Welcoming a new dog or puppy into your home is one of the most exciting, heartwarming experiences you'll ever have. I still remember every one of my furbabies first days home. But it's also a big responsibility! Whether you're adopting, young or mature, or picking up your new puppy from a breeder, it's important to be well-prepared.

Here’s your complete guide to bringing home your new furbestie — packed with essentials, care tips, and everything in between to ensure a smooth and joyful start 🐶

🐾 The Essentials to Buy Before Bringing Your Dog Home

Before your pup sets paw in your home, stock up on the basics:

• Food and water bowls, preferably stainless steel or ceramic.
• High-quality dog food suited to your dog's breed, age, and size - always start on the food they come with and if it isn't right for them gradually change it to something better suited. Do not just change it suddenly as this can cause tummy upsets.
• Collar and ID tag, include your phone number as a basic.
• Harness and lead for safe walks. A normal lead that isn't too long is great for keeping control, especially as you don't know each other yet! A flexi lead is great for fields or larger open spaces and training leads for recall.
• Comfortable dog bed or crate, great for training and giving them a cozy den, their own personal space.
• Dog-safe toys, chew toys, soft toys, interactive toys, balls - the list is endless, but you don't need hundreds and you'll soon learn what type of toy is their preferred choice for play time.
• Dog shampoo and grooming brushes, there are so many options, make sure it is suited to their coat length and type to ensure a pleasant experience. Don't forget a toothbrush to keep those nashers gleaming.
• Poop bags and a poop scoop.
• Puppy pads and cleaning supplies for accidents, it's going to happen.
• Training treats, tiny, healthy, and tasty. These are to aid with building your bond and trust whilst training. Always check the guidelines how many your dog can have.

🛒 Pro Tip: Start simple and upgrade as you learn more about your dog’s needs and likes or dislikes. 

🏡 Bringing Your Dog Home: The First Few Days

• Create a calm, quiet environment. Give your dog space to explore their new home at their own pace. If you have children, especially younger, always supervise their interactions for both the dogs safety and theirs.

• Establish a routine. Dogs thrive on consistency (Poppy doesn't let me forget meal times and walks, and she loves it!) Feed, walk, and rest at the same times each day where possible.

• Limit access at first. Use baby gates or closed doors until your dog understands the house rules.

• Be patient and gentle. Everything is new — smells, sights, people. Let them settle in without pressure. Make them feel comfortable but don't leave them alone completely, most dogs love companionship, see if they will go in the garden to play ball, a fun activity can make them feel safer, burn some of that energy and build trust in you.

🍽️ Feeding Your Dog

• Feed puppies 3–4 times a day and adults 1–2 times, depending on the breed and your vet recommendations. Feed them the same food they have been on, and if needed change it gradually over 7-10 days. For example, on day 1 and 2, feed 20% of the new food mxied with 80% old, then every other day, increase the new food and decrease the old. 

• Choose food with named protein sources (e.g., chicken, lamb) and minimal fillers. There are so many options out there, check out our blog on dog foods and suggestions. 

• Always have fresh water available.

• Avoid feeding human food, especially chocolate, onions, grapes, garlic, and anything spicy or salty. Some foods are poisonous to dogs and will make them feel very poorly.

💩 Toilet Training Basics

• Puppies will need frequent bathroom breaks — after meals, naps, and playtime.

• Take them to the same spot each time, they'll gradually learn where they need to go and will eventually take themselves.

• Reward with praise and treats for going outside.

• Be consistent, and never punish accidents, it's not their fault — redirect and clean thoroughly to avoid repeat spots.

🚶♂️ Exercise Needs: Tailored to Your Dog

• Puppies: Short, frequent play sessions. Avoid long walks while joints are still developing and do not make them run with you. 

• Small breeds: 30–60 minutes daily.

• Medium to large breeds: 1–2 hours daily.

• Split the time between walks, play, and mental enrichment. 

🧠 Remember: All dogs need exercise, even the oldies need a regular short walk to help with mobility. It is great for mental wellness, keeping them active, preventing weight gain and using their energy - you don't want them pacing the house all night!

🧠 Mental Stimulation & Enrichment

Bored dogs can become destructive or anxious. Keep their minds busy with:

• Puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys

• Snuffle mats

• Short training sessions, sit, stay, come, paw. Try not to teach paw with too many treats and definitely not human foods as this can become a bad habit of them connecting this with food and constantly performing whilst you're eating.

• Safe chew toys, suitable for your dog's size, these are great for playing alone, ideal if you are popping out for a few hours. 

• Scent games, hide treats or toys for them to find.

🧼 Grooming and Hygiene

• Brush your dog regularly to reduce shedding or fur matting, and check for skin issues.

• Bathe as needed, usually every 1–2 months or when dirty, unless they have a skin condition or special coat that requires more attention.

• Clean ears and check for infections.

• Brush their teeth 2–3 times a week using dog toothpaste. This can take time to get them used to it, be patient and gentle.

• Trim nails every few weeks to prevent discomfort or injury. Be careful not to trim too short as they may bleed. If you feel uneasy doing this yourself, contact a local groomer, the average cost is as little as £10 per dog and some even offer a walk-in service. 

🏥 Basic Health Tips

• Register with a local vet right away. You may want a check-up not long after bringing them home, or they may be due a vaccination. You never know when an emergency may happen, so being prepared is important.

• Keep vaccinations up to date.

• Use flea, tick, and worm prevention regularly. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for the dosage and time between each treatment.

• Microchip your dog, this is a legal requirement in the UK.

• Consider pet insurance for peace of mind. This helps with vet bills covering accidents or health issues; there are many providers out there and most offer several packages/options depending on what you need. Vet practices have a recommended or preferred insurance partner, but it doesn't mean you can't use another. Some will pay the vets directly, whereas others you claim it back from them once they've evaluated your claim and if your insurance covers the claim.

🩺 Red flags to watch for: Lethargy, vomiting, limping, not eating, not drinking, sudden behaviour changes — contact your vet if anything seems off.

📚 Training and Socialisation

• Start with basic commands: sit, stay, come, leave it. Use a positive but firm tone as dogs respond better as they will understand you are in charge, but you are not using a harsh tone or shouting as this will upset them and won't listen, but may scare them and reduce trust in you. 

• Use positive reinforcement — praise and treats (in moderation) work wonders. 

• Socialise early and safely: introduce them to different people, dogs, sounds, and experiences. If you have other pets, introduce them in a room that isn't too large that they won't interact or too small where they feel trapped. 

• Consider puppy classes for guided learning and interaction with other dogs.

💞 Final Thoughts

Patience + Love = A Happy Dog

The bond you build with your dog in the early weeks lays the foundation for a lifetime of love.  Expect challenges (chewed shoes, midnight barking, toilet mishaps), but remember: they’re learning, just like you.

With time, care, and cuddles, you’ll become your dog’s whole world — and they’ll become yours. 🐶💛

Poppy trusts me 100%, we've been together for 15 years and it is hard to explain the bond we have, she knows I'm the boss but also her bestie and mom; I am her life and she is mine. 

✨ Check out our other blogs on dogs covering these topics in more detail 🖥️