A four-legged bundle of joy, having a puppy is a wonderful experience. No matter how many times you have done so before, they never fail to be an adorable addition to your home. That doesn’t mean to say they are not hard work though, so being prepared as best you can is recommended.

From what you’ll need to help them settle in, to providing the right food, to thinking about anything unexpected along the way, you’ll need a lengthy checklist if this is your first time bringing a puppy home. Don’t worry though, as many other families have been in your position, so below you’ll find some of our top tips to make them feel welcomed, protected, and loved from day one.

Know You Have the Right Puppy For Your Household

Everyone has their favourite breeds, but ensuring they are the right fit for your household and lifestyle should be your priority. According to data from Statista, the UK’s favourite dog breed is a Labrador Retriever, just ahead of French Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels. If you are thinking about one of these breeds, you should consider your lifestyle and living situation before doing so.

If you are an active individual or family, you might prefer a high-energy breed so that you can keep up with their needs. On the other hand, a calmer dog breed could be more suitable if you are older and aren’t as mobile as you used to be. Any puppy no matter the breed will be a handful, so ensure that you can keep up with a young pup so that their quality of life isn’t impacted.

Before choosing a breed, be sure to research and understand if they are the right fit. Do you have enough space for them, especially if they are a larger breed? Do you have outside space such as a garden they can use? You’ll also want to learn more about any health predispositions the breed has, what their grooming needs are, and their general temperament. If you’re getting your pup from a reputable breeder or even adopting from a shelter, they will be able to help in your decision and provide further information.

What Do You Need For Your Puppy?

There are a few essential things you’ll need before welcoming your puppy home:

• A comfortable bed that is large enough for them to lie down and a crate if you plan on crate training. This will provide a safe, cosy space for your puppy when unsupervised.
• Nutritious and complete puppy food that is appropriate for their breed size and that they are familiar with, and a set of food and water bowls.
• A variety of toys suitable for a puppy to keep them engaged and help with teething. Chew toys are good as they will discourage your puppy from chewing on things you’d rather they didn’t.
• A leash and collar for when you eventually take them for walks and to use with training, along with an identification tag.
• Grooming tools suitable for your puppy’s coat type, and puppy pads if you’re initially house training indoors.

These items will help your puppy settle in, but you’ll also need to ensure your home is suitably prepped before they arrive.

Creating a Puppy-Proof Home

Just like having a child in the home, you’ll want to ensure your pup only has access to certain rooms and is kept away from anything that may harm them. Puppy-proofing your home will keep them in good health and help prevent any accidents, so think about the following:

• Lock away or remove any hazardous objects they may want to chew or play with such as electrical cords, toxic plants, and small items that could be swallowed. This is the same for any cleaning products or toxic human foods too.
• Provide a comfortable, quiet space for your puppy that has easy access to their bed, toys, and water.
• Using safety or baby gates can help to restrict access to certain areas such as stairs or the kitchen, and keep your pup in a puppy-friendly zone, especially when unsupervised.
• Check your garden is safe for them too. Look for any escape routes such as gaps in the fence and any toxic substances or plants that can be harmful if ingested.

As your puppy grows (which will happen quickly), you’ll want to adjust these measures, especially when opening up further access to the house.

Training and Socialisation

Getting your puppy into a good routine will take a bit of time and training, as will socialising them to get used to different environments, people and any other pets in the home. This will help them grow up to be happy and confident instead of fearful or anxious – a well-adjusted pup is what you’re aiming for.

• Basic obedience training as soon as your puppy settles in is a good idea. Teach them simple commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’, and ‘leave’ as these will enhance your control over your puppy. This will help you keep them safe at home and when out on walks.
  
• Exposing your puppy to a variety of people, animals, environments, and sounds, helps them become well-rounded and less fearful as they grow. This socialisation should be gradual and already started by the breeder or shelter before you bring them home. Keep all encounters positive, controlled, and short so as not to overwhelm them.
  
• Puppy classes can be great as they offer a structured approach to both training and socialisation. They will help your puppy learn appropriate behaviour with other dogs and people under the guidance of professional trainers. Plus, you’ll have like-minded puppy owners for support too.
  
• Consistency is needed for both training and socialisation. Reward-based training methods, using treats and praise, will make learning enjoyable for your puppy and strengthen the bond between you both.

Keeping Their Health In Check

Registering with a vet, ideally before you bring them home, is recommended. This will ensure you can arrange for further vaccinations and discuss other aspects including microchipping, neutering or spaying, and any tick or worming treatment advice. 

Regular vet check-ups will monitor your puppy’s health and development. This will become a relationship they will have for life, so hopefully you’ve chosen a vet that is close to home and reputable. They will be your go-to for any advice related to their health and can offer support and guidance when you need it. According to the PDSA PAW Report 2024, 26% of dog owners say the cost of living has affected how they care for their pet, so if you need further advice, always speak to your vet to ensure you can maintain the most important aspects of their health and well-being.

Why Get Pet Insurance When They’re A Puppy?

It can be easy to take for granted that your puppy is young, full of life and, hopefully, in good health. However, accidents can happen, especially when your pup is developing and is as curious as you’d expect. As you prepare to be a pet parent, looking out for them is a daily responsibility, and as vet visits can become expensive if emergency treatment is needed, being insured from the start will help.

If faced with unexpected health issues or even an accident, a comprehensive pet insurance policy that covers emergencies throughout your dog’s lifetime will help to cover these costs. You’ll want the reassurance you can pay for treatment, rather than have to struggle to do so. Whilst some owners may look to ‘self-insure’ and rely on savings alone, insurance will help claim some of these costs back without worry.

It’s important to choose a policy that covers a range of potential health issues, including any pre-existing or breed-specific conditions. Comparing different providers and plans is a good starting point so that you can find one that suits your budget and your puppy’s specific needs. 

Preparing For a Long, Happy Companionship

Feel ready for your puppy? There’s lots to consider, so take the time to make sure this is the right option for you and that you have everything you need. Remember that your vet as well as the breeder or shelter will be there to help you along the way, so good luck and enjoy the experience!