Labrador puppy black and white playing with red ball

Preparing for your puppy’s arrival

Welcoming a new puppy is an exciting, challenging and hugely rewarding time. If you’re well prepared, you can help your puppy settle faster and it’ll be more enjoyable for you too.

Getting ready for your puppy

There’s lots of things to do before you collect your puppy to make sure you’re ready for their arrival. As well as buying important equipment for them, it’s vital to make appropriate preparations at home too. Key things to consider are:

Pomeranian puppies black and white in red basket

How to puppy-proof your home

Puppies are curious and love to explore, so it’s important you make sure your home’s safe and secure for before you collect your new arrival. Here’s our checklist to help you prepare your home for your puppy.

1. Toxic houseplants

Many common houseplants are very dangerous for dogs and puppies, including, lilies, aloe vera, ivy, dieffenbachia, caladium, pothos, zamioculcas, cyclamen. It’s best to either keep all houseplants out of the way of your puppy, or double check to make sure yours don’t pose a threat for them.

2. Dangerous substances

Store chemicals, cleaning products, medicines and other toxic substances out of reach, or use child locks on your cupboards if needed. E-cigarette refills and screen wash are known to be particularly harmful for dogs.

3. Hazards

Puppies can easily fall or get stuck while they’re exploring. To keep them safe, use stair gates, keep windows and external doors closed and secure any balconies. Also make sure there are no spaces they can squeeze into and then get stuck.

4. Electrical cables and sockets

Electrical cables are very tempting for puppies to chew on and they can also get tangled in them. Hide yours away by using cable ties or covers, and also shield plug sockets with covers.

5. Small objects

Puppies like to explore things with their mouths, so put away any small items they could chew or swallow. This includes children’s toys, drawing pins, plastic bags and elastic bands. Also hide away anything else you wouldn’t want your puppy to chew, such as your shoes.

How to puppy-proof your garden

Your puppy will enjoy spending time outdoors, so you’ll need to make sure your garden’s safe for them to explore too. Here are some important things to consider.

1. Fencing and gates

Before your puppy arrives, make sure there are no gaps in your garden fencing or gates. And check there are no areas where your puppy could dig under or climb over to escape.

2. Toxic garden plants

As with houseplants, there’s a long list of outdoor plants that are poisonous to dogs. They include ficus, holly, mistletoe, philodendron, narcissus, hyacinth, iris, azalea, rhododendron, oleander, poinsettia and sweet pea. If you have poisonous plants in your garden, you’ll need to watch your puppy to make sure they stay away from them.

3. Tools and small objects

As with indoor puppy-proofing, remove small objects from your garden that puppies could swallow or choke on. And lock away your garden tools, especially those that are sharp.

4. Dangerous substances

Store all garden chemicals such as fertilisers, insecticides, paints and solvents away from your puppy’s reach in a locked area.

Things you'll need for your puppy

Before your puppy arrives, make sure you have everything you need to care for them and help them settle into their new home. Here are the essentials.

Checklist

Choose one that’s easy to clean and will suit your puppy as they grow.

These are useful for cleaning up any accidents, so make sure to get plenty in stock.

As an adult, your dog must have enough room to stand up, turn around, lie down and stretch out in their crate.

Stainless steel bowls work well as they can’t be chewed, are easy to clean and don’t rust, chip or break. Noise sensitive puppies may prefer plastic bowls.

Initially, this should be the same food your puppy's being fed before you collect them.

Buy toys, balls or treat-dispensing chews that are the right size for your puppy. Rubber dog toys are often more durable.

Choose a collar that will adjust as your puppy grows. And check it’s snug enough not to slip over their head.

Buy non-hazardous cleaning materials that don't have a strong scent to avoid your puppy associating the smell with toilet accidents.

Depending on your puppy's coat type, you may need a brush, comb or grooming mitt. You’ll also need nail clippers designed for dogs.

Choose a toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo that's specially designed for dogs.

English Cocker Spaniel standing on at tile floor sniffing a stainless steel bowl

Choose the right puppy food

Puppies have very delicate digestive systems and sudden changes in their diet can cause digestive upsets or even make them wary of their food. For this reason, it’s best to feed your puppy the same food as their previous owner for the first few days while they settle. Then you can slowly introduce your choice of puppy food that should support your puppy's growth.

Having the right diet is crucial for a puppy’s health, growth and development. At each stage, they need specific nutrients in precise quantities according to their breed size. So we recommend selecting a high quality puppy food based on your puppy’s age and expected adult size.

How to switch to new puppy food

When you’re ready to move to a new puppy food, make the transition slowly over a week-long period.

Read more
how to transition onto new food illustration
Labrador puppy black and white eating from red bowl

The importance of puppy nutrition

Learn how crucial your puppy’s diet is in helping them grow into healthy adults.

Feeding your puppy

Preparing your family and pets for your puppy

There’s lots to consider when bringing a puppy into your household to ensure everyone stays safe and your puppy settles smoothly.

Learn the best way to introduce your puppy to children, older family members, visitors and existing pets. 

Preparing your family

How to find a vet

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Finding a vet

Finding a great vet you can trust, who’ll help your puppy grow into a healthy adult, is an important aspect of being a pet owner. It’s best to find one before you collect your puppy because they may need a check-up a day or two after they arrive.

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What should you consider

One of the best ways to find a good vet is to ask friends and family for recommendations. You should also consider a vet’s:

  • Location – can you get there easily?
  • Premises – is it well equipped, well maintained and clean?
  • Services – are out-of-hours and preventative services available?
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Meet your vet first

It’s worth meeting the vet too before you decide so you can make sure they’re a good fit for you.

Once you’ve chosen a vet, make sure you and your family have easy access to the emergency number in case you ever need it.

White Poodle puppy being held by a vet
Puppy lying down on a table at the vets
Brown Labrador Retriever puppy sitting on a table being examined by a vet

Find a vet

It's important to have identified a local vet before collecting your puppy. Find a vet near you.

Find a vet
Jack Russell Terrier Adult standing in black and white on a white background
Dachshund puppies in black and white

Collecting and welcoming your puppy

The first days together with your pet are a chance to create a healthy foundation for their future. 

Collecting your puppy

Further reading

Puppy dog lying down in grass chewing a toy.

Essential items for your new puppy

Puppy Labrador Retriever lying down on a wooden floor and chewing a ball.

Preparing your home for your new puppy