ahead, each aspect deserves careful consideration before your puppy arrives.

Puppy-proofing your home

• Secure loose wires and cables – Puppies chew electrical cords to explore and relieve discomfort during teething
• Remove toxic plants – Many common houseplants like lilies, sago palms, and pothos are poisonous to dogs; replace them with pet-safe alternatives or place them out of reach
• Install baby gates – Block access to stairs, unsecured areas, or rooms with items that could harm your puppy
• Secure trash cans – Choose models with locking lids to prevent access to dangerous food remnants and other hazards
• Store chemicals correctly – Cleaning supplies, automotive fluids, and medications must be entirely inaccessible to curious puppies
• Check for small objects – Remove items like coins, paper clips, rubber bands, and children’s toys that could be swallowed

Essential supplies checklist

Before bringing your puppy home, gather the necessary equipment for feeding, comfort, safety, and play.

• Quality food and water bowls provide the foundation for sound nutrition; stainless steel options resist bacteria better than plastic alternatives. A properly-sized crate creates a secure den space that aids in house training and provides comfort during alone time. Puppies need appropriate bedding in every area where they’ll sleep, including their crate and other designated rest areas.
• Collar, ID tag, and leash selection deserve particular attention. Choose a lightweight collar that fits properly; you should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and your puppy’s neck. Include your phone number and address on ID tags if your puppy gets lost. For leashes, a 4-6 foot option gives training flexibility without excessive length that could create tangling hazards.
• Toys serve multiple purposes beyond entertainment; they provide mental stimulation, offer appropriate chewing outlets, and can aid in teaching proper play behaviours. Include a variety of textures and types to discover your puppy’s preferences. Food, treats, grooming supplies, cleaning products for accidents, and puppy pads are essential for your new companion.

Puppy development stages

Puppies develop through distinct phases, each with unique characteristics that affect behavior and training approaches.

1. The neonatal period (0-2 weeks) involves minimal interaction beyond nursing and sleeping. During the transitional phase (2-3 weeks), puppies begin exploring their surroundings as their senses develop.
2. The critical socialisation window opens between 3 and 14 weeks, when puppies form lasting impressions about their world. Positive experiences during this period are essential for developing confidence and adaptability. During this window, careful exposure to various people, animals, sounds, and environments helps prevent fear-based behaviors later in life.
3. Puppies enter adolescence between 4-6 months, experiencing fear periods where previously accepted stimuli may suddenly seem frightening. Consistent training during this challenging phase builds the foundation for adult behavior patterns. Understanding each developmental stage helps you adjust your expectations and training approaches as your puppy matures.

Welcoming a puppy changes your life in countless ways, most wonderful, some challenging. With proper preparation and realistic expectations, you’ll create the foundation for years of joy with your canine companion.