Bringing Home A New Puppy: Comprehensive Guide

By Janice Jones   |Last Updated 04-28-2024

Bringing home a new puppy is
an exciting event for most people, especially those families with
children.  The much anticipated event is
finally here, and it’s time to welcome
the new ball of fur into your home.  But
Wait!

Wait?

Read these pointers
first hopefully before the big day. 

No
worries if you were not able to read before puppy’s arrival, there are still
things you might find helpful.

Before bringing home a new puppy,
let’s look at some ways you can prepare –
yourself, your family, your home, and even the puppy (assuming the breeder
agrees).

After years of bringing
puppies into the world and also bringing home puppies
myself, in my opinion, these are the eight essential tasks you must do ahead of
time, if not shortly after puppy comes home. 

We’ll cover each at length.  You
can read through the page or use these links to hop around.

Pick a Name Before Bringing Home a New Puppy

Some people prefer to pick the puppy’s name after they have him home and
can observe his behaviors. 

Others want
to choose a name long before the puppy leaves the breeder’s home. 

Either way is fine, but there is an advantage
to picking out a name early on.  If the
breeder agrees, let him/her know what name you will use and ask the breeder to
start using that name. 

By the time the
puppy arrives at your home, they will already know their name.  Here is more information about naming a
puppy.

Shop for Supplies

Few people miss this step because it is the most fun to do. 

Whether this is your first puppy or your 21st,
a new puppy needs some basic supplies all of his own. 

If you have children, they will want to be in
on this shopping spree. 

Talk to your kids ahead of time and
make a list.  You really don’t want to
go overboard because many of the items you purchase today will need to be replaced as the puppy grows.

It is fun to go into a large pet store and browse all the isles or visit
a small specialty shop to look for something unique before bringing home a new puppy. 

Others prefer to take their new puppy shopping with them.  Either way works, but I don’t recommend taking the dog shopping on your way home from the breeders.  That may be just a bit too much excitement and stress for a young puppy.

As you shop, though, you are likely to
realize that the best prices for dog items will be online. 

Be realistic about your budget and what you
pup really needs.  Splurging on a $50 (USD)
collar for a tiny puppy may not be practical if you will need to replace it in
a month. 

On the other hand, some items you buy will last a long time, such as a
crate or puppy stroller.  Shop for those
larger items carefully and purchase the best quality you can afford.

What are the items that puppies will need from Day One?

These are the basics.  You may want to check out our other page on supplies needed for puppies.

• Food and Treats (Find out from the breeder what the puppy eats.
• Dishes (water and food) or a water bottle if the breeder uses these
• Crate and or bed
• Small enclosed pen or baby gate to keep puppy confined.
• Small brush and comb appropriate for your breed’s hair.  Ask the breeder which ones to purchase if you
  are not sure.
• ID Tags with your name, your puppy’s name and your phone number
• Collar, harness, leash
• Clean up supplies (yard rakes and shovels, poop bags, puppy pads,
  enzymatic cleaner

Puppy Proof Your Home and Yard

That
sounds like a daunting task doesn’t it? 

But
don’t worry about the entire house or apartment just yet because your new
friend is not likely to be allowed free access to all areas. 

Chose the room or rooms that you think your
puppy will eat, sleep and play and concentrate on those areas first. 

Puppies like to
chew, tear and pee. 

Anything that they
can chew on, they will until they are taught otherwise. 

Be sure any electrical wires are out of
reach.  Antique tables or chairs or
expensive furniture that you don’t want little teeth marks on should be moved
out of the way. 

Puppies also seem to masters of finding small objects (children’s toys, etc.) left in corners, so a thorough cleaning before bringing home a new puppy is recommended

Wall trim is another favorite, and that is not something you can
move. 

To preserve your home, purchase a bottle of Grannick’s Bitter Apple for Dogs Spray Bottle, and spray anywhere your puppy might chew.

Chewing is a
normal behavior, and you can eliminate
much of the destruction by buying chew
toys. 

Visit our puppy proofing page for
more ideas.

Trash cans can be
a great toy for a curious puppy.  Small, lightweight
cans can be easily tipped spilling out a feast fit for a king (or tiny
puppy). 

Either place an open trash can
outside the permitted area or purchase one with a tightly fitted lid.

The best news for
people bringing home a new puppy that is small is they are not likely to be able to knock over small tables,
steal food and other items from little
tables, or swish their tail so feverously to knock over a small child. 

(We’ll save those behaviors for larger breed
dogs.)

Puppy Proof Outdoors Before Bringing a New Puppy Home?

People rarely
think about the outdoors when preparing for a puppy. 

Look around the area where your puppy will be
permitted and be sure there is nothing there that could cause harm. 

Poisonous plants can make a young puppy sick
in a very short time.  Avoid fertilizers
and yard treatments before you bring your
dog home.

If your yard is
fenced in, will the size of the fence
keep the puppy in? 

Some breeds are so small that they fit quite
comfortable between the slats in a fence or gate. 

Do you have a
garage where you keep potentially hazardous items?  The easiest way to assure safety is to
prevent the puppy from entering the garage. 

Luckily most small breed dogs can be carried from the home to your car
preventing them the opportunity to taste antifreeze or paint thinner.

Pools, Ponds,
Streams?  Any type of water can be a
problem and puppies have been known to drown in even a small amount of
water. 

If you haven’t
had time to do this one step before arrival, supervise the puppy carefully,
both inside and out. 

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Before Bringing Home a New Puppy, Prepare a Place for Your New Puppy

Puppies feel most secure when they have a
place they can call their own. 

It doesn’t
need to be big if you are dealing with a small breed puppy, but there should be enough room to fit a crate,
bed, water and food dishes, and a place to eliminate.

Many small breed dogs enjoy a little blanket to snuggle with, and others enjoy a stuffed toy.  Either ask your breeder to provide a “Mama scented” blanket, or send one for her to use and return to use when you bring your puppy home.

Both give the puppy the feel of snuggling
with litter-mates.  If the puppy is
left alone for awhile in his area, provide a variety of toys and chews.

You can prepare
this one area in the corner of a room
using a puppy play pen or X-pen. 

Another
option is to choose a small room that the puppy
will stay, usually with a floor surface
that is easy to clean.   

Some people
also convert a small closet for a dog room and make it cozy and
comfortable.  Whatever you decide based
on the layout of your home will be okay
as long as you follow these simple suggestions:

• Must
  be secure so the puppy can’t jump or
  climb over or can wiggle through the bars.
• Must
  be comfortable
• Never
  used as a “time out” or as a punishment.
• Cleaned
  regularly

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Alert All who are also Anxiously Awaiting the New Puppy

You’ve chosen a
puppy, picked out a name, purchased some supplies and fixed up your
home. 

No doubt you’ve been talking about this puppy with neighbors,
co-workers, and friends
every time you are given a chance. 

Soon
everyone knows about the new puppy.  Some
may even give you a puppy shower. 

It is a good idea
to let everyone know the day the puppy is to arrive.  You will do this
as a courtesy to them and
the puppy. 

Tell your friends that they
can come see the puppy later in the week or even in a week or two. 

Why? 

Puppies need to get to know their family first.  These are the people
the puppy will build the strongest bond. 

Don’t overwhelm a small puppy
with too many
visitors.  There will be time for that
later as you begin to socialize your new puppy.

---

Arrange for a Vet Visit Before Bringing Home a New Puppy

One important
question you should ask the breeder involves the purchase contract. 

Is there one? 

What is the health guarantee? 
(There are many more issues to ask
a breeder, and you can read about them
here.)

Many purchase
agreements stipulate that new owners arrange for a vet visit within a
short
amount of time, typically 48-96 hours
after purchase for the contract to remain in effect. 

Appointments with
favorite vets can be scheduled a week or more out, so it is important
to call ahead of time so you don’t miss your window of opportunity. 

Even if there is
no clause about getting the puppy vet checked, it is still a wise thing to
do. 

Puppies can get sick easily, carry
worms, and will need regular vaccinations. 

Your vet is a good source of information and will explain vaccination
schedules and proper puppy care. 

Be
prepared to take a fecal sample when you go to your first appointment, so they can check for internal
parasites. Ask if your puppy should take a heartworm preventative or flea
treatment/preventative.

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Sign-Up Puppy
Training Classes

While this is not
necessary before the puppy arrives, it is always advisable to begin
socialization and training from day one. 

Puppy classes can teach you how to train them and at the same time
provide some valuable socialization skills for your new puppy. 

Most metropolitan
areas have many different types of dog training facilities, but they may not
always be easy to find. 

Look for classes
given by pet stores such as your big box stores, your local shelter, or even
your veterinarian. 

Doggie Day Care
facilities also often advertise training classes and larger boarding facilities
do as well.  

If you know, you will be going beyond basic puppy
kindergarten and obedience, consider contacting a kennel club in your
area. 

Many kennel clubs are associated
with the AKC and offer all breed training. 
Others are breed specific.  Your
breeder may be able to direct you to an appropriate class.

Training classes
may be harder to find in rural
areas.  Even if you can’t find a good class,
you should not neglect your puppy’s training. 
The internet is full of information on dog training, or you could purchase a good book about dog training.

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Plan a Schedule Before Bringing Home a New Puppy

Any parent can
tell you that kids that are on a structured schedule do better overall. Dogs Too!

Scheduling doesn’t need to be rigid, but a puppy will respond better to
eating, sleeping, playing, and learning if he can predict what will come
next. 

Schedules are different for each
family, so it would be difficult to print a one-size-fits-all schedule. 

Here are a
couple of guidelines to help you plan
your puppy’s day.

• Potty training proceeds faster if there is a
  set time in the morning to take the puppy out. 
  This may mean no more sleeping in on the weekends.
• Puppies
  generally need to eliminate about 15-20 minutes after a meal or large drink of
  water.
• Puppies
  take 1-2 hour naps throughout the day. 
  The rest of the time is devoted to active
  play, short training sessions, meals, and elimination.
• Tiny
  puppies may not be able to sleep throughout the night.  Most puppy buyers assume they may need to get
  up at least once during the wee hours of the morning to take the puppy
  out. 
• As
  the puppy’s bladder grows, the length of time between eliminations lengthens too. 
  At first, they will eliminate every 1 ½ to 2 hours.

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Other Pets at Home?

If you have other
pets at home, bringing home, a puppy may
be a little more challenging.  

Your
other dog, cat or pet may not be as excited to see a new family member and they
are likely going to let you know it. 

Plan ahead how
you will make these introductions and respond to the older pet and new puppy. 

Plan these meetings on a neutral site so the
older dog does not feel as if he must guard his own territory. 

This advice can be tricky because you don’t
want to choose a dog park but a quiet park with few distractions might
work. 

Please visit my page on Getting a Second Dog for more information. Or

Dogs and Cats Living Together

Dogs and Rabbits

Dogs and Lizards

Alternately, if
you have a friend or neighbor willing to lend you their yard, take them up on offer. 

Unfamiliar territory puts both the new and the old dog on equal
standing.

Don’t get worried if both ignore each other.  (That has been
my experience). 

Just keep it friendly
and upbeat.  Give both dogs a treat and a
drink of water and then head to your home.

Expect a little
jealousy and some minor fights during the coming weeks. 

Watch body
language.  The older dog may give a
quick, sharp bark. 

If the puppy lies
down and rolls over on his back and the older dog walks away, all is good.  If the older dog continues to attack when the
puppy has assumed this position of submission, jump in to protect the puppy.

If you are
introducing a puppy to a much older dog, it may be the older dog you will need
to protect from the rambunctiousness we call youth.

The most
important thing that you can do during the coming weeks is to supervise
carefully. 

Don’t get lured into a false sense
of security if all goes well during the first day. 

We call that the “Honeymoon” period when
everyone is on their best behavior. 

Bringing Home A New Puppy – The BIG DAY!

The big day has
finally arrived, and you are likely to be
excited and maybe even a little nervous. 

Chances are good the puppy is feeling the same way, so take his needs
into consideration.  What Puppies Need is
a quick read that you might want to check out?

Will you be going to
pick up your new dog? 

Many people do
have to travel either by car or plane to get
a new puppy.  Plan for the trip, even if
it is a 30-minute car ride. 

Very young
puppies don’t have the experience of a moving car that we take for
granted. 

Pack a puppy bag to take with
you.  Even if you are picking up your
puppy from an airport, these items are recommended.  What should you bring? 

Expect the worst and be pleasantly surprised
when you don’t need any or all of the items below.

• Paper towels and
  small bottle of cleaner
• Puppy Pads
• Bowls for water and
  food (if a long trip is anticipated); Bottled water
• Long Ride?  If the puppy doesn’t
  eat the regular food, I recommend
  a high caloric supplement to prevent hypoglycemia)
• Poop bags and a
  small bag to collect trash
• Wipes for cleaning
  up a messy puppy (You don’t have to purchase the ones specifically for dogs as
  baby wipes will be okay.  Alternately, you could place a couple small washcloths
  in a plastic bag and use some of the bottled drinking water for cleanup)
• Crate or another type of car carrier lined with puppy pads
  and a small blanket.  A car seat is ideal for older dogs, but they don’t work well
  when the puppy is young.
• Toys and Chews (Don’t
  be surprised if they don’t play much during the car ride)

Bringing Home a New Puppy…

The Adventure Continues…

May we suggest you check out these other pages with useful information about puppies.

How Much Sleep Does Your Dog or Puppy Need?