Skip to content
Your complete guide to getting a puppy (& getting it right from the start)
Getting a new puppy has got to be one of the most exciting things you can do and bringing home your new family member for the first time marks the start of a new and wonderful chapter in your life.
In this blog we’ll cover the need to knows BEFORE getting a puppy, how to prepare for your new arrival and the essentials for the first days and weeks with your little bundle of floof.
Let’s get started!
Buying a puppy
Before buying a puppy, it’s important to do your research. Learning about different dog breeds and considering your lifestyle and what your day to day life looks like are very important. As is researching breeders thoroughly to ensure you choose a responsible breeder who’s first priority is the welfare of the dogs in their care.
What dog breed is right for you?All dogs have their own personalities but researching typical breed traits and needs is a great place to start. Understanding what the breed you're considering was bred for will give you some indication of what they’ll need from you to satisfy their natural desires and lifestyle needs.
To get started, take a look at our list of most popular dog breeds here.
Finding a good breeder (or rescue)
When you’ve decided to get a puppy or to get a rescue dog, it’s important that your research continues! Where you get your dog from can have a big impact on the health, temperament, and behaviour of the dog you welcome into your family.
We all know that puppy farms don’t put the welfare of the dogs they breed first, but puppy farms or backyard breeders aren’t always easy to spot. You might imagine that they’d be easy to identify, with dirty barns or that the puppies will be dirty and obviously neglected.
The reality is, many irresponsible dog breeders and puppy farms are very adept at presenting their puppies and breeding practices to be very different from the reality.
Know the law (Lucy’s Law)
- Puppies must be a minimum of 8 weeks old before leaving the breeder
- If the puppy is under 6 months old, it must be bought from the premises where it was bred (i.e - no meeting up at alternative locations such as car parks or laybys)
- You must be able to see the puppy’s mother with the puppy and littermates so you can see how they interact
- All eligible breeders should be licensed and should breed no more than 6 litters per dog maximum in the dog’s lifetime
The laws around dog breeding vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. You can learn the puppy breeding laws by country here.
To learn more about what questions to ask and what documentation and paperwork your breeder should give you, take a look at the puppy contract here.
Preparing for a puppy
Waiting to bring your new puppy home is very exciting but there’s lots to do to prepare for their arrival to keep you busy while you wait! Here are some essential steps to take before bringing your puppy home.
1. Decide where your puppy will sleep
When you first bring your puppy home there will be a settling in period as they get used to being away from their mum and littermates. Decide where you’d like your puppy to sleep and prepare to be close to them for the first few nights while they settle in.
Learn more about how to help your puppy settle in their new home here.
2. Arrange pet insurance
Typically if you’re getting your puppy from a reputable breeder they will be insured for the first couple of weeks with you. Make sure the insurance details are updated for their arrival and that you know when the policy lapses.
Vet bills can be unexpected and can mount up quickly so it’s vital that you consider insuring your puppy so you can meet all their healthcare needs.
3. Get puppy proofing
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, which means everything is fair game! Make sure any toxic plants or cleaning products are out of reach and keep treasured items in a safe, puppy inaccessible place!
Baby gates, crates or puppy play pens can be invaluable in the early days to manage your puppy’s activity when you can’t give them 100% of your attention.
4. Register with a good vet
Finding a vet you like and trust is an important thing to consider doing before your puppy arrives.You’ll need a vet for your puppy’s initial vaccinations and for regular checkups throughout his or her life.
Being registered with a good vet means that if your pet should ever fall ill or be in an accident, you will have peace of mind knowing that they are in the best possible hands.
5. Find a positive reinforcement dog trainer
One of the cutest things about a new puppy is their boundless energy – but it’s important to direct this energy into positive behaviours from a young age. Some of the most common behavioural issues in dogs can be avoided by attending dog training classes and working on training from day one.
It’s important to do your research and think carefully before signing up to a class. See our post on what to look out for when picking a dog trainer or a club.
What to buy for a new puppy
Now the really fun stuff, shopping for puppy essentials! Here’s a list of everything you need for your new puppy.
1. Puppy food and bowls
When your puppy first comes home it’s a good idea to keep them on the same food their breeder weaned them onto. With the upheaval of leaving their mum and littermates plus travel and a new home, there’s enough new things for your puppy to adjust to.
If you want to switch your puppy onto a new food, allow their digestive system to settle first before slowly transitioning them onto the food you choose.
Feeding your dog a healthy, balanced diet from the word go is one of the best choices you can make to give he or she the best possible start in life. All About Dog Food is a great resource to help you research the best food for your puppy.
2. Bed, crate or play pen
Your puppy will need their own comfy bed and a safe area to rest in. A crate or playpen can be very useful for keeping your puppy safe and out of mischief when you’re not available - and can help build up their alone time too.
It’s important to introduce a crate or pen positively and at your puppy’s pace. Use crate games and positive reinforcement to help your puppy love their crate or safe space.
3. Lead, collar & harness;
While your puppy won’t be able to go out for walkies until they’ve completed their vaccinations, getting them used to wearing a collar/harness and walking on a lead can start earlier.
You can use a lead to keep your puppy from getting into mischief around the house or to keep them close to you. And you can practise walking nicely on a lead in the home and garden so when you go out for walkies, it’s one less new thing for your puppy to acclimatise to.
Don’t forget to get a puppy ID tag and to update your pup’s microchip details when you bring them home.
4. Invest in top quality puppy toys
Puppies are ready to play interactive games like tug and scent games from around eight to 12 weeks of age. Playing tug with your puppy is a brilliant way for them to work off their frustration whilst simultaneously increase your bond and their confidence!
Introducing puppy playtime from an early age is a really important way to boost your bond, burn puppy energy and train together. and how it can greatly benefit puppy training.
But, puppy teeth are SHARP! So we recommend choosing chaser toys with nice long handles to keep your hands safely away from your pup’s mouth. Look for toys that are both long, strong, and durable so they can withstand ample puppy play!
5. Poo bags, treats and chews
Perhaps not the most fun stuff on your puppy shopping list, but these are essential! Stock up on poo bags, treats and puppy safe chews so you’re ready for your pups arrival. Puppies immune systems are still developing so it’s important to pick up and keep a clean space. And you’ll want plenty of yummy treats to reward good behaviour (and chews to help you during puppy teething).
Puppy playtime
Now we’ve covered all the new puppy need to knows, we’ll finish with the most fun bit of sharing your life with a puppy - PLAYTIME!
Play is already an important part of your puppy’s life. Ever since they were two to four weeks old, they’ll have been playing with their littermates - and learning essential physical and social life skills.
Now your puppy is part of your family, it’s up to you to fulfil your puppy's need for play.
Grab your free guide to phenomenal puppy playtime here - and let the fun begin!
READ NEXT:
Why your puppy loves to play and how it can boost your training
