Bringing Home a New Puppy: Preparing and First Steps

Moving to a new home with a new family can cause stress for puppies, and it can certainly cause stress for you, too. When bringing home a new puppy, you can make the transition easier for both of you by doing a little advanced planning, including getting the right supplies, starting a routine, and finding the right vet and trainer.

Before bringing home a new puppy

Before your new puppy first sets a paw in your home, you’ll need to make some preparations. These steps will ensure that your puppy gets the best start possible in their new life.

Have a family meeting

A puppy is a big commitment. Make sure you’re all together on wanting this newest member of the family. From there, decide who the primary caretaker will be. Otherwise, you may spend lots of time arguing while your new puppy stares at their empty food bowl. Finally, hammer out the house rules ahead of time. Will the puppy be allowed on the bed? On the couch? Where will the puppy sleep? Are any rooms of the house permanently off-limits? Is everyone in the family on the same page for training the puppy? Include your family in the decisions so everyone is in agreement.

Prepare for training

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and life-changing experience. But without the right preparation, it can also feel overwhelming. That’s why we highly recommend enrolling in SpiritDog online puppy training course before your puppy arrives. By learning or brushing up on the basics of training, behavior, and communication in advance, you’ll be ready to set clear expectations from day one. This helps create a smooth transition for your puppy, making house training, socialization, and obedience much easier. The program we recommend is designed to give you the tools and knowledge to confidently guide your puppy in a positive, effective way. With the right foundation in place, you can focus on bonding with your new companion and enjoy the journey together.

Stock up on supplies

Buy some of the basics ahead of time, so you both and your puppy can settle in without too many mad dashes to the store. Think about things you’ll need to get started, such as a crate, food and water bowls, a collar and leash, and a new bed. It’s also important to have the right food for your dog’s life stage and needs, as well as some treats for training. If you’ll be potty training, having an enzymatic stain remover and some baby gates on hand can also help.

Prepare your home

This requires a little more work if you’re getting a puppy, since they can be champion chewers and have a knack for getting into things they shouldn’t. But no matter your dog’s age, you’ll want to do some organizing ahead of time. 

Create a temporary, gated-off living space for your dog or puppy where they can’t damage your belongings or eat something that will make them sick. They’ll stay in this area whenever you’re not with them to prevent them from having house training accidents.

Pick a room that’s a center of activity in your household, so your puppy won’t feel isolated, and be sure it’s one with easy-to-clean floors. The kitchen or a laundry room is often a good choice. Make sure you remove anything that you don’t want chewed on or soiled.

Plan the trip home

Find a helper to come along when you go to pick up your puppy. Young puppies who’ve never been on a car ride before may get anxious or have motion sickness. Even young puppies can get nervous — and a terror-filled car ride can turn into a long-lasting phobia of car travel. Having someone with you can make it easier to manage your puppy’s needs while still safely driving. You can also place them in a crate for longer car rides home.

Keep it pleasant but low-key at first

For a young puppy, being taken to a new home and then deluged with lots of loud, lively strangers can be overwhelming. For the first day or two, keep the mood mellow and calm. Hold off on inviting guests over until your pup settles in. Remember, your puppy is not fully vaccinated and can not be taken out on the ground in public places.

Introduce your dog to their crate

Crates are a great way to house train along with many other positive reasons to train them with it. Your puppy has already been started on crate training but will need to adjust to being away from it’s liter mates and adjust to it’s new environment. Your puppy can sleep though the night in it’s crate with one potty break in the middle of the night. Always make sure that the crate is a safe, positive place for your pup to rest. It should never be used as a punishment.

Set up a routine and start training

A routine helps with house training and is reassuring to your puppy. By starting a routine and focusing on training right away, you can help your puppy learn the house rules which will ease their transition. Figure out a schedule for walks, meals, bathroom breaks, sleeping and exercise — and try to stick to it.

Get your puppy’s ID in order

A dog license is a legal requirement in many cities, but local requirements vary. Check with your local animal control to find out how to get your puppy licensed. This is an important step, and your puppy’s tag can be used to get them back to you if they ever get loose. It’s also a good idea to keep your puppy’s microchip up to date with AKC Reunite for extra insurance. In the event your puppy loses their collar, a microchip can still provide a local shelter or veterinarian with the information needed to get them back home to you.

Research a good trainer or class

It’s a good idea to research the trainer and classes before you begin any in person training. Group obedience classes are great for bonding with your new puppy and for learning how to communicate with them. These classes are especially recommended for young puppies, since they give pups a chance to get comfortable being around other canines and people. Look for a trainer with good reviews and credentials, or one that is familiar with any behavior issues you want to work on. Puppy play dates or puppy play class at a facility like PetSmart are a wonderful way for your puppy to explore and socialize in a safe environment.

Find a good vet

A dog’s first vet visit should be a pleasant experience so that your dog learns to take trips to the vet in stride. Bring lots of treats and maybe a puppuccino afterwards. Ask around for referrals, and schedule your first appointment with someone you trust. While word of mouth is a great way to find a local vet, it’s a good idea to look up reviews and any credentials of who you’re considering. It is fairly common if you decide to change vets if you do not feel you are a good fit for the one you have chosen. It may take time to get into a vet that you are not established with so book your first vet appointment as soon as you have picked your puppy.

Condo/Townhome living

Bringing home a puppy to your apartment for the first time is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Ensuring a smooth transition for your new furry friend involves careful planning and preparation to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment. From stocking up on essential supplies to pet-proofing your living space, understanding the best practices for integrating a puppy into apartment living will help foster a strong bond and a happy, healthy life for your pet. Whether you’re renting an apartment in San Francisco or a townhome in New York, this links will share expert tips to help you and your new companion adjust to apartment life seamlessly. Please remember that patience and planning is going to be your greatest asset. Apartment Guide , Tips N’ Tricks, Potty Training Apartment.

Puppy Prep Video

Here is a great video on puppy prep and what you can expect on your first day home.