Preparing for a New Puppy: Our Guide to a Smooth Transition

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time for any new dog owner. However, without proper preparation, the process can quickly become overwhelming. Puppies are energetic, and curious, and require consistent care and attention. To ensure a smooth transition for both you and your puppy, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out plan in place. Here’s our ultimate Dogit guide to preparing for your new puppy.

Preparing Your Home for a Puppy

The first step in welcoming a new puppy is creating a safe, comfortable, and designated space where they can thrive. Puppies are naturally curious and love to explore, which can sometimes lead to accidents or mischief. To keep them safe and secure, while keeping your household items safe, consider these essentials:

Set Up a Crate

A crate is one of the most valuable tools for new puppy owners. It provides a safe environment for your puppy when you cannot supervise them and helps establish a routine. Place a comfortable bed inside the crate to make it a cosy, inviting space where your puppy can relax and feel secure.

Define a Feeding Area

Choose a specific spot in your home for feeding and define a feeding schedule- choosing times when your puppy will eat. Whichever type of food you choose for your puppy, make sure to stick to the feeding guidelines on the packaging, because overfeeding is a common mistake that can lead to house accidents or health issues. Measure your puppy’s portion sizes carefully, ensuring that training treats are accounted for within their daily food allowance—treats should not make up for more than 10% of their total daily intake.

Learn more about a dog’s food drive and what role it plays in training and rewarding- HERE.

What Else to Prepare for Your New Puppy

Physical and Mental Stimulation

Puppies are bundles of energy and require plenty of exercise and enrichment to stay healthy and happy. Here’s how to meet their needs:

• Daily Exercise: Walks are important, but they’re only part of the equation. Incorporate playtime and activities that engage your puppy mentally.
• Training Sessions: Begin training early to establish good behaviours. Puppy training is a fantastic way to mentally stimulate your puppy while teaching essential commands. Our Puppy School program includes various lessons from basic commands like sit and down to practicing boundaries like crate training and bed command.

TIP: Keep a supply of puppy-friendly treats on hand for training and positive reinforcement. Treats are essential for teaching commands, introducing your puppy to new environments, and encouraging good behaviour during walks and socialisation. 

Chewing and Teething

Puppies explore their world and communicate through their mouths, and teething can additionally make them prone to chewing. Protect your belongings by investing in appropriate chew toys designed for puppies. Provide a variety of sizes and textures to alleviate the discomfort of teething and keep your puppy entertained.

Toilet Training a Puppy

This is a commonly asked question from dog owners. How to housebreak a puppy. We created a separate guide that you can find HERE.

Making the Transition Smooth

By planning ahead and being prepared, you can ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your new puppy. Here are some final tips to remember: 

• Consistency is Key: Stick to routines for feeding, training, and potty breaks. This helps your puppy settle into their new home more quickly.
• Patience and Dedication: Puppies take time to adjust and learn. Be patient as they grow into well-behaved and happy companions.

Remember, preparing for a new puppy and training them is a process, be patient and you will watch your puppy thrive with your guidance and support. For more detailed advice, including over 60 training lessons and expert tips, explore the Dogit app’s Education and Puppy School programs.