Preparing for your puppy’s arrival
Getting ready for your puppy
There’s lots of things to do before you collect your puppy to make sure you’re ready for their arrival. As well as buying important equipment for them, it’s vital to make appropriate preparations at home too. Key things to consider are:
How to puppy-proof your home
Puppies are curious and love to explore, so it’s important you make sure your home’s safe and secure for before you collect your new arrival. Here’s our checklist to help you prepare your home for your puppy.
How to puppy-proof your garden
Your puppy will enjoy spending time outdoors, so you’ll need to make sure your garden’s safe for them to explore too. Here are some important things to consider.
1. Fencing and gates
Before your puppy arrives, make sure there are no gaps in your garden fencing or gates. And check there are no areas where your puppy could dig under or climb over to escape.
2. Toxic garden plants
As with houseplants, there’s a long list of outdoor plants that are poisonous to dogs. They include ficus, holly, mistletoe, philodendron, narcissus, hyacinth, iris, azalea, rhododendron, oleander, poinsettia and sweet pea. If you have poisonous plants in your garden, you’ll need to watch your puppy to make sure they stay away from them.
3. Hazards
Have a close look around your garden to find and address anything your puppy could injure themselves on, including holes in the lawn and sharp thorns.
4. Ponds and water features
Until your puppy’s older, it’s safest to keep ponds with steep sides and water features covered to prevent them falling in and drowning.
5. Tools and small objects
As with indoor puppy-proofing, remove small objects from your garden that puppies could swallow or choke on. And lock away your garden tools, especially those that are sharp.
6. Dangerous substances
Store all garden chemicals such as fertilisers, insecticides, paints and solvents away from your puppy’s reach in a locked area.
Things you'll need for your puppy
Before your puppy arrives, make sure you have everything you need to care for them and help them settle into their new home. Here are the essentials.
Choose the right puppy food
Having the right diet is crucial for a puppy’s health, growth and development. At each stage, they need specific nutrients in precise quantities according to their breed size. So we recommend selecting a high quality puppy food based on your puppy’s age and expected adult size.
How to switch to new puppy food
The importance of puppy nutrition
Preparing your family and pets for your puppy
There’s lots to consider when bringing a puppy into your household to ensure everyone stays safe and your puppy settles smoothly.
Learn the best way to introduce your puppy to children, older family members, visitors and existing pets.
Preparing your familyHow to find a vet
Find a vet
Collecting and welcoming your puppy
The first days together with your pet are a chance to create a healthy foundation for their future.
Collecting your puppy