Bringing a puppy home is one of the best feelings ever. But here’s the truth — most new owners get caught off guard by how much work a puppy actually is. The chewing, the potty training, the crying at night… yeah, it’s a lot.
This guide breaks down exactly what you need to survive the puppy phase and raise a happy, healthy dog.
Step 1: Get the Essentials Before the Puppy Arrives
You don’t want to run to the store at midnight because your puppy peed on the couch (again). Here’s your puppy starter kit checklist:
✅ Food & Water Bowls – go for stainless steel or ceramic (easy to clean).
✅ High-Quality Puppy Food – packed with protein & DHA for brain growth.
✅ Crate – lifesaver for potty training & keeping them safe when you’re out.
✅ Bed – soft, washable, chew-proof if possible.
✅ Chew Toys – or say goodbye to your shoes. Get a variety (soft, tough, frozen treats).
✅ Collar, Leash & ID Tag – start leash training from day one.
✅ Puppy Pads or Cleaning Spray – accidents will happen, just be prepared.
(Pro Tip: Sell all these as a "New Puppy Starter Bundle" on your site to boost AOV!)
Step 2: Nail Potty Training Early
This is where most new owners lose their minds. Puppies don’t know where to pee until you teach them — patiently.
Simple Potty Training Schedule:
- Take them out first thing in the morning, after meals, naps, and playtime.
- Praise & treat them immediately after they go outside.
- Never punish for accidents — just clean it up and try again.
Crate training works wonders here because dogs naturally avoid peeing where they sleep.
Step 3: Socialize Your Puppy (Before They Get Weird)
Puppies go through a “socialization window” from 8-16 weeks where they’re most open to new experiences. Use this time to:
- Introduce them to different people, dogs, and sounds.
- Take them on short car rides.
- Let them walk on different surfaces (grass, concrete, carpet).
A well-socialized dog = less fear, less aggression, more confidence later in life.
Step 4: Teach Basic Commands
You don’t need a professional trainer to teach your puppy the basics.
Start with these 5 must-know commands:
- Sit – foundation for almost everything.
- Stay – keeps them safe from running into danger.
- Come – recall is life-saving if they ever get loose.
- Drop It – prevents them from swallowing dangerous stuff.
- Leave It – stops them from eating random trash on walks.
Use positive reinforcement (treats + praise) — it works faster than yelling.
Step 5: Manage the Chewing Stage Like a Pro
Puppies chew EVERYTHING when they’re teething. This is normal.
Instead of losing your mind, redirect their chewing:
- Give them frozen teething toys.
- Use bitter spray on furniture legs.
- Keep valuables out of reach (they will find your sneakers).
Chewing actually helps puppies relieve stress and develop strong teeth — don’t stop it, just control it.
Step 6: Set a Routine (Dogs Love Structure)
Puppies thrive on predictability. Feed, walk, and train them at the same times every day.
This helps with potty training and prevents behavioral issues.
Step 7: Visit the Vet
Book a vet appointment within the first week.
They’ll check your puppy’s health, set up a vaccination schedule, and talk to you about deworming and flea prevention.
Final Thoughts
Raising a puppy is a grind for the first few months — but if you put in the work now, you’ll have a well-behaved dog for life.
Stock up on the right gear, be patient with training, and enjoy the chaos — it goes by faster than you think.