Your First Puppy – a guide to food, routines and what you'll need

Bringing a puppy home is both exciting and overwhelming. What should a puppy eat, how often should it go outside, and what do you really need to consider during the first period? In this guide, we go through everything you need to know about your puppy's first time – from food and routines to a safe start at home.

The first period with your puppy is a bit like bringing home a human baby. An eight-week-old puppy can be compared to a child of about 1.5 years old – full of crazy energy and fierce determination. For obvious reasons, the furry baby needs a dog dad or mom who can guide and keep constant watch during the initial period. Day and night!

What does my puppy need during the first period?

During the initial period, new puppy owners are recommended to take time off from work and other commitments. The first 12 weeks are the most important! It is during this time that you should introduce the puppy to everything it might encounter in life – car rides, busy environments, meeting people of different ages, going to a restaurant, and so on. Introduce your everyday life gradually so the puppy feels secure. But take it slow – a tired and frightened puppy can suffer lasting trauma.

Puppy food

A puppy often comes with puppy food from the breeder. It is recommended to continue with the same food until the puppy has settled in, then it is fine to gradually introduce new food. Otherwise, a puppy, just like an adult dog, can eat treats and chew bones – try small taste bits to see what your puppy likes and tolerates.

Tip: Puppy-friendly dog treats – Raspberry Caves →

Food bowl & water bowl

It's a good idea to buy a smaller food bowl to begin with – one that can withstand being tipped over by a food-loving puppy. Remember that plastic tends to be chewed on, so choose a durable material like porcelain with a rubber rim underneath.

Chew toys

A puppy's main goal in life is to explore – presumably with its razor-sharp teeth. All dogs have a daily need to chew, and puppies even more so! Stock up on chew-friendly toys with different textures. Tip: don't buy too many before the puppy comes home – let it choose for itself at the pet store.

Activity toys

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. A mentally stimulated dog is less prone to mischief! Look for activity toys with a treat hiding spot, such as a ball with a hole for treats or puzzles where treats are hidden under tiles.

Tip: Perfect activity toy for your puppy →

A safe sleeping place

A healthy eight-week-old puppy sleeps on average up to 20 hours a day. Find a bed that suits your dog – many puppies love igloos that become their own little den, while others prefer a more traditional dog bed. It's a good idea to place the blanket that smells like the puppy's mother in the bed for added coziness.

During the first period, the puppy hasn't settled in yet. The best tip is to sleep with the puppy on a mattress on the floor until it feels secure enough to sleep alone. Note: If you don't want the dog in your bed as an adult, it's important to be consistent from the start.

Poop bags

Are you ready for a poop party? Small puppies haven't learned where it's appropriate to relieve themselves. The best tip is to go outside OFTEN – as soon as they've eaten, slept, or played. We're talking 1-2 times an hour during the first period! Do nature a favor and choose compostable bags.

Tip: Eco-friendly AND stylish poop bags →

Puppy training step by step

A happy and secure puppy is a puppy that knows what's expected and can trust its owner. Setting boundaries is just as important as play and cuddles. Work with activities and rewards – this way, a strong bond is created that lasts a lifetime.

Leash training

A dog that pulls on the leash is annoying for everyone involved. Get a lightweight leash and collar/harness made of fabric that can withstand the puppy's antics. Practice a little every day and reward when the dog walks as you wish. As soon as the puppy pulls – stop and wait for eye contact. Reward and continue. Repeat.

Puppy meets other dogs

Start slowly – first let the puppy watch other dogs from a distance. Gradually, you can let it greet a calm and secure dog. Remember: it's not a given that all dogs will like each other, and that's perfectly fine.

Puppy training

As soon as you bring your little furry baby home, you can start teaching it small tricks. Sit, lie down, stand – simple exercises that most puppies quickly master with a little practice and treats. Train for short periods, a couple of minutes is plenty.

We've put together a Puppy Starter Kit – you can find it here →

More reading for you with a puppy

What can dogs eat? List of safe and dangerous foods → What to give a dog as a gift? →