Paw-fect puppy paradise: How to raise a puppy

Updated 14/06/2024

Congratulations, you’re a puppy parent! Not only are we incredibly jealous, but we’re also delighted to hear you’ve extended your fur family. So, what next? What are the dos and don’ts of how to raise a puppy? How can you make sure you bring up a happy baby barker who is also a good puppy?

As you know, bringing a puppy home requires lots of planning, patience, and persistence. Some people compare raising a puppy to raising a hairy toddler, and we can see why. There are so many things to think about daily, as well as training and making sure they’re not starting any mischief.

So, help out, we’ve listed some top tips and key canine knowledge to guide you, the new pup parent, on how to raise a puppy. On your barks, get set, go!

When can a puppy leave its mother?

The average healthy puppy will be ready for their forever home when they’re over 8 weeks old. However, some reputable breeders will sometimes wait until they’re closer to 10 or 12 weeks old. Dog mom will do all the puppy raising until they’re about 7 or 8 weeks old, at this time they should be mostly eating solid food and learning to play with their siblings.  

As dog mom will produce milk for up to 10 weeks after giving birth, some breeders believe that it’s better for the pup’s development. According to a study by Cornell Veterinary University:

“But if the breeder is putting in that time and effort to give the puppies a great foundation, then the extra time with their litter can be very beneficial to both you and your new puppy.”

This can mean a more adjusted dog in the future who is easier to train and happier to socialize.

Bringing a puppy home: how to prepare

Puppy proofing

Tidy away those tiny trinkets, remove all wires, pad and protect sharp corners, and block off anything you don’t want to be chewed or jumped on. Within the first 24 hours of their arrival, your new puppy will be quick to find anything accidentally left out that they can sink their tiny teeth into.

One tip before you plan to bring your puppy home: Explore their area at their level. Yep, that’s right pet people, we recommend kneeling or crouching down to their height (if you’re able to) and exploring their assigned area to spot any loose bits of carpet, easy-to-open draws, or pushable plant pots.

Stockpile those chew toys

Even before their adult teeth have come through, puppies will chew on anything they can find - tables, chairs, doorways, your fingers, nothing is safe from these tiny terrors! Teething normally starts at about 3 to 4 months, so not long after arriving in their new homes. This can be a tough time for puppers and you. We borrowed a great quote from the American Kennel Club:

“The teething process is very uncomfortable for a puppy. Your job as a responsible owner is to provide something your pup can chew on to soothe sore gums and help make this process a little more comfortable. By doing so, you’ll be preventing the puppy from finding something on his own to chew, whether it’s your shoes, your couch, or your children’s toys.”

So, time to stockpile those chew toys! Make sure you have a range of chew types, materials, and options. Puppies quickly lose interest in one thing, so while they may love their rubber squeaky bone one morning, by the afternoon they might be more taken with a dog-safe stuffed toy. Encouraging tug-of-war, fetch, and any form of playtime is also a key part of puppy training.

Disposable pee mats

Potty training accidents will happen, it’s all part of the glamourous pup parent life! To be as prepared as possible for oopsies and uh-ohs, be sure to stock up on disposable pee mats. These are a great way of house training your puppy by designating an area where they can learn to go while still potty training. Nighttime accidents will be less of a hassle in the morning too!

Puppy training tips

Potty and house training

Every puppy will develop differently and house training can be the most testing for many pup parents. Ideally, potty breaks for puppies should be done every hour, after each meal, just before bedtime, and as soon as they wake up. Even with the help of disposable pee mats, potty training won’t happen straight away and requires a lot of patient persistence. If you’re ever worried about house training issues, talk to your vet.

Leash training

Your puppy’s first leash doesn’t need to be an expensive one, in fact, nylon leads make excellent first-time leashes. Not only are they comfortable and sturdy, they’re machine washable. You may want to consider multiple washable leashes while training your pup, as chewing and playing with them is common initially.

All pup parents will have a preference for harnesses or collars, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Whatever you decide, leash training can start from day 1 and doesn't need to be reserved for potty training or walks. Keep their collar or harness on with their leash attached throughout their day to help them adjust to it and also keep them safe.

Crate training and puppy gates

As much as puppies need to be allowed to explore and check out their new home, they also need strict boundaries. A puppy with too much freedom is more likely to accidentally hurt yourself and cause damage to your home. Crates and puppy gates offer secure boundaries for safety and training. A crate for nighttime and sleeping offers the puppy their own quiet space to relax whilst also keeping them safe.

Related article: Crate training a puppy: A step-by-step guide to success

How to raise a calm puppy

On the flip side, a chilled and relaxed home environment can help your puppy learn how to be collected and content canine. However, although learning how to raise a calm puppy is listed as a part of basic puppy training, your bark baby’s temperament will depend upon its breed, genetics, and personality. All puppies are unique with different amounts of energy and curiosity. Even though you may know every trick in the book, or perhaps you’ve hired the best professional trainer, some puppies just have an easier-to-find off-switch than others.

The importance of socializing your puppy

Socializing your puppy must be done with both humans and other dogs as soon as possible. Not only does it reduce daily anxiety and stress for your pupper, but it’s also to keep everyone around your pup safe. Fear of humans and other dogs can end up in some unfortunate situations because of a lack of socialization. Regular human and doggo interactions each day will help them learn they’ve nothing to fear.

Even as small blobs of fur, a puppy already has strong instincts, one of which is resource-guarding. Early socialization with other dogs can help them learn how to share their food and toys with others, or at least how to calmly tolerate others around their things. Resource-guarding is a form of aggressive behavior that can lead to unsafe habits like growling or snapping if it isn’t dealt with quickly.

Extra tips for raising a puppy

Feeding times as they grow

The first meal your newly weaned pup should have in their forever home should be the kibble their breeder has been feeding them. To move them onto your puppy food of choice, slowly start to mix the two types for each meal to help their tummies adjust. Small, sensitive stomachs can’t handle new or too much food at once, so take your time.

As your pupper grows and develops, it’ll need different types of nutrients depending on which stage of growth they’re at. Make sure that the food you purchase is recommended for their age and size. If in doubt then speak to your vet for advice.

Exercise and walking

Although they can be bundles of energy, puppies tire easily and can be susceptible to over-exercise. Make sure you allow your puppy plenty of rest opportunities throughout the day and avoid doing anything too strenuous. While leash, led, and harness training are essential, this can be done in the safety of their own home and not just on walkies. Talk to your vet about how much exercise they think your puppy should have, and come up with an exercise plan to gradually increase their daily activities.

Enjoy these precious months

The puppy years of a dog’s life are by no means easy for pet parents, but they are special. Between the training, disciplining, and accident cleaning, it’s just as important to spend as much cuddle and play time as possible. Not only will this help to create a strong bond between you, but it’s also a time to create wonderful memories for you and your pup to cherish as they grow up.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

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