How to Take Care of a Puppy: A Step-By-Step Guide

April 13, 2023

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How to Take Care of a Puppy: A Step-By-Step Guide

Bringing a puppy home is incredibly exciting, but it can also be a little stressful. With pet parenthood comes big responsibility, and your new family member will need more than just food and snuggles to thrive. Learning how to take care of a puppy might feel overwhelming at times, but our guide is here to help you become the best pet parent possible. Your head is filled with all the adorable scenes of puppy kisses and playing fetch at the park, but the reality is consumed by countless hours of house training your dog and teaching them how to walk on a leash. Dog ownership is one of life’s great joys. But the idea can be intimidating if you’ve never had a pup before.

While puppies may be a lot of work, your commitment to developing a good routine will give you a loyal companion for years. When preparing to bring a puppy home, be sure to set up a good support team that includes both a knowledgeable veterinarian and a reliable pet sitter, as life so often goes off course from our best laid plans. This guide will help you get your home and family ready for your new puppy. Puppies are a special addition to any family, offering love, inspiring laughter, and teaching us the importance of playfulness. Their darling noses, sweet eyes, and adorable whimpers can reveal the sensitive side in even the toughest of tough guys. During their first four months of life, puppies are particularly impressionable. As a matter of fact, they will learn more during this time than any other time in their entire lives.

The quality and quantity of what they experience will have a significant impact on their future personalities and determine the formation of many of their “good” or “bad” behavioral tendencies. Between the first 3 weeks to the first 1-2 years, a puppy’s maturation process is something every dog lover should understand.

Meeting the family

Bringing a puppy home is an exciting time, especially for a family with children. As new owners, we must remember that this is a big life change for all participants — animal and human. This puppy will be in a new environment with new sounds, smells, and a brand new family to meet.

When first introduced to its new home, place your new puppy on a leash and allow it to roam its new environment under your control. You want it to feel comfortable, but a free-roaming puppy will often have accidents if left on its own for too long. While most new owners may feel a dog crate is isolating and cold, crate training is actually the easiest way to establish good sleep habits and bathroom routines. It also prevents them from getting into trouble while you’re sleeping, which keeps both them and your belongings safe. A veterinarian once told me that puppies don’t view their crate as a place of isolation but rather as a safe place, as we often feel in our own bedrooms.

When providing exercise, be sure to keep your puppy on a short leash by your side. Do not allow the puppy to pull and lead you. Owners want to establish dominance, so the puppy knows to follow your command. When your puppy’s about 4 to 6 months old, look into obedience school and ways to socialize it. Teaching your dog to follow commands will ensure you can keep it safe.

Teaching a puppy to socialize around 12 weeks will make for an easier lifestyle. When expecting visitors, keep your puppy on a leash to greet the visitor at the door, do not allow them to jump, and provide positive reinforcement by allowing your visitor to give a treat for a proper greeting. Like children, puppies love and respond well to frequent positive reinforcement.

How to Choose a Puppy

Consider which breed is best suited to your lifestyle. Factors include your working hours, family circumstances, and your energy levels.

Think about:

Can a giant breed squeeze into your small apartment?
Will a puppy barking disturb the neighbors?

Dog Adoption

Sourcing your dream dog takes time and research. Your options include using a breeder, buying privately, or adopting from a shelter.A responsible breeder screens the health of the parent dog, raises the litter at home, and socializes the puppies at a young age.Giving a puppy from a rescue a new home may save the life of that dog, and free up a pen for another needy four-legger.You’ve found a pup and fallen in love. Prepare for the puppy’s arrival beforehand so you can concentrate on having fun together after they move in.

How to look after a puppy

Buying a puppy and bringing them home is exciting and a bit daunting, but should be lots of fun for you both!

Up to 8 weeks – before you bring your puppy home

Wherever your puppy came from, the previous owner should have done a few things, including:

Organising their first puppy vaccination
Started toilet training
Started socialising them by introducing them to new situations and people

Before bringing them home, you’ll need to prepare for your new puppy’s arrival by:

Creating space and buying toys: you’ll need to provide space for your puppy to play, and toys to keep them occupied.
Providing somewhere for them to rest: provide a crate, hiding places and/or cosy bed in a quiet, draught-free place where your puppy can rest undisturbed.
Taking a blanket from the puppy’s first home- bring this back with you so they have something familiar and comfortable to snuggle in.
Removing anything poisonous or that you don’t want them chewing.
Finding a vet- use our link to find your local vet.
Organising puppy classes- these can get booked up, so find a class and sign up once you know you’re getting a puppy.

8-12 weeks – bringing your puppy home

This is an important time for your puppy, as what they learn and experience now will shape their future behaviour. Your puppy isn’t fully vaccinated yet, but it’s important to continue socialisation by giving your puppy positive experiences like:

Introducing them to other pets- let them meet other healthy, fully vaccinated dogs and cats.
Carrying them around outsideto introduce them to new people, sights and sounds.
Gradually introduce themto other experiences, such as the car, grooming, being handled and having their ears, eyes and other body parts checked.

You should also:

Begin to leave them alonefor short periods to prevent separation-related behaviour.
Establish a consistent routine and rules- reward good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour.
Feed them the same puppy foodas they had before and keep the same routine with small, regular meals.
Continue puppy toilet trainingby rewarding them when they go outside.

12 weeks onwards – puppy training and socialisation

Your puppy can have their second vaccinations around now. While you’re at the vet, ask them about worming, flea treatment and neutering.

Around this age, you can also:

Socialise your pup outsideonce they’re fully vaccinated.
Take them to puppy classes- good puppy classes are a great way to boost their confidence and learn basic training.
Understand what they like- knowing what your puppy likes (such as their favourite food or toys) can motivate them during training.
Let them rest regularly- growing and learning is tiring, so let them rest regularly and keep training sessions short and fun. If your puppy is crate trained, let them use it as a safe haven.

6 months onwards – further dog training and neutering

Puppies are still learning at this age, so continue reward-based training and keep all experiences positive.

Remember:

Speak to your vetif you have any concerns about your puppy and ask them about neutering if you haven’t already.
Move onto more advanced dog training classesif your puppy is ready to progress.
Move them onto adult dog foodas they get bigger and their dietary needs change.

By keeping experiences positive from day one, you’ll help your puppy grow into a confident adult dog, making life more enjoyable for you both.

1) Puppy-proof your home

Anyone who has welcomed a new baby or toddler into their home knows that there are certain everyday items which need to be removed and kept out of reach for the safety and care of the youngster. Like babies and small children, puppies are naturally curious, and will explore their new territory and its contents. This could mean getting themselves into potentially dangerous situations!

To create a safe space, start by designating or fencing off one part of the home, which will become your puppy’s new territory for their first few months. Then make sure the following items are out of reach from your new puppy:

Electrical items and cords
Chemicals and toxins
Plants
Rugs
Breakables
Valuables
Trash

Additionally be sure to sweep or vacuum the area frequently to remove any small hazards, and keep the area clean and tidy so your puppy can safely enjoy his new environment.

2) Get the necessary puppy supplies

Next, be sure to stock up on the most important puppy care supplies. These include:

ID tags
Collar & leash
Food & bowls
Sleeping crate
Toys
GPS tracker and activity monitor for dogs

Try to provide toys and other entertainment that your puppy is familiar with, both to help to keep him occupied and to help him feel more at home. A range of things to play with will make him feel cared-for, comfortable and happy about the new environment.

3) Plan your puppy’s diet & exercise

Another essential puppy care tip is to consider the best food choice. We recommend a nutrient-dense dog food which is suitable for growing puppies. Ensure that your pup will get all the nutrients he needs and enjoys eating the food, too. You can choose from a wide range of choices, including premium, natural, and raw dog foods.

Your new puppy will have a lot of energy, and you can help him to use it in a productive way.

However do keep in mind, that puppies need much less exercise than adult dogs.

Let your puppy play, walk, run, and explore outdoors in a confined and safe area at least one time per day. You can use the puppy’s age (in months) times 5 minutes per month to determine how much play time he should have per day. For example, if your puppy is 6 months, the recommended play time is 30 minutes a day.

4) Set up proper sleeping arrangements

When deciding where your puppy will sleep, we recommend to do the following:

Ensure you have a designated space for the puppy to sleep, including a dog bed or crate
Place the bed in an area where other people are nearby, so your puppy won’t be lonely
Do not let the new puppy sleep in your bed with you, as this can create an unwanted sleeping arrangement in the long term

Most importantly, try to be consistent in enforcing the sleeping policy, so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep, including your growing puppy.

5) Potty-train your puppy

Puppies need to urinate frequently, so you will need to anticipate their needs and give them an opportunity to relieve themselves at least every two hours.

Similarly, you can usually tell when a puppy ‘wants to go’ because he or she will look around anxiously, walk in circles and start sniffing in suitable corners looking for a place.

And that’s your cue to take your pet outside. If you don’t want your pup pooping all over the yard as an adult, pick one area and take him directly there when it’s potty time.

Toileting

Newborn puppies even need assistance weeing and pooing – normally, the mum will lick their back end to stimulate urination and defaecation. In her absence, you will have to simulate this by gently rubbing the area using damp cotton wool. Continue until they urinate and defaecate, then clean them up. Not doing this can lead to bloat, constipation and sickness. Take this chance to observe their stools – once the meconium has passed, it should be normal colour and consistency. Too soft, too hard or a strange colour could be a sign of disease. Continue this for the first 3-4 weeks of life until the puppies are capable of going by themselves.

How to Potty Train a Puppy in 12 Steps

The secret of how to potty train a puppy is consistency, patience, positive reinforcement and a manageable schedule. Most puppies learn a training schedule within 4 to 6 months, and if they are under 24 weeks old, will need to potty a minimum of 3 to 5 times per day.In the beginning of potty training, be prepared for many trips outdoors throughout the day. The best method to teach a puppy to go outside is consistency, and all dogs learn what’s expected fairly quickly once a routine is in place.

12-STEP POTTY TRAINING GUIDE

Learn to patiently train a puppy to potty in a certain area with this easy guide.

Take the puppy outdoors early in the morningas possible.
Place your puppy in an area that he will markas his potty-training spot.
Allow the pup to smell the groundand explore until a favorable spot is found.
After his potty, lavish your young dog with lots of praise for good behavior.
Return indoors to give your pup breakfast.
20 minutes after eating/drinking/playing, take the pup outside again.
Place your puppy in the same spot he marked earlier.Allow him to explore again.
To help him understand it’s time to potty, walk him around the area slowly and encourage him to follow you or teach him to potty with a commandthat you’ll continue to use, such as “go potty”.
Repeat the command and point down to the areafor him to go to. This may take a few tries.
Once the pup potties, give him lots of praise, you may even reward himwith a tiny treat.
2-hours later, repeat steps 7 to 10.
Dog training tip: be consistent, never miss a break, always be supportiveto your puppy and you’ll get the results you want in no time!

WHICH POTTY TRAINING SCHEDULE IS BEST FOR YOUR PUPPY’S AGE?

	2-HR POTTY TRAINING SCHEDULE	3-HR POTTY TRAINING SCHEDULE
*24-hr*	*For puppies up to 6 months old*	*For puppies up 6-12 months old*
6:00	short walk/potty	short walk/potty
6:30	feed*/water/potty	feed*/water/potty
9:00	potty
10:00		potty
11:00	feed*/water/potty
13:00	short walk/potty	feed*/water/potty
15:00	potty
16:00	feed*/water/potty	short walk/potty
18:00	short walk/potty
19:00		feed*/water/potty
20:00	potty
20:30	feed*/water/potty
22:00	potty	potty

*roughly 20 mins after each meal/water

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO POTTY TRAIN A PUPPY?

Some puppies pick up potty training in six months but it can take longer. Puppies, like most young, learn at their own pace and it is important to be patient, kind, and supportive during potty training.

A puppy’s bladder control depends on his size, breed and age. Smaller breeds need to have increased breaks as their bodies process food and liquids much faster than larger breeds.

From the first day of your pup’s potty training schedule, ensure that you are consistent so that he learns that he goes out after a nap, playtime, food or any activity. Most puppies need potty breaks every couple of hours, regardless of their breed.

10 POTTY TRAINING TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED

Create a designated space for your puppy using a baby gate to limit his run of the house.
Recognize your puppy’s pre-bathroom behavior; look out for potty trip indicators such as sniffing or circling.
Puppies need breaks between 3 to 5 times a day or more.
Take a puppy outside 20 minutes after any activity, meal and drink.
Dogs under 6 months old should be on 2-hour potty rotations throughout the day.
Pups learn what’s expected through consistency, take him to the same spot every time.
Once a pup has pottied, give him of lots of praise to reward him for good behavior.
Never punish a puppy for mistakes indoors, never yell or get physical with him.
If a pup has a mishap, firmly say “no,” gently pick him up or show him where to potty.
To ensure pups don’t return to the same spot inside, eliminate odors, clean thoroughly.

ADOPTING A POTTY-TRAINED PUPPY

Potty training should be a positive experience for a newly adopted puppy and can help him to feel settled into his new home. Here are some beneficial pointers to support you and your new puppy along the way.

A baby gate to contain the pup in one area ensures he is always supervised and helps set him up for housetraining success.
Crate training tips that let a pup feel confident and cared for, and secure.
Good quality pet odor and stain remover.
Dog essentials – poop bags (even at home), poop pick-ups as it can spread diseases such as Lyme in certain regions and worms.
A puppy-proof potty space.

Consistency and patience are key, and combined with these tips you and your new puppy will be on the right track! Remember, occasional accidents can happen with any dog or puppy, but following these guidelines can go a long way to help set you both up for house training success!

Training

Step 1: Set up a crate.

A crate provides a safe and comfortable place for your puppy to call his own. It’s important to remember that a crate isn’t a punishment, but rather a safe, calming place for your puppy.

Start with short amounts of time in the crate and gradually lengthen the time. Also, keep the door open throughout the day so your puppy can go there to relax or nap.

Step 2: Start with basic commands.

Simple commands like come, sit, down and stay can go a long way. Start with one at a time, show your puppy what to do and give him lots of praise through treats, petting and words to reinforce his behavior.

Step 3: Develop good leash habits.

Start with the leash early so your puppy becomes used to it as she gets older, and therefore faster and harder to catch. Some puppy owners find it helpful to practice with the leash in the house. Praise your puppy for walking next to you on the leash instead of pulling.

Step 4: Socialize your puppy.

Many recommend a puppy class with a qualified trainer as early as 7-8 weeks. Every family may not have the time or money for a class, though. So, be sure to expose your puppy to a variety of people, pets, and situations. Puppies have a lot to learn, and, if they haven’t been exposed to children playing in the neighborhood or other animals, for example, they are more likely to respond with aggression as they get older. Of course, use a leash when socializing to keep your puppy and others safe.

Tips

Make sure the whole family is on board with the “rules” you set for your puppy.
Don’t bend the rules just because your puppy is young. For example, sneaking a few tables scraps early on will just create a problem that is difficult to train your dog out of.

6) Train for good behavior

Take care to start training your new puppy right away. At their young age, they need to learn the rules and will be able to grasp them quickly with good and consistent effort. Don’t let your new family member get away with anything just because he is a tiny, cute, little puppy.

By teaching your puppy good manners, you’ll set your puppy up for a life of positive social interaction.

In addition, obedience training will help forge a stronger bond between you and your puppy. Teaching your pup to obey commands such as sit, stay, down, and come will, additionally, help keep your pup safe and under control in any potentially dangerous situations.

Stock up on essential puppy supplies

Start by stocking up on the most critical puppy care supplies. Some of the most important things you need for a puppy are:

Crate, kennel, or playpen
Dog bed or bedding
Food and water bowl
Chew toy
Collar
Poop bags

Prepare your home for the puppy

Just like young children, puppies are naturally curious. They’ll be eager to explore their new home and everything in it, which can easily get them into dangerous situations. You’ll need to puppy-proof your home to protect them from safety hazards. Create a safe environment for your new family member by ensuring they’re out of harm’s way of items such as:

Chemicals and toxins
Electrical cords and cables
Rugs
Plants
Breakable objects
Trash
Valuables

In addition, make sure to vacuum or sweep the floors frequently to remove any small hazards your puppy could swallow and choke on.

Welcome your puppy with love

The bond you have with your puppy begins the moment they arrive in your home. You can strengthen this bond through affection, playtime, grooming, training, and participation in different activities like dog sports or dog shows.

Here are some things you can do to make your puppy feel welcome and safe in its new home:

Research the breed ahead of time to understand their unique needs
Give your puppy a name and use it often
Let them sleep on your chest to feel the warmth of your heart and hear its beat.

Give your puppy a safe space

Homes can be hectic. There are people coming and going, children playing, dishwashers running, music playing… You might think your puppy is unaffected by all the chaos, but they need a quiet place to retreat from all the sensory stimuli. Give them a safe haven — like a kennel, crate, or bed — where they can go when they need to be alone and rest.

It might feel like “punishment” at first, but soon they’ll learn to love their safe spot. This helps teach your puppy how to be independent and prevent attachment. It might be hard, but avoid suffocating your pup with too much attention and give them space to become a confident canine without you constantly by their side.

Get pet insurance and go to the vet

Within a few days of taking your new puppy home, you will need to find a primary care veterinarian and bring your puppy in for an exam. The vet will check your puppy’s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, assess their skin and coat, listen to their lungs and heart, and record their vital signs. They’ll also go over a puppy vaccination schedule, deworming schedule, recommended diet, and other essential tips to take care of your puppy.

Take some time to prepare your puppy for its first vet visit to ensure that it is a positive experience for both of you:

Go on a few car rides before the appointment, so they don’t associate cars with a fear of the vet’s office.
Bring your puppy into the waiting room to give them a chance to get used to the new environment.
Try to stay as calm as possible during the appointment because your worries can cause your puppy stress.

Before your first appointment, you’ll want to sign up for puppy insurance to lower future vet bills. Puppies have a long list of vet visits before them, and a pet insurance policy can get you reimbursed for up to 100% of the cost for covered treatments (after you meet your deductible). By signing up early, you can maximize the use of your policy and ensure no pre-existing condition gets excluded from your insurance coverage.

Vaccinate, microchip, and spay or neuter

Over your puppy’s first six months, it’s your responsibility to visit the vet often. In addition to the initial health exam that confirms there are no congenital puppy conditions you need to worry about, your four-legged friend will follow a puppy vaccine schedule to protect their vulnerable immune system against communicable disease.

What Shots Do Puppies Need?

Typically, puppies should be neutered or spayed at around six months of age.Delaying this procedure can lead to increased incidences of testicular cancer in male dogs and mammary tumors in females. There’s also an increased risk of unintended pregnancy and escaping to find a mate that might result in physical harm.

You can also talk to your vet about microchipping. A microchip is a permanent identification form that can reunite you with your beloved pet if it becomes stolen or lost.

Provide a healthy diet and exercise

Another essential puppy care tip is to provide a healthy diet. You should opt for nutrient-dense pet food specifically formulated for growing puppies. Always follow your veterinarian’s advice on how to pick the best dog food for your puppy’s nutritional needs, but AAFCO brands that have undergone nutrient analysis and/or clinical trials are a great place to start. Don’t forget to provide access to clean, fresh water at all times, and be sure to avoid giving your puppy human foods unsafe for dogs.

Your puppy will also need enough exercise to help them constructively use their surplus energy. Once your veterinarian confirms your puppy is fully vaccinated, take him or her on regular walks and make yourself available for lots of playtime. Prepare yourself for a commitment that is definitely fun but will also involve some ankle-biting, sharp teeth, and “zoomies.”

Start puppy socialization ASAP

It’s a good idea to introduce your puppy to a variety of sounds, experiences, and people during the early weeks and months. A well-socialized puppy will grow up to be a well-mannered adult dog and be able to cope with different situations they are likely to encounter later in life.

While socialization occurs throughout the first year of life, the first three months are the most crucial time for puppies to learn about their environment.

Work on obedience, leash and potty training

Learn how to train a puppy and start right away. Obedience training helps build confidence in a puppy and is essential in their development towards becoming a well-behaved adult. You can teach your puppy obedience and impulse control with commands such as Sit, Wait, and Leave It.

Leash training is not only important for your puppy’s safety but it also sets the stage for teaching basic commands, like come, sit, and stay.

Finally, potty training is the best way to correct inappropriate behaviors before they become bad habits. Puppies need to urinate frequently, so you should give them an opportunity to relieve themselves at a designated “potty spot” immediately after drinking or eating. However, accidents will happen, so be prepared, patient, and consistent.

Training your dog requires a ton of patience, but your well-behaved dog will be worth all the effort.

Stay on top of routine pet care

Routine or preventive pet care is crucial for puppies. During the first few months, puppies are more susceptible to sudden bouts of illnesses that can be serious if not caught and treated on time. If you observe signs like poor weight gain, vomiting, lack of appetite, difficulty breathing, constipation, or coughing, be sure to contact your vet. This dog care tip is essential throughout your pet’s entire life.

In addition, visit the vet regularly for annual pet wellness exams, and keep in mind that your puppy will need booster vaccines for dogs.

House training

Like a newborn baby, a puppy will give you countless hours of joy while zapping all your free time and some hours of sleep in the first few weeks home. House training takes a lot of commitment, but once a good routine is established, you can resume normal living.

House training a puppy begins with a good routine, patience, and positive reinforcement. Plan to take your puppy outside to the same spot around the same time each day, being mindful to plan for times right when you wake up, before bed, immediately after eating, a nap, or physical exercise. The general rule of thumb is to take a puppy outside as many hours as their age plus one hour, so a 2-month-old puppy needs to go out every three hours.

Purchasing a puppy who was raised with its mom and dad versus a raised in a crate in a store will be easier to train. Puppies in stores use the restroom in their crate, while puppies raised with their parents are trained from birth to follow their parents outside to relieve themselves.

Puppy proofing

Puppies love to explore new places, so do your new furry friend and yourself a favor and spend the time on some preventative puppy proofing to keep all your favorite things intact.

Keep electrical cords covered.
Tie up window cords and curtains.
Put toxic cleaning supplies/chemicals in higher cabinets.
Invest in a tall, heavy duty trash can with a lid that is difficult to knock over.
Purchase a crate for crate training or a baby gate to keep the puppy in a small place, such as the kitchen, with easily washable floors.
Don’t give your puppy old shoes and stuffed animals. Invest in appropriate toys that belong solely to them so your puppy knows the difference between his rubber ball versus your daughter’s favorite stuffed animal and your brand new sandals.
Don’t let them get away with things because they’re small. If you don’t want to a 60-pound snoring dog in your bed, then don’t allow it to sleep there as a puppy. Establish your routines early, because breaking bad habits is infinitely harder.

Develop a proper feeding schedule

While we can often be swayed to buy the less expensive item on the shelf, feeding your puppy high quality food is a key competent to keeping your fur baby healthy. If you are unsure of which brand to pick, speak to your veterinarian to see what they recommend. Choose a brand and stick with it, as oftentimes switching brands can upset your little one’s tummy. While you want to control the amount of food they receive, be sure to always keep a bowl full of water available. Be mindful that puppies need more food than an adult dog to keep up with their rapid growth spurts.

Feed your puppy multiple times a day according to its age:

8-12 weeks: 4 meals per day
3-6 months: 3 meals per day
6-12 months: 2 meals per day

Small or toy breed dogs may require more frequent feedings, about every two to three hours to avoid a drop in their blood sugar.

What not to feed a puppy

Have you ever heard the phrase “puppy dog eyes” — those sweet little eyes that beg you to give into their every desire? While they are hard to resist, owners should avoid feeding scraps from the table to encourage proper eating habits and for the dog’s own safety. When it comes to table scraps, the following food items are an absolute no for dogs, as they present a risk to your dog’s health:

Chocolate
Grapes and raisins
Chicken bones
Raw fish and raw meat
Sugar
High-fat foods, such as macadamia nuts and avocados
Dairy
High-fat meats, such as bacon
Onions and garlic
Caffeine and alcohol

What products does my puppy need

The aisles of your nearest pet store are filled to the brim with products you may or may not need. As a vet once told me: Just because a dog food company made it doesn’t mean it’s good for your dog. Sadly, some companies put the idea of making money before the wellness of their consumers. Do your research, talk to your veterinarian, and invest in these helpful products:

Metal food and water bowls
A sturdy leash and nylon collar
Identification tags for the collar
A crate pillow or snuggle nest
Small puppy treats
Good quality dog food designed for puppies (know your dog’s weight before shopping)
A bristle comb
Non-toxic dog shampoo

FAQs on Puppy Care

How to take care of a puppy at night

When it comes to taking care of your puppy during the night, there are several rules we’d recommend sticking to:

Stick to a regular bedtime routine.
Decide where your puppy will sleep and stick to it.
Keep bedtime as calm as possible and give your puppy praise when they settle where you want them to.
Sleep in the same room for the first few nights until the puppy adjusts to being without their mother.
If possible, place something that smells of the puppy’s mother where they sleep to help to comfort them.
Be prepared for toilet breaks during the night.
If your puppy cries or barks during the night, it’s okay to comfort them until they get more confident sleeping alone.

How long can a puppy be left alone during the day?

Once your puppy is comfortable at your house, you can leave them in their crate for an hour or more at a time. Remember, puppies need to urinate frequently.

In general, puppies up to ten weeks of age can’t hold their bladder for more than one hour. Puppies between ten and 12 weeks old can generally hold their bladder for about two hours, whereas three months old puppies can usually hold it for an hour for each month they have been alive. Dogs older than six months can usually hold their bladder for up to six hours but even grown canines should not be left alone for longer than six to eight hours without a bathroom break.

How to take care of a puppy while working

Having a puppy while working full time can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help you make it work:

If your workplace allows it, bring your puppy along with you.
Speak to your superior about work-from-home opportunities, at least until your puppy gets used to the new home.
If you expect your puppy to rest quietly while you’re at work, consider giving them an exercise session before you head off to work.
See if you can arrange to come home during your lunch hour to check in with your puppy. Also, try to tire them out with socialization, exercise, and play prior to leaving for long periods of time.

7) Take your puppy to the vet

Take your new puppy to the vet for a checkup as soon as possible. If there’s something wrong, the vet can catch it early and get it before it becomes a big problem. It also gives you a chance to talk with the vet about what it takes to raise a puppy; such as feeding, vaccinations, the financial aspect of owning a pet, and everything else you may need to know as a dog owner. Don’t be afraid to ask your vet every question that comes to your mind. When it comes to the life of your pet, you can’t ask too many questions.

8) Provide supervision

Now that you’re getting used to life with your new puppy, be sure to supervise him at all times. This will help you to:

monitor his health
train him consistently
keep him out of harm’s way and
prevent him from getting into (or peeing on) your nice things

Constant supervision can also allow you to get to know your furry little friend better, so you will start to learn his personality, charms, and quirks. Take turns letting everyone in your household supervise the puppy and he’ll feel well-cared for.

9) Ensure plenty of socialization

A new puppy needs lots of love and cuddling, rest and sleep, lots of good, nourishing food and then… more love! Moving to a new home, leaving his mom and litter-mates is a very difficult experience for a puppy. Therefore, try to make the move as easy as possible for him. Give him time with you and your family, and give him the feeling of being safe and secure in his new home.

During the early weeks and months, it is also a good idea to introduce your puppy to a variety of sights, sounds, people and experiences. Let him meet adults and children, the postman and other visitors, and let him approach them in his own time. A well-socialized puppy will be able to cope with all of the situations he’s likely to encounter in later life, rather than growing up shy or fearful.

While you may do your best to keep your eyes on your puppy at all times, you never know when they might just get spooked, or excited about a squirrel, and run away. These situations can be a new dog owner’s worst nightmare; not knowing if or when your beloved furry friend will return to you.

How to name your dog

If you have recently brought a new dog or puppy into your life, or are expecting one soon, then you are probably going to need to find a name for them. This can often be a very hard yet fun job to find a name that sums up your new family member. Our Petlog data has presented us with 2022’s most popular names to help inspire you.

Top tips on how to name your dog

Finding your newest family member can be a very long process and identifying their name can be an even longer journey. Our top tips are here to help you discover your dog’s name.

The most popular names end in a vowel

Names ending in a vowel can often be easier for your dog to understand because they force you to change the tone of your voice. Our dogs rely on sounds to understand us and these sorts of names help them to pick out their names from other words that we say in our everyday conversations.

Avoid names that sound like commands

Teaching your dog commands is a fun part of having a pet. However, try to avoid choosing a name for your dog that sounds like a command, as this can cause confusion. For example, Bo and ‘no’ sound similar, which can lead to your dog not understanding the command.

Prevent yourself from picking a complicated-sounding name

Many people want to name their dog a unique name that’s different to all the rest. However, make sure you consider how long the name is and if it will be simple for your dog to understand. For example, names such as ‘Queen Tammy Tickle Toes’ are too lengthy and often too much of a mouthful for you as an owner to say. If you do want this to be your dog’s name, remember you might need to call it out loud in the park, so may want to shorten it, or use a nickname.

Try swapping between different names

If you are finding it hard to pick between a few names, try out each name on different days and see which one is the most fitting for your dog. You will find which name is easiest for you and suits your dog the most.

Find inspiration in your interests

Naming your dog after someone or something you like is always a great way to find a name, or at least may give you inspiration to brainstorm some new name ideas. Picking out a character that you are fond of from either a TV series you enjoy, or your favourite book, is always a great way to find fun and unique names that you will love.

Avoid giving an adult dog a new name

If you are getting/adopting a dog that already has a name it can be quite confusing for them to suddenly change. But if you still want to change their name, go with something that sounds similar so that the transition is a lot easier. For example, changing their name from Arianna to Brianna.

Double syllable names

Another top tip to make naming your dog easier is to choose a name with a double syllable as, like a name that ends in a vowel, it is easier for your dog to understand. Also, names with a double syllable are usually a lot easier to say.

Pick a name different from your other pets or family members to avoid confusion

To avoid any confusion for your dog and other family members, it may be easier to select a name that isn’t similar to your other pet’s or family member’s names. For example, Jack and Jill may be fine, but Rob and Bob may be difficult for them to tell a part.

Practice calling out their name

This is a really important tip, as it will ensure that you feel comfortable with your choice of name, especially when practicing your dog’s recall. If you don’t feel comfortable enough calling out their name in your garden, or over your local park, then it probably isn’t the right fit for you.

Try to avoid controversial names, or names with negative connotations attached to them, as this would be inappropriate to call out and could result in confrontation from fellow dog walkers.

Consider your dog’s personality

Finally, get to know your dog’s personality before making a firm decision on their name, as it just might not be the right fit for them.

Use their personality for inspiration, for example,. If they are curious, you could go with George (the monkey cartoon). These names will be able to tell a story about your pet.

2022’s most popular dog names