Practical Puppy Tips, with Insights from Our Editors

Make a supply list

To ensure a smooth homecoming for your puppy, there are many supplies you can have on hand. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends having:

• a collar that can hold your puppy’s license and ID tag
• a leash
• a carrier and training crate
• a dog bed with warm, clean blankets and towels
• puppy food and treats
• a food dish and a water bowl
• safe chew toys
• brushes and combs for grooming
• a dog toothbrush

If your puppy isn’t fully potty trained yet, it can also help to put a removable, washable cover on their bed for easy cleaning.

Home and crate setup

There are things you can do to make your home a safe, fun puppy space.

You can start getting your puppy familiar with your home and family members as soon as you get home. It can help to put them in a controlled space, like a dedicated room with enough space for them to move around freely, and slowly introduce them to their crate, toys, and other parts of their surroundings.

Puppies often like to try tasting and chewing on just about everything, so make sure there isn’t anything small enough for them to put in their mouths. Remember to use pet-safe cleaning products as well.

The following are some more tips from our puppy parent editors:

From Our Editors

“Make sure the crate is big enough for your puppy to sit, lie, stand, and turn around in, but not bigger. They might make a toilet corner if not!”

— Katy

“Associate crate time with positive things — treats, naps, rest — and don’t use it for punishment.”

— Sara

“We bought some puppy pen fencing to create a ‘puppy zone’ in our house. This was somewhere that was completely puppy-proofed, so 100% safe for her to roam around without intense supervision.”

— Megan

^{Quotes represent individual opinions. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.}

Potty training

Potty training takes patience and consistency. Ideally, you’re aiming to have your puppy hold it inside and go outdoors.

First, it can help to have a consistent schedule, as our editors note:

From Our Editors

“Set a schedule of how often to take your puppy outside according to their size and age. Don’t get angry with them if they have accidents inside, but make sure it’s a true potty party when they do it right!”

— Katy

“Take them out as soon as they wake from sleeping and after meals. When they start to go, say the word you want associated with it (‘go potty’) so that they can make the connection.”

— Sara

^{Quotes represent individual opinions. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.}

Puppies will typically also send signals when they need to go. If they start whining or scratching at their crate, try taking them outside so they don’t get into the habit of going inside.

Puppy pads are common, but the American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends caution. Dogs can easily become reliant on the pads, making it more difficult for them to transition to outdoor elimination.

If it’s absolutely necessary — for instance, if you’re often gone from home — puppy pads can help reinforce that your puppy should only go in specific spots. But as they mature, focus on getting them to do their business outside.

Socialization

Socialization — with people, other animals, and their surroundings — is an essential part of puppyhood and beyond, with weeks 3 to 12 being particularly important socialization times.

Some pet parents feel uneasy about socializing their puppies before they’re fully vaccinated, but safe socialization can still happen. Just be sure to avoid high risk environments, such as dog parks, pet store floors, and areas heavily frequented by unknown dogs. And if you ever have questions, your vet can help you understand what your puppy can safely do.

Try introducing your puppy to only one or two new things at a time. This way, they can explore and get comfortable while not being overwhelmed.

If you have other pets, remember that not every pet acclimates to new housemates at the same rate. Some may be ready to meet your new puppy right away, while others may need more time and space to continue feeling safe in their home.

Our editors have some additional tips:

From Our Editors

“While they’re young, make a checklist of all the things you need to expose them to. Cars, buses, trains, busy streets, doorbells, children, adults, other dogs… and teach them that they don’t need to interact with these things, get excited by them, or be scared of them — they’re just part of everyday life.”

— Katy

“A lot of people think of this as interacting with people, but really, you want to get them used to the world without the need for constant interaction. Once they’ve had all the necessary vaccines, take them out so they can experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the world.”

— Sara

“Think small as well as big! Make a list and see what you can check off. We realized the impact small changes can have on our dogs when my husband put a baseball cap on, and our puppy started acting like he was an entirely different person!”

— Meg

“Do lots and lots of socializing to begin with so they are not only used to other dogs and people, but love it, too. Even if bad things happen (a dog snaps at them, etc.), they are still positively reinforced by other good interactions. It can also help them steer away from being reactionary!”

— Cecilia

Explore the physical and mental health benefits of pets.

^{Quotes represent individual opinions. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.}

Vaccinations

Before you introduce your puppy to other dogs or crowded outdoor spaces, make sure they have all the recommended vaccinations. Puppy training classes generally require canine participants to have certain vaccinations as well.

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends these core vaccinations:

• distemper
• adenovirus
• parvovirus
• rabies
• leptospira
• parainfluenza

This isn’t a complete list — your dog may need additional vaccines based on lifestyle and risk factors. Talk with your vet to make sure your puppy gets the vaccinations and boosters they need.

Grooming

Getting your puppy used to the necessary grooming rituals early can be helpful down the road.

From Our Editors

“If I could give any advice to new owners, it would be to introduce their dog to a toothbrush as early as possible. Try to make it a positive experience and reward them when they do well with lots of fuss or treats.”

— Chloe

“To get puppies used to grooming/vet care/etc., spend time doing all the things that they’ll have done. Handle their paws, spread toes, and clip nails (even if it’s just the very tips!) to get them used to it.”

— Sara

^{Quotes represent individual opinions. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.}

Whether you’re doing your own grooming at home or taking your puppy to a groomer, start early and be consistent so they can get used to the experience.

Mental stimulation

Puppies, like other young creatures, are bundles of energy. They need time and room to get their physical energy out, but they also need enriching mental stimulation.

From Our Editors

“Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Let them sniff on walks, give them snuffle mats and other intelligence toys or games to help them learn.”

— Katy

“I see lots of people charging along with their dog at a fast pace, but short, slow ‘sniffy walks,’ where they can explore and follow scents, are just as enriching as a brisk walk.”

— Chloe

^{Quotes represent individual opinions. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.}

Regular physical and mental stimulation can also help head off behavioral issues that may arise from boredom.

Other tips

• Teething: Puppy chewing behaviors peak at around 3 to 6 months of age. They have a higher risk of ingesting things they shouldn’t, during this period so it’s best to have pet-safe chew toys on hand.
• Puppy proofing: There are other things around the home that new puppy parents may need to watch for, such as potentially toxic house plants and stray electrical cords. Ask your vet about things your puppy shouldn’t have access to.
• First vet visits: It’s best to schedule a vet visit for your new family member within a few days of adoption so your vet can do a thorough examination and set your puppy’s vaccination schedule.
• Pet insurance: You may want to look into pet insurance for your new puppy. This article about pet insurance explains what it may cover.

Takeaway

You’ll need patience and consistency to help your puppy learn all about socializing, housetraining, grooming, and more. But in the end, all these practices help keep your puppy safe, happy, and healthy through their whole life.

If you ever need help, talk with your vet. They can help you navigate this intense and amazing time in your pet’s life.