Bringing your Puppy home

A guide for new Dogs West puppy owners.

Bringing your puppy home is an exciting time—but it’s also one of the biggest changes your new companion will ever experience. This transition from their breeder and littermates into your care requires patience, consistency, and understanding.
This guide will help you make your puppy’s first days at home calm, safe, and happy.

The Journey Home

The best time to bring your puppy home is usually between 8 and 10 weeks of age, once they’ve been properly weaned and socialised with their litter, and have had their first vaccination.
Bring a crate, secure carrier, or sturdy box lined with a soft blanket for the car ride home. Avoid holding your puppy loose in the car—it’s unsafe and can be overwhelming for them.
Choose a quiet, calm day to bring your puppy home, ideally early in the day so they have plenty of time to explore and settle before bedtime.
Keep excitement low—let your puppy explore at their own pace. Too many new faces, noises or cuddles can quickly become overwhelming.

Preparing Your Home

Before your puppy arrives, make sure you’ve set up a safe and welcoming environment.
Puppy-proofing checklist:
•    Check your fences and gates—no gaps, loose boards, or holes.
•    Block off stairs, decks or areas where your puppy could fall or escape.
•    Remove electrical cords, small objects, or toxic plants.
•    Create a designated sleeping area—a crate, playpen, or small enclosed space with soft bedding.
•    Keep their food and water bowls in a consistent, quiet spot.
Your puppy should have two safe zones: one inside (for rest) and one outside (for play and toileting).

Introducing Your Puppy to Other Pets

If you have existing pets, keep routines consistent and introductions calm.
•    Let pets meet in a neutral outdoor space first.
•    Keep leads on for safety but loose to allow natural interaction.
•    Supervise all interactions—keep sessions short and positive.
•    Reward calm, gentle behaviour from both animals.
It may take a few days or weeks before everyone feels settled, and that’s perfectly normal.

Feeding and Equipment

Ask your breeder what food your puppy has been eating—keeping the same diet for the first week helps prevent tummy upsets.
If you plan to change brands, transition gradually over 7–10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food.
Essentials for your new puppy:
•    Food and water bowls (non-slip)
•    Puppy food (as recommended by your breeder or vet)
•    Collar, ID tag and lead
•    Crate or playpen
•    Bedding and blankets
•    Brush or comb suitable for their coat
•    Puppy-safe toys
•    Poo bags and cleaning supplies

Toilet Training

All puppies need frequent toilet breaks—especially after eating, sleeping, or playing.
Take your puppy to the same outdoor spot each time, stay with them, and praise immediately when they go. Avoid punishment—accidents are part of learning.
Most puppies will be mostly toilet trained by 12–16 weeks with consistency and supervision.

Typical toilet times:
• After waking up
• After meals
• After playtime
• Before bedtime

The First Nights

Your puppy may cry or whine at night as they adjust to being alone.
•    Keep their bed in a quiet, warm spot.
•    Offer a soft toy or a blanket that smells like their litter.
•    A ticking clock or soft night light can help soothe them.
•    Avoid scolding or giving in when they cry—comforting only teaches that noise brings attention.
Consistency, patience, and reassurance will help your puppy settle in within a few nights.

Early Learning and Socialisation

Start gentle training right away using positive reinforcement—praise, treats, and patience. Teach simple commands like sit, come, and leave it.
Short, fun sessions are best—just a few minutes at a time.
Expose your puppy to different people, surfaces, and safe experiences to help them grow into a confident adult dog.
Explore Dogs West’s training clubs and puppy programs:

Health Care

Your breeder will have begun your puppy’s vaccination and worming schedule. Continue with your vet:
•    Vaccinations: at 6–8, 10–12, and 14–16 weeks
•    Worming: every 2 weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly
•    Flea and tick prevention: as recommended by your vet
•    Heartworm prevention: start at 12 weeks (check with your vet)
If you do not plan to breed, discuss desexing with your vet—timing depends on your puppy’s breed and growth.

Bringing Your Puppy Home Checklist

Before your puppy arrives, make sure you have:
☐ Safe and secure property
☐ Food and water bowls
☐ Bedding and crate or pen
☐ Puppy food and treats
☐ Collar, ID tag, and lead
☐ Brush and grooming tools
☐ Vet appointment booked
☐ Information from your breeder (vaccination record, microchip details, feeding plan, certified Registration Certificate)
☐ Time and patience to help your puppy settle

A calm, structured start sets the foundation for a lifetime of good habits, confidence, and trust.
Dogs West encourages all new owners to stay in touch with their breeder, local club, and vet for ongoing advice and support.