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Bringing home a new puppy is incredibly exciting, but many puppy seekers wonder when to get a puppy. The answer to that question differs from person to person. Do you have the financial stability and resources to supply your puppy with regular vet appointments and good quality of life? Are you able to socialize your new puppy, train them to have good manners, and teach them how to be alone, even if it’s just for a little bit each day? If you’re fully prepared for the responsibility of dog ownership, then now might be the right time for a new canine family member.
After finding your breeder, there’s so much to do to make your puppy’s transition a success. From puppy-proofing your house to purchasing puppy-safe toys, to starting potty training on the right foot, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. To put you on track and ensure a happy dog for years to come, follow this new puppy checklist:
Puppy Proofing
Puppies are unbelievably curious, but just like toddlers, they don’t understand what is safe and what is off limits. Remember, if a puppy can get something in their mouth, they’ll eat it or chew it! That’s why it’s essential to puppy-proof your home. You’ll protect your house, prevent bad habits, and most importantly, keep your puppy safe. Here are some tips for proper puppy proofing:
- Look at your house from your new puppy’s point of view. Get on your hands and knees, so you don’t miss anything at ground level.
- Keep dangerous items to your puppy, like cleaning supplies, behind locked cupboard doors or stored up high.
- Tie all electrical cords out of your puppy’s reach
- Put everything valuable away. Knickknacks and electronics can’t be destroyed if they’re kept in drawers or on a high shelf.
- Keep shoes in a closed closet. If you don’t want something to become a chew toy, prevent your puppy from getting it in the first place.
- Switch to garbage cans with lids. Food smells will attract your puppy, so be sure they can’t get in your trash.
- Use barricades like dog gates or exercise pens to keep your puppy confined to safe areas or out of unsafe ones. You don’t need to puppy proof the whole house until your dog is ready for that kind of freedom.
- Examine your backyard for hazards. For example, look for holes in the fence or toxic plants.
Go Shopping
It’s important to have all the necessities, like toys and food, before you bring your puppy home. The following things can start your shopping list:
- Dog crate: This is an invaluable tool for keeping your puppy safe when you can’t supervise them and for simplifying your house-training routine. Be sure to pick the correct size. If the crate is too large, your puppy can use one end as a toilet which will set your potty training back.
- Collar and leash: Depending on your dog’s breed, you might want a harness as well. Don’t forget to put an ID tag on your puppy’s collar.
- Puppy food and bowls
- Exercise pen or dog gates
- Chew toys: All dogs love to chew. Teething puppies most of all. To prevent a choking hazard, choose appropriate chew toys that aren’t too small for your puppy.
- Grooming tools: It’s never too early to start getting your puppy used to nail trims and brushing.
- Treats: Simple training can start from your puppy’s first day at home, so be ready with plenty of tasty rewards.
Pushing Paper
As fun as it is to play with your new puppy, there are still some administrative tasks to take care of. Keep this paperwork in mind:
- Name your puppy. Although your breeder might have put conditions on your puppy’s AKC-registered name, their call name (the informal name you use every day) is completely up to you. To help you match your puppy’s name to their personality, check out our Dog Name Finder.
- Register your purebred puppy with the American Kennel Club. Your breeder may have taken care of this, but if not, you can register your puppy yourself. Registration is for life and includes exclusive AKC benefits and resources.
- Register your mixed breed with the AKC Canine Partners program. This will allow your dog to participate in some of the most popular AKC dog sports, like agility or rally, and earn titles for their achievements.
- Find a veterinarian and other pet professionals like a groomer or pet sitter. Don’t be afraid to visit them first and ask for references. Also, learn the location of your nearest emergency veterinary clinic.
Making Introductions
It will take time for your puppy to adjust to their new environment. Plus, it’s likely they’ll miss their littermates until they get comfortable around your family. Be patient and be careful not to overwhelm your puppy. Consider the following:
- Show your puppy around. Let them know where to find their crate, food, and water bowl, and where they should go to the bathroom. Let them explore with supervision, but don’t give them the run of the house on day one. Your puppy can earn freedom as they learn the rules.
- Supervise introductions to other pets. Don’t let your puppy annoy your older dog and be sure cats have an escape route. In the beginning, keep interactions short and sweet.
- Introduce your puppy to new people with care. Too many cuddles all at once can be stressful. Everybody will want to meet your puppy, and it’s important for your puppy to meet as many new people as possible. But make sure each experience is pleasant and rewarding.
- Socialize your puppy. Socializing means introducing your puppy to as many new people, dogs, places, situations, sounds and surfaces as possible. Be sure to do this at your puppy’s pace. Don’t force any interactions. Encourage your puppy and stay positive.
Teaching and Training
Every interaction between you and your puppy has the potential to build your bond and teach something new, and there’s no reason you can’t get started right away. Here are some training considerations to keep in mind:
- Potty train from day one. Your dog needs to know exactly where you expect them to do their business. Prevent accidents so they also learn where not to go. If a mistake happens, clean it up with an enzymatic urine cleaner.
- Set the house rules. For example, decide if your puppy can go on the furniture and who is in charge of mealtimes and walks. To prevent confusing your puppy, make sure your entire family is on board and can stay consistent.
- Teach your new puppy basic behaviors like watch me, sit, or down. With positive reinforcement-based training, you can encourage good manners in even very young puppies. If you’re struggling with your new puppy, consider getting help from the Good Dog Helpline.
- Look for a puppy class. Puppy kindergarten helps with both socialization and training. Search for a training club in your area.
- Enroll in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. Your puppy is eligible for the S.T.A.R. Puppy test after completing a six-week AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class. The program is designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start and enrollment includes benefits like a monthly email newsletter full of training tips.
- Set goals for down the road. Training basic manners can lead to all kinds of fun dog activities. An important goal for every dog is the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. It’s a great foundation for dog sports and the gold standard of behavior for dogs in our society.