What to note when bringing home a new dog

Picture your new puppy trembling in the corner of your living room—those first days set the tone for a lifetime of trust. Let’s explore essential steps with real pet parent stories, blending behavioral science with practical advice for a smooth transition.

Start with a veterinary checkup within 24 hours. My neighbor’s rescue pup, Bella, showed no symptoms but had parasites—"Early deworming prevents anemia," her vet said. In the EU, microchipping is mandatory within 30 days; in the US, rabies vaccination laws vary by state—check local regulations immediately.

Create a safe den space. My Golden Retriever, Max, thrived in a crate lined with his breeder’s blanket. "Enclosed spaces mimic den instincts, reducing anxiety," a behaviorist explains. Place the crate in a quiet area, avoiding high-traffic zones that trigger stress.

Establish a consistent feeding routine. When I switched Max’s food abruptly, he had diarrhea—"Gradually mix old and new food over 7 days," my nutritionist advised. Measure portions by weight: a 10kg puppy needs 200–300g of high-protein kibble daily, split into 3 meals.

House training starts on day one. Take your puppy out every 2 hours—after eating, sleeping, or playing. Max learned to ring a bell by the door within a week: "Positive reinforcement works faster than scolding," my trainer says. In Germany, neglecting house training violates animal welfare laws.

Socialization must be gradual and positive. Introduce your puppy to one new person daily, using treats for calm behavior. Bella feared men until we invited gentle visitors: "Trauma from early experiences lingers," a behaviorist warns. Avoid overwhelming them with crowds initially.

Vaccination schedules are non-negotiable. Core vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus) protect against deadly diseases. "Puppies lose maternal antibodies by 8 weeks—vaccines fill the gap," my vet says. Keep a digital record; in France, a pet passport tracks vaccinations legally.

Crate training builds security. Max’s crate became his "happy place" during storms—"Associate the crate with treats and praise, never punishment," my trainer advises. Never use the crate as isolation; in the UK, prolonged crate use is considered inhumane.

Monitor sleep patterns closely. Puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep daily. When Bella stayed awake for hours, her vet found an ear infection—"Exhaustion can signal illness in puppies," she said. Create a dark, quiet sleep area free from disturbances.

Dietary precautions matter immensely. Avoid table scraps—my friend’s puppy developed pancreatitis from turkey skin. "Puppy stomachs can’t handle human fats," a gastro vet warns. Stick to AAFCO-certified puppy food; in Canada, unregulated diets face recall risks.

Leash training begins with positive associations. Let your puppy sniff the leash first, then reward wearing it. Max hated his collar until we used chicken treats: "Force-free methods build trust," a trainer says. In Sweden, choke collars are banned—use harnesses for gentle guidance.

Record daily habits in a journal. Track feeding times, bathroom breaks, and behavior changes. When Max skipped meals, his journal helped diagnose food allergies—"Data helps vets spot trends," my vet says. Apps like Puppy Log simplify tracking for busy owners.

Emergency preparedness is crucial. Assemble a first-aid kit with gauze, tweezers, and hydrogen peroxide. Save the nearest emergency vet’s number—my neighbor drove 45 minutes during Bella’s seizure: "Know your local resources ahead of crises," she advises.

Bringing home a new dog is both thrilling and challenging. For Max, structured routines meant confidence; for Bella, patience cured her fears. "The first 30 days shape their lifelong behavior—invest in kindness and consistency," my behaviorist says. With care, your new companion will blossom into a happy, healthy member of the family.