A puppy is moving in – an exciting moment for the whole family. In those first few weeks, preparation, patience and affection are what give your new companion a safe and settled start. Puppies are rather like toddlers: they need structure, security and clear rules to feel at ease. This article covers what to look out for, what the first days and weeks will ask of you, and how to make the start easier for your puppy.
The First Night with Your Puppy
That first evening in a new home can be overwhelming. Your puppy has just been separated from his mother and littermates and now has to settle somewhere completely unfamiliar. That brings stress and uncertainty, which is why somewhere safe to retreat to matters so much.
- Setting up a place to sleep: for the first few weeks, a crate that closes, with good ventilation and a soft blanket, works best. It mimics a den, which helps your puppy feel secure. It also stops him wandering at night, hurting himself or relieving himself indoors unnoticed. Most puppies will let you know when they need to go out, so you can react quickly. Once he is house-trained, he can move to an ordinary dog bed.
- Somewhere to retreat to during the day: for small dogs in particular, being able to withdraw is important. A comfortable dog bed such as the Cosy Dog Bed gives your puppy a sheltered place to rest, so he doesn't become overwhelmed.
Collar or Harness – Which Works Better?
One of the most common questions new owners ask is whether a collar or a harness is better for a puppy. Both have their advantages:
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Collar
- Advantage: easy to put on, and it allows direct communication with your dog through the lead.
- Disadvantage: it puts strain on the sensitive neck if your puppy pulls hard.
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Harness
- Advantage: spreads the pressure across the chest and back, which spares the neck.
- Disadvantage: some dogs feel restricted by it, and lead handling can be trickier.
Puppies have very weak neck muscles, which is why a lightweight collar such as our oiled leather collar, or a well-fitting harness, is what we would suggest. What matters is that it sits comfortably and doesn't rub.
First Walks and House-Training
It pays to start early – both with lead manners and with house-training.
- House-training: puppies have small bladders and need to be taken outside straight after sleeping, eating and playing. One important point: never punish your puppy when an accident happens. Dogs often can't make the connection and simply become anxious. Ignore the accident instead, and praise him outdoors when he gets it right.
- Lead training: your puppy should learn from the start to walk on the lead without pulling. If he does pull, stop and stand still until he gives you his full attention. That signals to your dog that you are the one setting the pace.
- Positive reinforcement: whenever your puppy relieves himself outdoors or walks nicely on the lead for a stretch, reward him. Treats work, but so do kind words and a bit of fuss.
- Socialising with other dogs: meeting other dogs is essential to his development. Your puppy needs to learn to read canine signals, and that means not stepping in too early – some things he has to work out for himself.
Out and About in Town with a Puppy
A puppy has to learn to cope with a great many new impressions – in town most of all.
- Why crowds can be stressful: puppies are quickly overwhelmed by loud noises and large numbers of people, because they can't yet make sense of the situation. They can become frightened, which over time can turn into lasting insecurity.
- Introduce it gradually: don't take your puppy straight into a crowd. Build up to it step by step.
- Somewhere to retreat to when out: a dog carrier gives your puppy a safe place of his own. Puppies tire quickly and can't yet manage long distances, so a carrier is a sensible addition for days out.
Play and Enrichment
Play and mental stimulation are essential to a puppy's development, mentally and physically.
- Building the bond: doing things together builds trust and helps your puppy feel secure.
- Teaching bite inhibition: puppies test their teeth in play. They need to learn that biting down hard isn't acceptable, and a clear, consistent response helps them understand that.
- Choosing the right toys: puppy toys such as our throwing toy provide both fun and mental stimulation.
Grooming and Hygiene
Good grooming contributes a great deal to your puppy's health and wellbeing.
- Bathing: puppies shouldn't be bathed too often, as it dries out their sensitive skin. They also carry a particular puppy scent that adult dogs pick up on, which signals to them that they are dealing with a youngster.
- Brushing builds the bond: brushing regularly with a puppy brush removes loose hair, stimulates circulation and strengthens the relationship between dog and owner.
- Ears and eyes: check the ears regularly and clean them when needed, as dirt and wax build up and can lead to infection. Eye pads help to wipe away tear residue gently and avoid irritation.
Teething in Puppies
Teething begins somewhere between four and seven months.
- What happens: the milk teeth loosen and fall out as the adult teeth come through.
- Typical signs: more chewing than usual, restlessness, itchy gums.
- How to help: chews such as our half deer antler help relieve the pressure on the gums.
When Should Your Puppy See the Vet?
Regular check-ups are essential to your puppy's health.
- The first visit: have your puppy checked over within a few days of moving in at the latest, and use the appointment to agree a schedule for vaccinations and worming.
- What to bring: the vaccination record, and a health certificate from the breeder if you have one.
- Is pet insurance worth it? Yes – it can protect you from high unexpected bills.
- When to go urgently: take symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhoea or constant scratching seriously.
And the Equipment?
A bed, a lead, bowls, grooming kit – much of this should already be in place before your puppy arrives. To keep this article from running away with itself, we have put the full overview elsewhere: our puppy essentials checklist covers every purchase in detail, including what it costs and what you really need straight away.
In Summary
The first weeks with a puppy are an exciting time, and a demanding one. With the right preparation and equipment, the start of your life together goes smoothly. What matters is staying consistent, being patient, and teaching your puppy the rules of the household kindly but firmly.
In our puppy collection you will find a selected range of products for puppies, along with discount codes.
