Bringing Home a Puppy: 7 Tips to Start Off Right
- sappypawspups
- Jul 19
- 2 min read
From the heart of Sappy Paws – where puppies are family.
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a joyful milestone—but it also comes with questions, challenges, and lots of learning (for both you and your pup!). Whether you're a first-time dog owner or just brushing up, here are 7 simple but important tips to help you give your new puppy the best start possible.
Bringing Home a Puppy: 7 Tips to Start Off Right
1. Prepare a Puppy-Safe Space
Before your pup even arrives, set up a cozy area just for them. This should include a comfy crate or bed, fresh water, some starter toys, and perhaps a soft blanket. We provide all our pups with a home care package to help with the transition! Having a calm, predictable space helps ease anxiety and provides a sense of security.
2. Stick to a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine! Meal times, potty breaks, naps, and play sessions should follow a general daily rhythm. This helps your puppy adjust faster and learn what’s expected—especially when it comes to house training.
3. Short & Positive Training Moments
Start simple commands early like “sit,” “stay,” or “come.” Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and full of positive reinforcement. Training doesn’t need to be perfect right away—it’s about bonding, trust-building, and consistency.
4. Socialization is Key
Expose your puppy gently to new people, places, sounds, and textures. Walk on different surfaces, meet kind kids, and visit dog-friendly areas. Puppies are impressionable and will adapt quickly to the environments they're exposed to! (Please make sure your pup's vaccines are up to date to ensure they are best protected when exploring new places.)
5. Potty Training Patience
Even if your pup had a great start (like many from Sappy Paws!), accidents can still happen in a new home. Stick to scheduled potty times, praise every success, LOTS of positive reinforcement and stay patient. Consistency truly pays off.
6. Health Starts Early
Sappy Paws proudly provides a one year health guarantee. All of our pups are also treated for common puppy bacterias and have received their first puppy vaccines. We recommend you make your first vet appointment within a few days of bringing your puppy home. A wellness check, vaccine plan, and flea/tick prevention go a long way in ensuring your pup grows strong and healthy!
7. Give Lots of Love & Grace
The early days can be messy and tiring—but they’re also so special. Remember: your puppy is learning a whole new world. With gentle guidance and lots of love, you'll build a bond that lasts a lifetime.
At Sappy Paws, we believe a dog is more than a pet—they’re family. That’s why we focus not just on raising happy, healthy pups, but also on supporting families through every step of the journey.
Got questions? Looking for more information? Contact us anytime! Call/Text 541.990.4505
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