Bringing home a new puppy: pet care tips

Key steps:

Follow these steps for potty training your puppy:

1. Introduce them to the outside area as soon as possible.

2. Stand with them as they explore.

3. If they use the space, reward them with a treat.

4. Every time they go outside to go to the toilet, repeat the reward - simple!

They’re cute, fluffy, and always ready to play - what isn’t there to love about puppies? If you’ve decided it’s finally time to see what all the fuss is about and bring home your own little cuddle-machine, you’re probably very excited! But there is a fair bit of hard work that goes into looking after a new puppy. That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide that outlines everything you need to know, from pet care to puppy-proofing your home.

When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you don’t have guests around for a few days so you can create a quiet, safe space for the new member of your family. Remember that, even when trying your best to train your puppy, they can still have accidents. Make sure you have a powerful, bleach-based cleaner like Domestos Thick Bleach close by to kill any germs.

What to get for a new dog

Before you bring your puppy home, you’re going to need to stock up on supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A suitable dog bed, blankets and a crate for travelling or trips to the vet

• Puppy food

• Non-tip food and water bowls

• Treats

• A collar and lead

• Safe chew toys

• A powerful stain and odour-removing cleaner, like Domestos Thick Bleach

• A local vet

• Pet insurance

Bringing home a new puppy

When you get a puppy, the first day home is a very important one! It’s likely that your new puppy is going to be a little nervous and will need time to settle in. To help them feel comfortable, it’s a good idea to bring something with them, such as a blanket, that they’re familiar with and has their smell on.

Make sure your home is quiet and peaceful for their first couple of days and introduce them to their bed whilst very few people are around. Let them explore and get comfortable, adjusting to their new environment without too much noise or fuss. Also, remember to put plenty of newspaper or puppy pads around their sleeping area in case of accidents! Potty training your puppy will come a bit later.

How to house train your dog

Once your new family member has settled in, it’s time to learn how to look after a dog and how to house train your dog. If you’ve got any friends or family who already have puppies, don’t be afraid to ask them for help!

When it comes to house training a dog, your main goal is to reward good behaviour. For example, if they go outside to go to the toilet, give them a treat. They’ll start to associate this good behaviour with rewards, so they’ll do it more!

Caring for a new puppy is pretty simple. Make sure you give them a puppy food that will help them to grow big and strong, keep them clean with doggy shampoo, and make sure they get regular exercise. Find a great vet who will take care of them and be careful when introducing a new puppy to a dog you already have!

Puppy-proofing your home

Make sure to puppy proof your home to keep your little buddy safe. Don’t leave trash or small objects lying around that they could eat, watch out for plants that could be poisonous to them, and clear tripping or shocking hazards, such as trailing wires, from your floor.

Once your puppy’s home, they’ll settle in in no-time if you follow this advice! Just remember to keep your home quiet for the first couple of days, just in case your puppy gets stressed by lots of noise. Once they’ve made your house their den, things can get back to normal - and you’ve now got a friend for life!