Welcoming a new puppy into your family is a heartwarming milestone—one filled with excitement, anticipation, and a dash of nerves. For first-time dog owners, the experience might feel overwhelming, especially when faced with a seemingly endless list of items and tasks. This all-in-one guide aims to set your mind at ease by walking you through the essentials of bringing home a puppy, preparing your house for their arrival, and planning the ideal routine for your puppy’s first week at home. By the end, you’ll feel confident, prepared, and ready to embark on a wonderful journey with your new furry companion.
Why Preparation Is Key
“A good start sets the tone for a lifetime of companionship.” That saying couldn’t ring truer when it comes to puppies. Taking the time to plan and gather all necessary puppy essentials before your new friend walks through the door ensures a smoother transition for both you and your pup. Proper preparation also reduces stress, making it easier for you to focus on bonding instead of scrambling to find last-minute items.
At Lords & Labradors, we understand how important the early days are. Our team of pet experts—who collectively boast years of puppy and dog-owning experience—are dedicated to helping new puppy parents feel confident every step of the way.
Travel Essentials for Your Puppy’s Journey Home
One of the most overlooked aspects of bringing home a puppy is the journey itself. Even if it’s a short car ride, having the right gear can make all the difference.
- Travel Carrier or Crate: A well-ventilated crate or secure travel carrier is invaluable. It not only keeps your puppy safe but can also make them feel more secure. Be sure to choose one sized appropriately for your pup: enough space to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they slide around during transport. We like the Streetwize slanted car crates for travelling with our dogs in the car. If you prefer to travel with your dog in a cosy bed or car seat then either our Easy Traveller or Booster Seat make a great choice.
- Soft Blanket or Bedding: Including a soft blanket with the scent of the puppy’s mother or littermates can be comforting, helping ease any anxiety they might feel leaving familiar surroundings. Our scent blankets are perfect for this, they are a great size to act as a comforter. It’s also a good idea to bring along an extra blanket or some puppy pads in case of accidents.
- Water and Travel Bowl: Puppies may get thirsty, especially on longer trips. A collapsible travel bowl and a bottle of fresh water ensure you can offer them a drink.
- Puppy Pads or Towels: Accidents happen! Keeping a few puppy pads or towels on hand protects your car seats and makes for easy cleanup.
Preparing Your House for a Puppy
Once you’ve planned the journey, your next step is creating a safe, welcoming environment at home. Effective puppy-proofing and organisation will give your new pet the best possible start.
1. Puppy-Proofing:
- Store hazards out of reach: Keep cleaning supplies, medications, and breakables locked away.
- Secure wires and cords: Curious pups love to chew, and electrical cords can be dangerous. Consider cord covers or cable ties to bundle them securely.
- Block off unsafe areas: Use dog gates or puppy pens to limit your puppy’s exploration until you’re confident they can navigate your home safely.
2. Designate a Puppy Zone:
- Comfortable Crate Area: Crate training your puppy can help them feel secure and promote healthy sleeping habits. Place the crate in a quiet, draft-free corner where your pup can rest without disruption. Read our ultimate crate guide for all of our puppy crate training tips and tricks.
- Play and Feed Station: It’s a good idea to choose a convenient spot for feeding, such as a kitchen corner with easy-to-clean flooring. Keep their water and food bowls close, but not near their sleeping area to maintain hygiene.
3. Stock Up on Puppy Essentials:
At Lords & Labradors, we offer an extensive collection of puppy must-haves, including:
- Crates: Our deluxe heavy duty dog crates come in multiple sizes to suit your pup’s breed and future growth
- Bedding: Our Cosy & Calming puppy crate beds are perfect for bringing home your new puppy. They fill exactly half of their crate and offer warmth and security.
- Toys: From chew toys to puzzle toys that keep your puppy entertained and mentally stimulated, and out of mischief in them first few months.
We also offer puppy walking accessories, food, grooming and much more so be sure to check out our range of puppy essentials.
The First Day at Home
The day you bring your new puppy home can feel magical. However, it’s also a day of big adjustments for your pup. They might be leaving their mother and littermates for the first time, encountering unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells.
- Introduce Them Slowly: Let your puppy explore at their own pace. Avoid overwhelming them with too many new faces or loud noises.
- Establish Boundaries Early: If there are areas of the house that are off-limits, gently redirect them. Consistency is key in helping them learn house rules.
- Observe Their Behaviour: Your puppy may be shy, tired, or anxious. Offer gentle reassurance, cuddles, and praise to help them feel secure.
Creating a Puppy Routine for the First Week
A solid puppy routine is crucial for setting expectations, building trust, and establishing healthy habits. During your puppy’s first week at home, focus on these key areas:
- Sleeping Schedule: Young puppies need plenty of rest—typically 18-20 hours a day. Encourage naps in the crate or designated sleeping area. Consistent nap times can help your puppy feel more secure and reduce overtiredness (which often leads to nipping and fussiness).
- Feeding Schedule: Most puppies thrive on three to four meals per day, depending on their age and breed. Stick to one brand of high-quality puppy food initially to avoid digestive upset, then gradually transition if needed. Serve meals at the same times each day to regulate their routine. It’s worth checking with your puppy's breeder on their current feeding routine and brand of puppy food so you can maintain this at home to allow for a smoother transition.
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Toilet Training:
- Designate a spot: Bring your puppy to the same area each time so they associate it with potty time.
- Be patient: Accidents will happen, especially in the first week. Celebrate successes with calm praise, and never punish a puppy for mistakes.
- Frequent outings: Offer bathroom breaks after naps, play sessions, and meals.
Make sure to check out our puppy potty training blog if you want more information on toilet training your puppy - Exercise and Play: Short play sessions and gentle walks (if they have all necessary vaccinations) help burn off energy, strengthen muscles, and stimulate your pup mentally. Just remember, puppies tire quickly, so keep playtimes brief and positive.
Early Training Tips & Crate Training Your Puppy
1. Start Small:
It’s never too early to begin basic puppy training. Simple commands like “sit” and “come” can be introduced using positive reinforcement methods. Reward good behaviour with treats or praise to help them grasp commands in a fun, stress-free manner. Our clicker training blog includes our Pet Experts tips and tricks on how to successfully train your puppy using a clicker and positive reinforcement.
2. Crate Training:
A crate can become your puppy’s safe haven if introduced properly. When used correctly, crate training your puppy helps with:
- Toilet Training: Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleep area, which encourages them to hold it until they can go outside
- Separation Anxiety: A familiar crate can soothe your pup if left alone for short periods.
- Travelling: If they’re accustomed to a crate, it makes car trips and overnight stays much easier.
Tips for Success:
- Use cosy bedding or a crate mat from our puppy beds collection.
- Keep initial crate sessions short—let them explore without closing the door at first.
- Offer treats or toys inside the crate so they associate it with positive experiences.
Overcoming Common Challenges
It’s normal to face a few bumps during the first week of having a puppy at home. Some of the most common challenges include:
- Nighttime Whining: Your puppy might cry at night due to loneliness or anxiety. A warm blanket and a comforting toy can help. We love the Heart Beat Sheep for reassuring nervous pups, it mimics their mums heartbeat to help keep them calm.
- Nibbling and Chewing: Redirect your puppy to chew toys whenever they put their teeth on furniture or fingers. This teaches them appropriate chew behaviour and spares your belongings. Having plenty of chew toys on hand, like the KONG puppy range, can really help in these early days.
- Short Attention Span: Keep training sessions brief, and always end on a positive note. Over time, your puppy’s focus and ability to learn will improve.
Building a Lifelong Bond
Your puppy’s first week sets the stage for the rest of their life. Through consistent routines, plenty of affection, and the right guidance, you’re already well on your way to forming an unbreakable bond. Embrace each milestone—from the first successful potty trip outside to the moment they master “sit”—and remember that patience and kindness go a long way in shaping a confident, well-mannered companion.
Your Next Steps: Stock up on Puppy Essentials at Lords & Labradors & Speak with Our Pet Experts
Bringing home a puppy may feel like a whirlwind, but you’re not alone. At Lords & Labradors, we take pride in offering carefully curated puppy essentials, from crates and travel carriers to cosy bedding and chew toys. Our team of pet experts, backed by years of hands-on experience, are on hand to guide you as you prepare your house for a puppy, establish a training routine, and troubleshoot any first-week hiccups.
Have Questions? We invite you to reach out to our friendly, knowledgeable Pet Experts for personalised advice. We’re here to help you navigate each step, ensuring your puppy’s homecoming is a memorable, positive experience for everyone involved.
By following these tips and stocking up on the right essentials, you’ll create a safe, nurturing environment that helps your puppy adapt quickly to their new surroundings. With patience, consistency, and plenty of love, you’ll not only survive your puppy’s first week at home—you’ll thrive together, forging a bond that lasts a lifetime.
So, take a deep breath, gather your must-haves, and get ready to welcome your newest family member. Here’s to a successful first week and many happy days ahead!
