The Puppy's First Time Home
The first time with a puppy
The first time with a puppy is fun, exciting, and important. When the puppy comes home, it needs security, clear routines, and the right products to quickly feel safe in its new environment. With the right start, everyday life becomes easier for both you and your dog.
What should you do during the first time with a puppy?
When the puppy moves in with you, everything is new. New scents, new sounds, new people, and a whole new place to live. Therefore, it is important to provide the puppy with peace and security from the very first day.
Let the puppy explore the home at its own pace. Avoid too many visitors and stress during the first few days. Create a safe place where the puppy can rest undisturbed, for example, a dog bed or blanket in a quiet corner.
Checklist – the first time with a puppy
To make the start easier, it's good to have the most important things at home before the puppy arrives:
1. Puppy food adapted to age and size
2. Food and water bowls
3. Dog bed or sleeping place
4. Collar, harness, and leash
5. Toys and chew products
6. Poop bags
7. Brush and grooming products
8. Tick remover and simple first aid
A clear start reduces the risk of stress and makes it easier to establish good habits.
Security and routines
Puppies thrive on clear routines. Try to have fixed times for food, rest, play, and walks. This helps the puppy to understand what happens during the day more quickly.
During the first nights, the puppy may feel anxious. It is used to its mother and siblings. It's a good idea to have the puppy's sleeping place close to you at first so that it feels secure. Over time, you can slowly get it used to sleeping in its own spot.
Food for puppies
Puppies need a complete puppy food that is adapted for growth. A good puppy food contains the right balance of energy, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
Avoid changing food too quickly. If you want to switch to a new food, you should do so gradually over several days to reduce the risk of stomach problems.
Remember to follow the recommended feeding guidelines and adjust according to the puppy's size, weight, and activity level.
Alone training
Alone training should start early, but in very small steps. Begin by leaving the puppy alone for a few seconds or minutes while you are nearby. Slowly increase the time when the puppy feels secure.
Don't make a big deal out of leaving or coming back. The goal is for the puppy to understand that it's normal to be alone for short periods.
House training
House training requires patience. Take the puppy out often, especially after sleeping, eating, playing, and resting. Calmly praise the puppy when it does its business outside.
Accidents indoors are normal at first. Do not punish the puppy, but continue to be consistent. With clear routines, the puppy will learn faster.
Play and activation
Puppies need play, but also a lot of rest. Too much activity can make the puppy stressed or overtired. Short play sessions and simple exercises are best at the beginning.
Good toys for puppies include soft chew toys, interactive toys, and products that help the puppy use its nose.
Grooming and handling
Get the puppy used to being handled early. Gently touch its paws, ears, mouth, and fur. This will make future nail clipping, brushing, and vet visits easier.
Also start with dental care early. A soft toothbrush or finger toothbrush can help the puppy get used to mouth handling.
Walks and leash training
The first walks should be short and positive. The puppy doesn't need to walk far. The most important thing is that it gets to discover the world at a calm pace.
It's good to use a harness at first as it is gentle and provides good control. Reward the puppy when it walks calmly beside you.
Common mistakes during the first time with a puppy
Many people make the mistake of demanding too much too quickly. A puppy needs time, patience, and repetition.
Common mistakes include:
1. Too long walks
2. Too many visitors during the first few days
3. Unclear routines
4. Too rapid food changes
5. Too little rest
6. Waiting too long with alone training
7. Not getting the puppy used to handling
With calm training and the right products, the start will be much easier.
When should you contact a vet?
Contact a vet if the puppy seems sick, doesn't want to eat, vomits a lot, has diarrhea, is unusually tired, or shows signs of pain. Also, follow recommendations regarding vaccination, deworming, and health checks.
Find the right products for your puppy
At Zoohemmet, you will find products that will help you during the first time with your puppy. Here you will find puppy food, dog beds, leashes, harnesses, toys, chew products, and grooming products that make everyday life safer and easier.
FAQ – the first time with a puppy
Here we answer common questions about the first time with a puppy.
What do you need to buy for a puppy?
You need, among other things, puppy food, bowls, a dog bed, a harness, a leash, toys, poop bags, and grooming products.
How long can a puppy be left alone?
At first, only for very short periods. Start with a few minutes and slowly increase as the puppy becomes more secure.
When does a puppy become house-trained?
It varies, but with clear routines and patience, most puppies gradually learn during the first few months.
How often should a puppy eat?
Puppies usually eat several smaller meals per day. Follow the recommendations on the food and adapt to the puppy's needs.
When should you start training your puppy?
You can start immediately with simple and positive exercises. Training should be short, fun, and adapted to the puppy's age.
