There’s little doubt that dog’s are man’s best friend but how best to care for a puppy – and the hard work starts before you bring them home
Monday marks National Puppy Day in the UK and the help dog lovers celebrate the day, a vet has come up with nine key things every pet owner needs to do as soon as they bring their beloved puppy home.
Bringing home a puppy is an exciting and often overwhelming experience, and according to Jen Wormleighton, Head of Veterinary Services at Animal Friends, the first few months of a pup’s life is a crucial window for setting behaviour, habits and long-term health.
At the same time, Animal Friends’ own research shows just how central dogs have become to people’s lives, with more than a quarter (27%) saying their canine brings them emotional support and companionship , and 61% saying investing in their pet’s health and wellbeing, including having the right support in place should the unexpected happen, is an important way they show affection.
What every new puppy owner should know…
According to Jen, focusing on a few key fundamentals can help owners avoid common early mistakes:
1. Know Your Puppy’s Stage Before They Arrive
By eight weeks, most puppies are weaned, exploring, and ready to learn. It helps to check your puppy’s exact age with the breeder or rescue centre so you know what they need when they come home. It also means you can plan things like training, feeding, and early routines with confidence.
2. Book Their Vaccinations, Flea and Worming Treatments Straight Away
If your puppy has not had their first vaccinations, get them booked in as soon as they trot through your front door. Keep boosters every 2–4 weeks and stay on top of their flea and worming treatments too. These early steps help protect them as they grow and explore their new world.
3. Register with a Vet
Register your puppy with a vet before they come home so you are ready for routine care, advice and emergencies. Make sure they are microchipped, then update your contact details with the right database, such as Pet Database, to keep everything accurate. If you are adopting, your puppy should already have had a health check and vaccinations, but it still helps to understand the ongoing responsibilities, so you feel prepared for the journey ahead.
4. Start Socialisation from Day One
Puppies between eight and twelve weeks are like little sponges. It is the perfect time to gently introduce new people, sounds, objects, and everyday handling. If they are not fully vaccinated yet, carry them outdoors so they can safely watch the world go by. These small early experiences help build a confident, relaxed pup.
5. Put a Simple Toilet Routine in Place
Take your puppy to their toilet spot first thing in the morning, after naps, meals, and playtime and every hour or so in between. Choose the same place each time, such as a patch of grass, and reward them when they get it right. Little and often works wonders.
6. Begin Gentle Training on Day One
You can start teaching simple cues as soon as your puppy arrives. Short sessions with treats and praise will help them learn sit, come, and polite treat‑taking. Keep it fun, keep it light, and finish on a high.
7. Offer Chews to Redirect Nipping
Teething happens early, and those tiny teeth can be sharp. Keep a few safe chew toys nearby and swap them in when your pup starts nibbling hands or clothes. It teaches them what’s okay to chew and helps soothe sore gums.
8. Keep Walks Short Until They’re Fully Vaccinated
Once your puppy has had their vaccinations, start with short, gentle walks. Before that, stick to carrying them outside for fresh air and sights without any infection risks.
9. Build a Daily Routine Early On
Feeding, toilet breaks, naps, playtime, and training work best when they happen around the same time each day. A simple routine helps your puppy feel safe and makes learning easier for both of you.