Puppy Care
Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting — and overwhelming — experiences of your life. Discover everything you need to know about those critical first weeks and months: from puppy-proofing your home to building the foundation for a happy, healthy dog.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need before bringing a puppy home?
The essential puppy checklist: food and water bowls, age-appropriate puppy food, a crate (with a divider for growth), a collar and ID tag, a 6-foot leash, puppy pads for potty training, a few safe chew toys (Kong Classic is the gold standard), a soft bed or blanket, and a vet appointment booked for within the first week.
How often do puppies need to go outside to potty?
A general rule: puppies can hold their bladder for roughly 1 hour per month of age, plus one. So an 8-week-old puppy needs to go out every 2 hours. Take them out immediately after waking up, after eating, after playing, and before bed. Consistency and supervision are more important than any specific training method.
When can my puppy start meeting other dogs?
Your puppy can safely meet fully vaccinated dogs you know before completing their vaccine series. Avoid dog parks and unknown dogs until 2 weeks after their final puppy vaccine (usually around 16 weeks). The socialization benefit of meeting friendly dogs outweighs the risk — just be selective about which dogs you introduce them to.