Dogs
Mar 28, 2025
So, you’ve just brought home a new puppy — or maybe you’re thinking about it. First off, big congratulations! You’re in for a whole lot of love, a bit of mess, and plenty of tail wags.
Whether you’ve adopted a rescue from a shelter, bought from a breeder, or just need a refresher on how to take care of a puppy, this guide is here to help. Let us ease your worries and reinforce your confidence as a pet owner.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the puppy stages — from those early baby weeks to the big milestones like training, feeding, and even when to neuter. We’ll cover the must-dos, the common mistakes, and everything in between so you can raise a happy, healthy pup that fits right in with your family.
Before the Pawprints: Preparing for Your Puppy’s Arrival (0–8 Weeks)
The first eight weeks of a puppy’s life are full of important changes. Even though most new owners don’t bring their puppy home until they’re around eight weeks old, it helps to understand what your pup has already experienced by then. These early stages shape their behaviour, health, and personality.
Understanding Puppy Development Milestones
Neonatal Stage (0–2 weeks)
During the first two weeks, puppies rely completely on their mother. They spend most of their time sleeping and feeding. Breeders or foster parents should ensure newborn pups stay warm, fed, and safe.
Transitional Stage (2–4 weeks)
Between two and four weeks, puppies start to open their eyes and ears. They begin to move around a little and respond to light, sound, and touch. The transitional stage is also when they start to interact more with their littermates.
Socialization Window (4–8 weeks)
The socialization period is when puppies learn the basics of how to interact with other dogs and people. They start to play, explore, and become more aware of their surroundings.
Puppy-Proofing Your Home
Before your puppy comes home, it’s important to know how to puppy-proof your house. Puppies explore with their mouths and can easily get into trouble if things are left within reach.
Loose wires, small objects, shoes, and household cleaners should all be moved out of sight. Items like bins, low cupboards, and even some plants can also be tempting or dangerous, so it’s best to keep those off-limits. Using baby gates can help block off rooms or staircases and create a safe area just for your puppy.
Setting up a quiet corner with a soft bed or crate gives them a space to relax when they feel tired or overwhelmed. Creating a calm, safe environment helps your puppy settle in faster and prevents early accidents or injuries.
Must-Have Puppy Essentials
Getting your home ready with the right pet supplies can make those first days a lot easier.
Food and water bowls: Choose sturdy, non-slip bowls that are easy to clean.
Crate or bed: A soft, cosy bed or crate provides a safe place to rest.
Chew toys and grooming tools: Puppies need things to chew, especially while teething. Gentle brushes and basic grooming tools also help build good habits early on.
Puppy-safe cleaning supplies: Accidents are part of the process. Enzyme-based cleaners remove smells and stains, which helps prevent repeat messes.
Leash and collar: Once your puppy starts to move around more, a leash and collar will allow you to keep them within arm’s reach and show ownership–they belong to you.
Picking the Right Pup for Your Lifestyle
Choosing the right puppy is about more than how they look. The best match is one that suits your routine, home, and energy level.
Families with children may prefer gentle, patient breeds. Busy households might do better with an independent pup that can be left alone. Some dogs need lots of exercise, while others are happy with a bit of playtime and a nap. Mixed-breed dogs can be fantastic companions, but they may be more unpredictable in size and needs as they grow.
Spending time researching breeds, talking to rescue centres or breeders, and thinking about your long-term lifestyle will help you choose a puppy that fits right in — now and for years to come.
Bringing Your Puppy Home: What to Expect (8–12 Weeks)
The first 8 to 12 weeks at home are all about helping your puppy feel safe, loved, and part of the family. Everything is new to them — new smells, new people, and a brand new routine.
Introduce a Name They’ll Love
Choosing a name is one of the first steps in making your puppy feel like part of the family. Keep it short, clear, and easy to say — ideally one or two syllables. Names that are too long or sound like common commands can be confusing.
Once you’ve chosen a name, use it often in a positive way. Say it when you’re giving praise, calling them for meals, or offering a treat. Repeating their name with a happy tone helps your puppy make the connection quickly. Over time, they’ll learn to respond with excitement, knowing something good is coming their way.
Feeding Basics: What, When, and How
A proper feeding routine supports your puppy’s growth and helps with training, too. Stick with the same puppy food they were eating before coming home, at least for the first few days. Any sudden changes can upset their tummy.
Puppies at this age usually eat three to four small meals a day. Keep mealtimes calm and consistent, and always provide clean, fresh water. Provide a designated feeding area to build a routine and help with toilet training. If you plan to change their food, do it gradually over 7 to 10 days by mixing in the new food with the old food bit by bit.
Feeding is also a great time to teach patience. Ask your puppy to “sit” before putting the bowl down. These little habits now will help as they grow.
Vet Check-ups and Vaccination Schedule
Your puppy should visit trusted and verified vet clinics within a few days of arriving home. This first check-up is a chance to make sure they’re healthy. Also, take this chance to get them started with their vaccinations for disease and parasite prevention.
Your vet will likely recommend a vaccination schedule that includes protection against diseases like parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and leptospirosis. Most puppies get their first jab at around 6 to 8 weeks and a second one at 10 to 12 weeks.
Along with vaccinations, your vet can also guide you on flea, tick, and worm treatments, as well as when to consider desexing. These early appointments also help your puppy get used to being handled and make vet visits a normal, stress-free part of life.
Beginning House Training
Puppies don’t have full control over their bladder and bowels, so patience and routine are key.
When potty training puppies, take them outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after play, and before bed. Praise them gently every time they potty in the right spot. Treats and words of affirmation go a long way here.
Accidents are normal. Never punish your puppy — it can lead to fear and confusion. Instead, clean the area well and stick with the routine. Over time, your puppy will learn where they’re meant to go potty, especially if you stay consistent and encouraging.
Raising a Well-Behaved Puppy: Training and Socialisation (12 Weeks Onward)
Now that your puppy has settled in and has had their second round of vaccinations, it’s time to start building their confidence in the world around them.
Exposure to People, Pets, Sounds, and Places
Socialisation is about helping your puppy get used to the world in a safe and positive way. Take short trips to parks, walk on different surfaces, and introduce your puppy to things like bicycles, prams, and umbrellas.
Let them meet other friendly, fully vaccinated dogs and people of all ages. Don’t force it — if your puppy seems unsure, stay calm and give them space.
The goal here isn’t to “teach” anything but to show your pup that the world isn’t so scary. Early social experiences have a big impact on how they’ll behave as adults.
Teaching the Basics
Training starts with simple cues and good manners. “Sit, stay, come, and leave it” are great commands to begin with. Use treats, toys, or praise to reward your puppy when they get it right. Keep training sessions short — around 5 to 10 minutes — and always end on a positive note.
Use the same words and gestures each time. Everyone in the household should be on the same page, too.
It’s also a good time to enrol in a puppy training class if you haven’t already. A group setting adds new interactions, and working with a trainer gives you more tools to support your puppy’s progress.
Handling and Grooming Habits Early
Getting your puppy used to being touched makes vet visits, grooming, and daily care much easier down the road. Start by gently handling their paws, ears, and mouth for a few seconds each day. Give them a treat afterward, so they learn to associate handling with something positive.
Introduce grooming tools like brushes and nail clippers slowly. Let them sniff and explore the items first. Keep sessions short and calm, especially at the start. This helps prevent fear or fuss later on.
Bonding with Your Puppy
Spend time together with your puppy and find things you both can enjoy.
Talk to your puppy in a calm and friendly way, and pay attention to their body language. Over time, you’ll learn how they communicate, and they’ll start looking to you for guidance and comfort.
This relationship is the heart of everything else — training, behaviour, and even health all go more smoothly when your puppy feels secure and connected to you.
Adolescence and Beyond: Life After 6 Months
By six months, your puppy is growing fast and starting to look more like a full-sized dog — but don’t be fooled. They’re still learning, still testing boundaries, and still very much in need of your guidance.
Neutering and Spaying
Most vets recommend neutering or spaying your puppy around this age, depending on their size, breed, and health. This is a simple procedure that helps prevent unwanted litter and can reduce the risk of some health and behaviour problems.
Transitioning to Adult Dog Food
Puppy food is packed with extra nutrients for growth, but once their bones and muscles are mostly developed, it’s time to switch to an adult formula.
Your vet can help you decide when to make the change. Most dogs transition somewhere between 6 and 12 months, depending on their size. Larger breeds often stay on puppy food a bit longer.
When you do make the switch, do it gradually. Mix a small amount of adult food with their puppy food, and increase the adult portion over 7 to 10 days.
Advanced Training and Life Skills
After 6 months, your puppy should be getting the hang of the basics — but the learning doesn’t stop here. In fact, this is the perfect time to build on what they know and teach more advanced skills.
Things like walking calmly on a leash, coming when called even with distractions, and staying calm around other dogs are all part of becoming a well-behaved adult dog. Keep using positive reinforcement, be consistent with your cues or commands, and continue to make learning fun.
You might also explore new activities like agility, scent games, or longer bushwalks.
Staying on Track with Health
Routine care doesn’t stop once the puppy stage is over. Regular vet check-ups, flea and worm treatments, and vaccinations will always be part of your dog’s ongoing health plan. Keep an eye on their teeth, ears, and coat, too — early signs of problems are much easier to treat.
This is also a good time to think about dental care and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular brushing and the right food can help prevent issues down the road.
Common Puppy Mistakes to Avoid (The Don'ts)
Here are some common things to avoid, along with simple ways to stay on the right track.
Rushing potty training or punishing accidents.
Potty training takes time, and your puppy is still learning how to control their body. Accidents will happen, especially in the early weeks.
Punishing a puppy for accidental messes inside only causes confusion and fear. They won’t understand what they did wrong—they’ll just learn to hide it. Instead, focus on routine, take them outside regularly, and give lots of praise when they get it right.
Overexposure during socialisation.
Socialising your puppy is important, but too much too soon can be overwhelming. Loud noises, crowded places, or meeting too many new dogs in one day can leave your puppy stressed and fearful.
Start small and build gradually. Let your puppy explore new places at their own pace. Watch for signs that they’re feeling unsure, and give them space when they need it.
Skipping puppy-proofing.
Even the calmest puppy can get into mischief. Leaving wires, shoes, or household items within reach can lead to chewed-up belongings or, worse, a trip to the vet.
Take a few minutes to check your home from a puppy’s point of view. Tidy cables, keep anything sharp or toxic hidden, and block off unsafe areas.
Ignoring early signs of health or behavior issues.
Small changes in behaviour—like a lack of appetite, tiredness, or being unusually shy or jumpy can be signs of something more serious. The same goes for limping, scratching, or changes in toilet habits.
It’s always better to ask than wait. Trust your instincts and reach out to your vet if something doesn’t feel right.
Delaying vet visits or training.
Some owners wait too long to see the vet or start training, thinking their puppy will grow out of certain habits. But early support makes everything easier — from health checks to basic obedience.
Getting into a regular routine with your vet builds trust and keeps your puppy on track. Starting training early helps your pup learn what’s expected in a kind, clear way. The sooner you begin, the smoother things will go later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do when I get a puppy for the first time?
Start by setting up a quiet, safe space where your puppy can eat, sleep, and explore. Stick to a daily routine, begin toilet training from day one, and visit the vet for a health check and vaccinations. Keep things calm as they settle in.
2. Where is the best place for a puppy to sleep on the first night?
Set up their bed or crate somewhere quiet but close to you. Being nearby helps them feel safe and lets you take them out if they need the toilet. Keep the space cosy and free from distractions.
3. How much exercise does a puppy need?
Use the "five-minute per month" rule — for example, a 3-month-old pup can have about 15 minutes of gentle exercise, twice a day. Short walks and playtime are better than long outings at this age.
4. What should I do if my puppy cries at night?
Check calmly to see if they need to go potty or feel unsettled. Avoid too much attention or play, then guide them back to bed. With time and routine, they’ll settle on their own.
5. How do I potty-train a puppy the right way?
Take them outside regularly, especially after eating, sleeping, or playing. Praise them when they go in the right spot, and clean up any accidents without fuss. Routine and patience make all the difference.
