Overview
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting but can feel overwhelming. Our experienced vet has put together answers to the most commonly asked questions by puppy owners to help you give your new family member the best start in life.
1. What should be on my new puppy checklist?
Before bringing your puppy home, make sure you have the essentials ready:
Comfortable bed and possibly a crate
High-quality puppy food and appropriate food/water bowls
Collar, harness, and lead
ID tag (a legal requirement in the UK)
Puppy-safe chew toys
Puppy pads if you're toilet training indoors
Vet appointment booked for vaccinations and a health check
We know that there's lots of options to choose from for every item on this list. That's why we've put together a full guide on what your puppy checklist should include, how to pick out the right products, and how to use them properly at home.
2. What should I expect on my puppy's first night?
Your puppy's first night in their new home can be challenging as they adjust to being away from their littermates. Create a quiet, warm sleeping area and take them for a toilet break just before bedtime. A ticking clock or heartbeat toy can be comforting as it mimics the presence of their mother and siblings.
Expect some whining or crying, particularly if they're in a crate. Comfort them if they seem distressed, but try not to reinforce crying by giving too much attention each time. Be prepared for some disrupted sleep at first, as your puppy needs time to adjust to their new surroundings. Young puppies may still need to go outside for a toilet overnight, or early in the morning, so offer them the chance to go if they seem unsettled.
3. How do I calm my puppy down?
When puppies get overexcited, they often need help to settle. Providing structured playtime helps burn off energy, but it's equally important to encourage rest periods throughout the day. Puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep daily, and overtired puppies often become hyperactive.
After exercise or play sessions, try calming activities like gentle stroking, a chew toy, or offering a licking mat with a small amount of soft food. Sticking to a consistent daily routine helps reduce overstimulation and creates predictability, which most puppies find reassuring.
4. How much and how often should I feed my puppy?
Puppies need more regular meals than adult dogs:
8-12 weeks: Four small meals daily
3-6 months: Three meals daily
6+ months: Two meals daily
It’s best to feed your puppy a complete puppy food that matches their size and breed. Follow the feeding guide on the pack, but be prepared to adjust based on your vet's advice and your puppy's growth. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to your puppy gaining weight which can, in turn, impact growth and joint health, especially in larger breeds. For more information, check out our full guide to your puppy's diet.
5. How big will my puppy get?
Your puppy's adult size depends on their breed and genetics. Small breeds like Chihuahuas usually reach their full size by 6-9 months, while medium breeds such as Cockapoos continue growing until they're 9-12 months old.
Larger breeds like Labradors take longer to mature, often continuing to grow until 12-18 months. Giant breeds such as Great Danes may take up to 2 years to fully mature. Your vet can give you a more accurate prediction based on your puppy's breed and growth rate.
6. What vaccinations does my puppy need?
Your puppy will need several important vaccinations to protect them from serious preventable diseases. The core vaccines include distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis, with the first set given at around six to eight weeks and the second at 10-12 weeks. Your vet may also recommend other vaccines based on your puppy's lifestyle, such as kennel cough if they'll be meeting lots of other dogs or attending training classes.
7. How do I start toilet training my puppy?
Toilet training your puppy requires patience and consistency. Start as soon as your puppy comes home:
Take them outside frequently, especially after meals, waking up and playtime
Choose a specific toilet spot in your garden and take them there each time
Praise and reward them immediately when they go in the right place
Supervise them indoors so you can spot signs they need to go
If accidents happen, clean thoroughly without punishment. Most puppies get the hang of toilet training within 4-6 months, though some may take longer. Our full guide will walk you through puppy toilet training step-by-step, including what you'll need to do in the night times and if you live in a flat or apartment.
8. What is crate training and how does it help?
A crate provides your puppy with their own safe space and helps with toilet training, as dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. Choose the right size: they need enough room to stand, turn and lie down but not so big that they can use one end as a toilet.
Make it welcoming with comfortable bedding and toys, introduce it gradually with treats and praise, and never use it as punishment. The crate should be a positive place your puppy chooses to go, not somewhere they're forced to stay.
9. How can I stop my puppy from biting?
Puppy biting is normal, but it often happens when they’re overstimulated, tired, or teething. If your puppy gets nippy during play or in the evenings, it may be a sign they need a break. Instead of telling them off, take them to a quiet space with a safe chew to help them wind down. Some puppies bite when they don’t want to be touched — this is their way of saying “not now”. Give them space and let them come to you when they’re ready.
Around four months old, teething can make them more sensitive, so avoid tug games and stick to gentle play. Use toys to keep their mouths busy to help them settle. With patience and consistent routines, most puppies grow out of biting.
10. What should I know about puppy teething?
Puppy teething typically starts at around three weeks and finish by about seven months. During this time your puppy might drool more and chew everything they find, and you may notice that their gums look slightly red or sore. You should try providing safe, puppy-specific chew toys to soothe their sore gums. It’s also worth freezing soft toys or a damp flannel to provide extra relief for inflamed gums. Remember to check your puppy's mouth regularly for problems like retained baby teeth. Teething is temporary but can be uncomfortable — knowing how to help your puppy through teething can make it a lot nicer for them, and less worrying for you.
11. When can I bathe my puppy?
Most puppies can have their first bath at eight weeks old, but only bathe them at this age if it’s really necessary. Use lukewarm water and a mild puppy shampoo to protect their delicate skin. Make bath time a positive experience by offering treats and praise, and avoid overbathing. Once a month is usually enough unless they get particularly dirty.
Dry your puppy thoroughly after bathing, especially in cooler weather, and keep bathing sessions brief to prevent them from getting cold or overly stressed.
12. When can I start walking my puppy outside?
Your puppy's first walk and their safe exploration the wider world can start one week after their second vaccinations, usually at around 12 weeks old. Before this:
Carry them outside for early socialisation experiences.
Let them meet vaccinated, friendly dogs in secure areas.
Practise lead walking in your garden or home.
Even short walks tire puppies out. The most important rule is to build exercise amounts slowly and consistently. A good rule of thumb is five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice daily. So a three-month-old puppy needs about 15 minutes, twice a day. Avoid over-exercising young puppies as their joints are still developing.
13. How do I introduce my puppy to other dogs?
Start with a veterinary-led puppy socialisation class. It’s a safe, supervised way to help your puppy meet friendly dogs and build confidence. Before meeting dogs out and about, check your puppy’s vaccinations are up to date. Your vet can advise when it’s safe.
Begin with calm, well-socialised dogs in neutral spaces like a garden or park. Keep leads loose and let them sniff and approach in their own time. Watch for wagging tails and relaxed body language, and pause things if either pup seems unsure.
Keep socialisation and play sessions short, positive, and always supervised. Use praise and treats to reward calm behaviour. Some puppies make friends quickly, others need time. If you’re ever unsure, your vet or vet nurse can help.
Need more help with your new puppy?
Pet Health Club makes caring for your new family member simpler and more affordable with a monthly plan that includes:
Unlimited vet consultations whenever you need advice
All essential vaccinations to keep your puppy protected
Year-round flea and worm treatments delivered to your door
24/7 access to qualified vets through our online service
Significant discounts on treatments, medications and pet food
Regular health checks to spot any issues early
Join Pet Health Club today from just £22.99 a month. It will give you peace of mind knowing your puppy's healthcare is covered. Find your nearest Pet Health Club vet practice with our Find a Vet tool, or visit our website to sign up.
Medically reviewed by
Published on 16/04/2025 • Reviewed on 16/04/2025