Welcome to your puppy knowledge base!

Bringing a puppy into your life is an exciting and heartwarming adventure. This guide is here to help you every step of the way, from those first cuddles to teaching good habits and building a happy, healthy routine. Written by vets, it’s packed with trusted advice to give your puppy the very best start in life.

Establishing routine

Structure brings calm to the chaos! With a consistent routine, your puppy will quickly learn when it’s time to eat, play, and snooze.

• Feed, play, and potty at the same time daily to provide structure.

• Puppies have small bladders. Take them outside after meals, naps, and play sessions.

• Set up a cosy bed or crate in a quiet area to help your puppy feel secure.

• Puppies can sleep up to 18–20 hours a day. Sleep is extremely important as it’s when their bodies grow, their brains develop, and they process everything they’re learning. Lack of proper sleep can lead to irritability, poor learning, and even health issues.

Socialisation and training

Socialisation and training are the building blocks of a confident, well-behaved dog. Start early, keep it fun, and help your puppy learn that the world is a safe, happy place.

• Introduce your puppy gradually to different people, environments, sounds, and gentle, vaccinated dogs. Slow, positive experiences help them build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

• Try teaching your puppy basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”

• Reward good behaviour with treats, praise, or play to encourage repetition.

• Keep training sessions brief (5–10 minutes) and fun. 

Did you know? The golden window for socialisation is between 3 and 16 weeks, a short but vital period for building your puppy’s confidence and curiosity.

Teething and chewing

Chewing is a normal (and important) part of your puppy’s teething stage. Here’s how to protect your furniture and help soothe those sore gums.

• If your puppy seems extra drooly or irritable, teething might be the cause. Baby teeth appear around 3 weeks and are usually all in by 8 weeks. These are gradually replaced by adult teeth between 3 and 7 months.

• Offer your puppy a variety of puppy-friendly chew toys, including some that can be chilled in the fridge to soothe sore gums.

• Gently redirect your puppy from furniture or hands to their chew toys, rewarding them when they chew the right things.

Health and veterinary care

Healthy puppy = happy puppy! Vet check-ups, vaccines and regular parasite control give your new friend the best start in life.

• Arrange a vet check-up within the first few weeks to make sure they are healthy and discuss vaccination schedules.

• Vaccines are vital to protect your puppy from serious diseases. Essential vaccines cover distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis and leptospirosis.

• Puppies usually get their first vaccinations at 8 weeks. They receive 1–2 additional courses at 4-week intervals to complete the initial course.

• Ask your vet to recommend the most suitable flea, tick, and worm prevention for your puppy, based on their age, breed, and lifestyle.

• Make sure your puppy is microchipped. It is a legal requirement for all puppies to be microchipped by the time they are eight weeks old.

Grooming basics

Grooming isn’t just about appearance; it helps maintain a healthy skin and coat, prevents matting, and keeps your puppy comfortable. Start early to make it a positive, stress-free routine.

• Bathing can start around 8-12 weeks if necessary for your puppy’s coat. Use gentle, puppy-formulated shampoo and warm water. Avoid getting water in the ears and eyes, and make sure to dry them thoroughly afterwards.

• Bathing frequency depends on your puppy's breed. It should only be done every 3–4 weeks or when they are dirty. Over-bathing can dry out their skin and coat.

• Start getting your puppy accustomed to having their nails trimmed early to make the process easier as they grow.
  

Tips for success

1. Patience: Puppies are learning about the world around them. Be patient and consistent.

2. Socialisation: The first three months are vital for social development.

3. Professional help: If behavioural or health issues arise, speak to your vet as soon as possible.

Quick checklist for the first month

• Establish a consistent routine

• Begin basic training and socialisation

• Monitor teething and provide appropriate toys

• Organise a veterinary check-up

• Begin grooming routines

Common FAQs

Q: How often should I feed my puppy?
A: Most puppies require three to four meals per day. Ask your vet for specific recommendations based on your puppy's age and breed.

Q: When can I start taking my puppy on walks?
A: Once your puppy has completed their vaccination course, typically around 14 weeks of age, you can start introducing them to walks.

Q: How can I stop my puppy from biting?
A: Provide appropriate chew toys, redirect biting behaviour, and use positive reinforcement to encourage gentle play.

Q: Is it normal for my puppy to sleep so much?
A: Absolutely! Puppies often sleep 16–20 hours a day to support their growth. Make sure they have a comfortable, quiet area to rest in.

Come back next month for tips on training and helping your puppy grow into a confident, well-behaved dog!