Congratulations on getting a puppy! Now what? Those first few days before bringing your new puppy home can be exciting and overwhelming. The expert-driven tips in Good Dog's Puppy Training Program will set you up for success before your puppy arrives, during your pup's first weeks, and beyond. Starting with how to prepare your home for your pup ahead of time, the following guidelines take the guesswork out of what to do first so you can focus on what matters most — getting to know your newest family member.
Gather Gear And Supplies
Like every baby, you'll need lots of gear and supplies to make the early days with your pup go more smoothly. Your breeder or rescue may provide some items up front, but if not, you'll want to purchase things like puppy food, a crate, an exercise pen (ex-pen), treats, a collar, leashes, and even health supplies in advance. Here is the full list of the gear and supplies we recommend to get you started.
Name Your Pup
One of the most important (and fun!) parts of getting a new puppy is choosing a name for him or her. Read our suggestions on selecting a name for your new pup, which will help you and your pup communicate well right from the start.
Select A Veterinarian And Schedule An Appointment
It's best to pick your vet BEFORE your pup comes home. More than ever, it can be difficult to get appointments with good vets in a timely manner, so schedule your pup's first vet appointment as soon as you know when he or she is coming home. We recommend you take your pet to see a vet within 72 hours of their arrival. This enables you, your vet, and your breeder or shelter to know that your pup arrived healthy.
Choose A Groomer
While you are investigating veterinarians, start checking out groomers, too. Groomers are part of your pup's healthcare team! If you choose not to use one, you will need to learn to groom at home, even if you have a short-coated, low-maintenance pup. All dogs need nail trims and most do best with the occasional bath.
However, many dogs have coats that must be groomed regularly if the dog is to stay healthy. These breeds include all non-shedding dogs, like Doodles, Poodles, Bichons, Terriers, and Schnauzers. But even breeds like Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Great Pyrenees need to be groomed to remain free of mats and skin problems. Additionally, if you find the thought of trimming your pup's toenails daunting, then you'll need to set up regular nail clips with your local groomer.
Have A Family Meeting
In preparation for your pup's arrival, have a family meeting (or sit down with yourself, if you live alone) to decide on the responsibilities, cues, and rules for your new family member. Who will be responsible for what? Feeding, potty training and walks, vet visits, and administering heartworm and flea and tick medications should all be done on a schedule and will need regular oversight.
Your pup will acclimate much easier if everyone in the household follows the same rules and uses the same cues. It is very stressful for pups to receive inconsistent words and guidance, especially at the beginning when everything is new.
You can also utilize this helpful worksheet to guide your discussion.
Set Up The House
As pickup day gets closer, it's time to set up your house and yard, including puppy proofing, positioning the crate and exercise pen, and setting up baby gates. Even if you have children, you'll want to follow this step because child proof does not equal puppy proof.
During your preparation, do a few dry runs, too. Which door will be your primary exit for potty trips? Can you easily get your pup out of the crate and out the door in the middle of the night? Where do you need to position flashlights, umbrellas, shoes, etc.? Where can you best position the ex-pen so everyone can get around it, but the pup can still be part of the family? Where will you keep water and food bowls? Toys? Treats?
Don't forget to set up the car, too. New puppies tend to travel well near a person rather than alone, and the first car trip will be a good chance for your new pup to get to know you right away.
Schedule A Pickup And Prepare To Bring Your Pup Home
Schedule Pickup
Set a date and time for pickup with your breeder or shelter. Try to pick up your new pup on a day when you can focus primarily on them and making them feel comfortable. A morning or afternoon pickup is ideal so you have time to settle in before bedtime.
Prior To Pickup
- Find out what your puppy has been eating and if you’ll receive some of that food when you pick up your pup. If not, purchase at least a small bag of the same food for your pup’s first days
- Ask for details on when your pup was last dewormed (intestinal and/or heartworm), given flea and tick preventative, and microchipped so you can relay at your vet appointment(s)
- Depending on how you are traveling home with your pup, there are different safety tips for flying or driving with your new puppy, so make a plan ahead of time
Take These Items To Pickup
- A small towel and/or soft toy. We highly recommend a Snuggle Puppy as a comfort for pups
- Delicious treats
- A stuffed Kong or chews
- A container to bring home some water from the breeder/shelter. If you will be traveling longer than two hours, take a water dish, too
- Your questions. Most breeders and shelters will want to answer any lingering questions prior to or during pickup
During Pickup
Once you arrive, it might be hard to focus on anything but your new puppy, but pay close attention to any important parting information from your breeder or shelter staff. Additionally, if you haven't already done so, you can expect to finalize and sign your purchase contract or adoption paperwork, and provide any remaining payments due for the puppy, which may include final purchase payment, registration fees, or microchip fees. Don’t forget to take some pictures while you are there — of your pup and his mom, littermates, breeder, foster parents, or caregivers. It's a big milestone!
Now that you’re prepared to bring your puppy home, it’s time to move on to your puppy’s first day!
