Welcoming a New Puppy: Puppy-Prep Guide from a Canine Behaviourist

Bringing a new puppy home can be both exciting and at times, stressful. There’s a long “new puppy checklist” to consider before your new addition arrives, including learning to understand your puppy’s needs,their language, what they’ll eat, where they’ll sleep, and all the puppy care essentials.
The good news is your willingness to meet their needs, find professional support, become educated in canine ways, confidently lay down fair boundaries, and guide them towards more appropriate canine behaviours will take you far when bringing up a happy, healthy puppy.

This article explains all the puppy care essentials for bringing a new puppy home and how to negotiate the first days and weeks— including what puppies need from you, toilet training, socialisation, nutrition and more.

New puppies are both tons of fun and hard work. The result? Many moments of frustration intertwined with the joy of having a puppy about the house.

However, the process of bringing a new puppy home can go a lot more smoothly when adopting the right mindset. Learning about common puppy behaviour issues (and solutions), canine body language, and how to see the world from your puppy’s point of view will help tremendously during your first few weeks as a new pet parent and throughout their life.

Ups and downs are natural when bringing a new puppy home. Their adorable ways can sometimes become a frustration to you, so it’s up to you to understand the reasons behind these behaviours. Are they overtired, overstimulated, misunderstood, fearful, overwhelmed or frustrated? All of which can all result in common puppy behaviour issues.

With time, patience and understanding, you can help your puppy learn to make better choices.

Your puppy is simply communicating whilst trying to make sense of the world around them, and your guidance will help them to make good choices as they mature. Showing them you understand them, that they are safe and loved, and that they can put their trust in you are the best gifts you can give them. This approach will ultimately secure your bond of mutual understanding and trust in the long run.

Allow them to be dogs, go at their own pace, and be patient with them as they learn to fit naturally into your family with your support and guidance. This approach will help them develop a secure attachment to you, bringing peace of mind, confidence and resilience and making learning and retaining information easier.

Learning the skills of recall and walking on a loose lead are of course important for us and for their safety, however, placing sole emphasis on these behaviours overlooks their natural instincts. Key to a successful and happy life comes from teaching life skills like self-control, patience, and appropriate social interactions. Helping them navigate the world with ease and confidence leads to a balanced, happy life.

Dogs are learning from us all the time, whether we’re consciously teaching them or not. They figure out what works and what doesn’t through your reactions to their behaviours, so being mindful of how/when you engage is important [1], [2].

My top puppy training tip is simple: praise behaviours you want and guide your pup toward more appropriate actions when needed. Undesirable behaviours often stem from feeling overwhelmed, confused, or unprepared for a situation. It’s our job to stay calm, create space for them, and support them through challenges. Remember, puppies are still learning and shouldn’t be expected to act like mature dogs. Advocate for them, understand their reactions, and help them build confidence for a well-balanced adult life.

There are lots of things to consider before bringing home your new puppy. Puppy care essentials, puppy teething solutions, and best puppy food recommendations are all important, of course. However, there’s one preparation you should make that will help all others seem much easier to handle: educating yourself on canine language and your puppy’s fundamental needs as a dog.

Your puppy is a unique individual and you will learn their likes, dislikes, abilities, needs and wants through observation and daily interactions with them. It’s crucial to understand the basic needs of a dog: safety, nutrition, sleep, exercise/play, mental stimulation, connection, company and a person/people to advocate for them.

Setting up your space

To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your puppy, get on your hands and knees to see things from their level. Look for exposed wires, children’s toys, shoes, and other small items that may become choking hazards for curious puppies. A clean floor also limits the potential for inappropriate chewing, helping your puppy to avoid this undesirable behaviour in a more proactive way.

Also, decide on a room in the house where your puppies bed and water will be. Many dog owners opt for the kitchen, as it’s easier to clean up any accidents, but choose what works best for you. A large open crate or puppy pen can be a helpful tool for when you’re busy or want to keep children and puppies separate.
Essential supplies checklist
Here are my recommendations for puppy care essentials to make life easier during your first few weeks:

• Flat feeding board — A more natural feeding surface than a bowl (and easier for dogs to pick up their food)
• ProDog Raw Puppy Food — Use our Raw Dog Food Calculator to determine how much and how often to feed your pup. For a complete guide to puppy nutrition, check out our Puppy Feeding and Weaning Guide. 
• Water bowl
• Make a bed using an old sweatshirt or an old blanket  — I recommend waiting until after the chewing stage to buy the nice fluffy ones
• Soft collar and ID tag
• Soft harness and lead — These are just for familiarisation purposes in the early weeks
• Teething chews — Frozen sweet potato slices, coffee wood chew, paddywack and calf hooves are great choices, or find more options in ProDog’s healthy dog treats range 
• Mop and bucket — I don’t recommend puppy pads as they teach puppies to eliminate in the house
• Car crate
• Poop bags/scoop
• Baby gates — For stairs/off limits areas of the house

The first days and weeks that your puppy spends in their new home should be low-key. Don’t expect too much too soon; be calm and supportive, giving them the time they need to adjust to their new environment. Whilst it will of course be tempting to invite all your friends and family over to meet your new addition, give them a chance to get to know you and your immediate family first.

Give your puppy time to simply be around you while independently familiarising themselves within their new home. One room is best initially, and ideally needs to be where their bed space and water is.

Getting to know their personality, becoming familiar with their needs, and learning how they communicate takes time. Once they become comfortable, you can then begin introducing them to new people, dogs, and environments in a slow, safe way.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what the first few days and nights might look like with your new puppy:

Day time

It’s important that you pick your puppy up early morning, so it has the whole day with you to familiarise with their new world and people. Once at home let your puppy wander around the garden for a while and allow them to pee or poop. Begin their toilet training straight away by rewarding them when they have finished and continue this going forward.

Once they’ve toileted, bring them inside and offer them something to eat. Rub a blanket that has their scent on it against their new bed, giving them something familiar to find comfort in, allowing them to investigate it at their leisure.

Call your puppy to you for a short massage or play, keeping things peaceful and stopping before your pup becomes over-stimulated (play that is over the top or too long will result in overzealous behaviour such as nipping and an inability to sleep).

Night time

I recommend sleeping near to your puppy, at least for the first few nights. They’re away from their mum and littermates for the first time and being alone will be stressful, so your presence will comfort them.

Play soft, calming music throughout the day and night to make nighttime feel less quiet and soothing for your puppy. Gradually introduce alone time during the day by being nearby but not constantly engaging with them. This helps them get used to relaxing independently, making it easier for them to settle and sleep on their own at night. Start by ensuring they can remain calm and relaxed even with everyday household noise and movement before stepping out of the room briefly for just a few seconds at a time.

Dealing with separation anxiety and promoting great sleep patterns

It’s natural for puppies to become anxious when left alone, which is only compounded by being in a new environment. Not having the support they’re used to (mum, siblings and familiar surroundings) is a scary change, but with help from you they can adjust.

Starting this approach early will set your puppy up for lifelong success:

Over the next few days, start this process when your puppy is asleep or at least relaxed. While in the same room, direct your eye contact away from them and carry on with your tasks, making occasional sounds or movements — but avoid looking at your pup. Constantly checking on our dogs keeps them alert to everything we do.

Once your puppy stays settled despite your activity, you can begin stepping out of the room. Walk out, close the door briefly, and return after a few seconds. As your pup stays calm and you gain confidence in their contentment, gradually extend the time you’re away to build their independence.

Moving onwards, practise when they are more awake. Remember to go at their pace and be patient; they’ll learn that being alone is safe before long. To prevent the development of hyper attachment, read my guide, Overcoming Separation Anxiety, which details my step-by-step process for helping dogs feel safe alone.

Choosing the right puppy food

Nutrition is the foundation of health for all species, with dogs being no exception. Starting your puppy off with the appropriate nutrients will contribute towards their healthy development, giving them the best chance of a long, happy life. This is done by feeding them biologically appropriate foods, such as a raw, whole food diet, which is what I recommend to my clients.

ProDog’s Raw Puppy Food is a fantastic choice for puppy health and development.  

Feeding schedules and portions

Puppies need to eat more frequently than adult dogs to ensure the energy requirements of their rapidly growing bodies are met. As a general rule, 8-week old pups need to eat four times a day, with the frequency reducing as they meet certain developmental milestones. Each puppy will require different portions based on size, activity levels, breed, specific health needs, and developmental stage.

For extra guidance, use ProDog’s raw dog food calculator to work out how much to feed your puppy based on weight and age. For detailed, step-by-step feeding instructions, check out our Puppy Raw Feeding Guide.

The benefits of physical activity

Physical activity is essential for puppies. The right kind of exercise promotes healthy growth, builds strength, and helps prevent injuries. It also supports mental well-being by reducing overreactive behaviours, fostering learning, and deepening the bond you share through play and movement.

But physical activity isn’t just about interactive play with you. In safe environments, be present but let them explore independently. Every step they take, every scent they follow, every surface they encounter, and every obstacle they navigate contributes to their physical and mental development. This kind of self-directed exploration builds confidence, resilience, and well-rounded pups.

Age-appropriate activities to try

Engage your puppy with fun, age-appropriate activities that build skills while strengthening your bond:

• Find a Hidden Toy: Hide a toy for them to find and bring back to you. This boosts their problem-solving skills and sets the stage for fun games in new environments.

• Follow or Chase You: Encourage them to follow you around. This lays the foundation for loose-lead walking when exploring the world beyond home.

• “Come” or “Here” Game: Call them to you for any positive interaction. This is the first step in recall training.

Play isn’t just fun — it helps your puppy settle into their new home, learn to trust you, and become a team player. Through games they’ll develop essential skills such as recall, fetch, and lead work while having fun.

Enrichment: more than just play

Enrichment differs from play but is just as essential for your puppy’s development. Activities like sniffing and foraging engage their brains, helping them explore their environment while reducing anxiety and stress.

Simple ways to encourage natural canine behaviour include:

• Sniffy Time in the Garden: Let your pup explore the garden at their own pace, taking in all the scents.

• Treat Scattering: Sprinkle puppy treats in the grass or use a snuffle mat indoors to create a fun way for them to investigate.

• Mealtime Enrichment: Spread or place small dollops of food on a flat wooden board to turn dinner into a stimulating activity.

Fun and stimulating toys

There are thousands of options when it comes to puppy toys, and each puppy will have their own preferences. I always caution my clients around rope toys or soft stuffies as they’re easily ingested if not carefully supervised.

Choosing safe toys for your puppy

Not all dog toys are created equal. Many rubber and dyed cloth toys are best avoided due to potential safety concerns. Instead, opt for safer alternatives like real tennis balls (those made for the sport, not the dog-specific versions) or durable canvas toys.

Just like with food, I recommend not leaving toys with your dog when they’re unsupervised. When in the right frame of mind, dogs will naturally rest while you’re away. To avoid accidents, never leave puppies alone with toys they might destroy.

For safe solo time, consider natural chew options like root chews or coffee wood chews. These provide a satisfying outlet for chewing while reducing the risk of harm.

As dogs love to investigate, a simple cardboard box can be a fantastic toy for your curious puppies. Other toys I recommend are the robust, hardy varieties that are difficult to destroy, and durable fabric toys that are double-stitched.

The importance of adequate sleep

Whilst puppies are little bundles of energy, their active periods are usually short spurts followed by long naps. These rest periods are important for your pup’s development and should be made a priority throughout the day.

A good way to develop a regular sleep schedule for your puppy is to disengage from them after interactions. This doesn’t mean leaving them alone or shutting them in a cage, but rather giving your attention to other things whilst in the room with them. Doing this allows your puppy to follow their natural body clock and take the time to sleep when they feel tired.

Being allowed to investigate the world (e.g, your home) on their own also inspires confidence and reduces their chances of becoming needy/clingy due to constant attention from you.

Set your puppy up for success

It’s important to be proactive when toilet training your puppy. This approach both reduces accidents and instils a routine that your pup can become familiar with quickly.

When they are very young allowing them to go out upon waking, after meals, during play sessions, and every half an hour is ideal. Your puppy is still physically developing, so control of bladder and bowels comes over time. This means they need frequent opportunities to toilet, and outside is much better than in!

I don’t advocate the use of puppy pads simply because you end up toilet training twice, once inside and then out. This is twice the work and is not necessary if you follow the above guidelines. There will be a few accidents, but these will decrease with time, and at around six months old, all toileting accidents will have been resolved. Although, if you live in a flat puppy pads may need to be an option. 

The key is to ensure your puppy is taken out regularly (and yes, that means rain or shine). Try to give them space when it’s time to toilet so they can focus on their needs rather than playing with you for the moment. Remain quiet as they pee or poop and only when they have finished, give immediate praise and reward.

Night time and house training

As mentioned earlier, puppies need their sleep. Whilst their little bladders won’t usually be able to hold it all night for the first few months, I don’t recommend waking them throughout the night to toilet. Not only does this interrupt their precious sleep (and yours), but it might set the stage for years of night time wake-ups, which no one wants.

Helping your puppy settle at night

Some people prefer having their puppies sleep in their bedroom, where the familiar sound of beating hearts helps them rest more easily. If you choose to have your puppy sleep in a separate room, start by gradually weaning them off your presence. Be prepared to sleep nearby for the first few nights to ease the transition.

I recommend setting up a safe sleeping space, like the kitchen or a large penned-in area. Accept that accidents may happen overnight and deal with them calmly in the morning. Always take your puppy out for a toilet break just before bedtime.

As your confidence grows and your puppy becomes more comfortable being alone, you can leave them in their designated space at night. If your puppy wakes up crying, go into the room, gently guide them back to bed, sit quietly without making a fuss, and leave once they settle again. Never leave them crying — reassurance builds trust and helps them feel safe.

Safe interactions with other dogs

Before your puppy is fully vaccinated, allow contact only with fully vaccinated, well-balanced dogs that tolerate puppy behaviour. Early negative experiences can lead to fear-based behaviours later on [3]. If your puppy becomes overstimulated or fails to respect an older dog’s boundaries, calmly step in, guide them away, and help them settle with gentle handling or a soothing massage.

Meeting dogs beyond home

Once fully vaccinated, your puppy can explore the world further afield. Teach them that not every dog, person, or object is an invitation to play or investigate. Create distance from distractions, helping them remain focused on you while feeling safe. They should learn that being with you is the most fun and reassuring experience, even in stimulating environments.

Being out and about isn’t about meeting every dog or person — it’s about building trust, practicing familiar games like “find it,” “chase me,” or “follow me,” and calmly observing the world from a safe distance. This prevents unwanted encounters, reduces stress, and builds your pup’s confidence.

Mindful socialisation

Keep interactions short and positive with well-known, balanced dogs under trusted supervision. Avoid overwhelming your puppy with unfamiliar situations.

I recall working at Crufts with the “Friends for Life” finalists, where one assistance dog had lived a quiet, isolated life with his owner. Despite the intense, unfamiliar environment at Crufts, he remained calm and trusting because his owner had never placed him in situations beyond his comfort zone. Their bond was incredible to witness — built on trust, respect, and mutual support.

The power of distance

Distance from unfamiliar stimuli allows your puppy to assess new situations at their own pace. Stay neutral and supportive, offering time and space to adjust. Forcing close encounters can break trust, while allowing them to explore from a safe distance builds confidence, resilience, and a lifelong sense of security.

For more expert puppy socialisation tips, check out What Socialisation Should Look Like With Your Puppy written by Kamal Fernandez’s, Master Dog Trainer.

Socialisation with people

Spending time at home with you and meeting friends and family is the best way to start socialising your puppy. When visitors arrive, ask them to initially ignore your puppy, allowing the pup to approach and sniff at their own pace.

Once your puppy is calm and curious, visitors can gently call them over and stroke under the chin, avoiding any leaning over or looming. This prevents your puppy from feeling trapped or threatened, which can cause urination or other signs of discomfort.

Be mindful that what may seem like overexcitement could actually be confusion or overstimulation. Just like when young children meet strangers, puppies may express mixed emotions through heightened energy or uncertain behaviour. Creating calm, positive interactions helps build your puppy’s confidence and trust.

Exposure to new environments

In new environments, it’s easy for puppies to feel overwhelmed and/or afraid. Remaining confident when with your puppy and visiting new places will allow them to feel more at ease. In new open spaces take time to sit and give your pup time to forage and sniff, play chase with you, or engage them in a fun activity as opposed to focusing on what may concern them. This way, they will learn that whatever is happening around them, all is well and you are neutral to any potential triggers.

It is vital to ensure you are at a safe distance when introducing new sights, sounds, and smells to your puppy: it gives them time to figure things out without being rushed into a situation they’re unfamiliar with. Once your puppy appears comfortable at a distance, over time the distance where they can remain neutral will naturally decrease.

Prevent people from encroaching into your puppies space, instead ask them to stand quietly so your puppy can move closer to investigate if they wish, it must be your pups choice.

A note on fear periods

Puppies go through sensitive developmental stages when even familiar things can seem alarming. These “fear periods” typically occur between 8-11 weeks and again between 6-14 months. During these times, patience and understanding are essential.

If your puppy seems overwhelmed or displays overly excitable behaviour, recognise that they may be struggling, not being naughty. Step back, create distance from the trigger, and focus on helping them feel safe rather than insisting on obedience. Be their calm, supportive guide.

Also, be mindful of your own emotions and body language, as your puppy picks up on how you feel. Negative experiences during fear periods can leave lasting impressions, so never force unwanted interactions. Focus on creating positive, stress-free experiences that help your puppy feel secure and supported.

Other pets

Take it steady when introducing your new puppy to resident dogs/cats/other pets in the home. They will make friends in their own time, these friendships can’t be forced. Each family member needs time to adjust to the new arrival in their house too.

Baby gates are very helpful for many households initially. They create a safe place for the puppy and allows your existing pet/s their own space. This will make it easier for you to be more relaxed about the initial introductions and times when you cannot supervise.

Children

Small children and puppies can grow up together wonderfully, but it’s very important that they are actively supervised. Teaching children to respect your dog and their needs will ensure they live in harmony, keeping both children and dogs safe from potential harmful encounters.

Never allow children to hug puppies tightly or be rough with them, and keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort such as lip-licking, turning away, etc. from your puppy. Baby gates and puppy pens are helpful here as well, giving you a break from constant supervision while keeping both puppy and children safe.

For more detailed guidance on teaching kids how to behave around puppies, I often recommend checking out Kids Around Dogs — a great resource full of useful tips and information.

Bringing home a new puppy can be a wonderful experience with the right tools. Understanding your puppies likes and dislikes, getting to know their personality, and encouraging independent, confident behaviour all contribute to a long and happy life for your dog.

Balanced nutrition, a lifestyle that allows for their breed-specific and individual needs to be met, a safe and supportive environment, regular exercise, play, enrichment, and adequate sleep are all key for puppies’ development. Your puppy will look to your for calm, confident leadership. A human that can guide them lovingly to make the right choices will foster an unshakable bond between you both, creating opportunities for wonderful memories in the years to come.