If you’re a first-time puppy owner, you’re probably bouncing between excitement and total confusion. Puppies are adorable, unpredictable and a lot of work, and those first few weeks come with a steep learning curve.
These first-time puppy owner tips cover the most common questions new pet parents ask.
1. What Supplies Should I Get for a Puppy?
Let’s start with the essentials. What supplies do you need for a puppy? At minimum, you’ll want:
- A flat collar and ID tag
- A 4- to 6-foot leash (plus poop bags)
- Stainless steel bowls for food and water
- A crate that fits their adult size
- A cozy bed or crate
- Chew-safe toys for teething
- Training treats
- Puppy food (ask your vet what’s best for their age and breed)
- A brush, nail trimmer, pet-safe shampoo and ear cleaner
2. When Should I Start Veterinary Care for a Puppy?
Veterinary care starts immediately. If your puppy didn’t get a vet check at the shelter or breeder, book one within the first 72 hours at home. Most puppies start vaccines at 6 to 8 weeks and get boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks old. At your first appointment, your vet will walk you through deworming, microchipping, flea and tick prevention, spay/neuter timing and early socialization.
3. Should Puppies Follow a Routine?
Puppies thrive on consistency, especially with sleep, meals, training and potty breaks. Feed them at the same times each day and take them outside right after eating, playing, napping or waking up. The rhythm helps your pup learn when to expect things and gives you predictable windows for accidents, naps and training wins.
Wondering where should a puppy sleep the first night? Many do best in a crate next to your bed. You’ll hear them if they need to go out, and they’ll feel safer knowing you’re close.
4. What Mistakes Should I Avoid?
Every first-time puppy owner slips up. The most common ones?
- Letting bad habits slide because they’re just a baby and so cute!
- Expecting perfect potty training in a week
- Skipping socialization out of fear they’ll get sick (hint: you can socialize safely!)
- Overusing the crate or using it as punishment
- Delaying insurance until something happens
5. Should New Puppies Have Insurance?
Puppies eat socks, leap off couches, chew zippers, and catch stomach bugs faster than you can say emergency vet visit. Signing up for pet insurance early helps you avoid pre-existing exclusions and sets you up for a smoother first year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Start Socializing My Puppy?
Right away. The ideal socialization window is between 3 and 12 weeks. Focus on gentle, positive exposure to new people, sounds, textures, dogs and indoor environments.
How Much Exercise Do Puppies Need?
About 5 to 10 minutes of light exercise per month of age, 1 to 2 times a day. Don’t overdo it. Puppy joints, ligaments and growth plates are still developing.
How Long Should Puppies Stay in a Crate?
Young pups can usually hold it for one hour per month of age (so a 3-month-old would be able to wait for 3 hours max. Use crates for naps, bedtime and short breaks instead of as confinement.