Bringing home a new puppy is exciting — and a little chaotic! This quick guide covers the essential things new owners need to know to start off on the right paw.
What to Prepare Before Your Puppy Arrives
Essential items:
- Bed or soft blankets
- Food and water bowls
- Puppy food
- Training treats
- Chew toys
- Puppy-safe cleaning spray
- Baby gates or a playpen
- Crate (if you would like to crate train your puppy).
- Collar, harness & lead
- ID tag
Setting up playpen, baby gates and crates before your puppy arrives keeps those first days calm and comfortable.
Establish a Simple Daily Routine
Puppies thrive on predictable structure. Create a routine for:
- Wake-up time
- Meals
- Toilet breaks
- Short training sessions
- Playtime
- Bedtime
A consistent structure helps your puppy settle faster and reduces stress.
Toilet Training Basics
Keep it simple and consistent:
- Take your puppy out every 1–2 hours (more regularly for smaller breeds)
- Always go out after your puppy wakes up, eats, plays, and after training.
- Reward immediately after they finish outside.
- Supervise closely to prevent accidents, do not punish your puppy if he has an accident and clean up with your specialist cleaner.
Expect the occasional setback — it’s normal.
Managing Puppy Biting & Chewing
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. To keep them (and your hands!) safe:
- Redirect biting to chew toys.
- Give plenty of safe chew options.
- Avoid rough play that encourages biting.
- Provide plenty of mental stimulation.
- Provide enough naps — tired puppies bite more.
Sleep & Down-Time
Puppies need lots of rest — often 18–20 hours a day.
Overtired puppies become bitey, hyper, and frustrated. Build in regular nap times to prevent meltdowns.
Building a Confident, Happy Puppy
Confidence-building prevents anxiety, fear, and reactivity later.
Try:
- Short solo play sessions
- Exploring new surfaces
- Easy puzzle toys
- Gentle handling exercises
- Rewarding calm behaviour around new things
Final Tip
Keep things simple, go at your puppy’s pace, and celebrate small wins. A little consistency goes a long way toward raising a happy, well-mannered companion.
Dog Training Fun is the Secret to Success
Dog training should strengthen your bond, not test it.
When you keep sessions light, playful, and positive, you’ll have a dog who wants to learn — and a trainer (that’s you!) who enjoys every moment of it.
So grab your treats, bring your best smile, and make dog training fun again — your four-legged student will love you for it.
📸 Share Your Training Journey!
Tag @Happipup or use #TrainWithHappipup on Instagram to show off your progress. We love seeing our pups learn and grow with love!