Preparing for Your Puppy
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, rewarding, and a big adjustment for both your family and your new companion. A little preparation before pickup day helps your puppy settle in quickly and confidently!
Before Your Puppy Comes Home
Watch the following video about the first 24 hours home by Baxter & Bella
Supplies You’ll Need
Overview video on needed supplies:
Essentials Checklist
Crate:
Your puppy’s crate should be large enough to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably — but not so large that they can potty in one corner and sleep in another. The crate should feel like a safe, quiet den, never a punishment.
Puppy playpen or gates
Food and water bowls
TLC Puppy Food
You will receive instructions on how to order food before picking your puppy up. You will also receive a one week supply of dog food for the transition home.
It is very important that you DO NOT change the puppies food for the first several weeks home. This can cause stomach upset, especially with the stress of a move away from litter mates. Though we highly recommend TLC dog food, if you decide to transition to another dog food, it is important that you do this slowly over 7-10 days.
You will need to feed your puppy on a consistent schedule and limit treats during the first week home while your puppy adjusts.
You will need to provide fresh water at all times.
Collar and ID tag
Leash
Puppy-safe chew toys
Bed or blankets
Enzyme cleaner for accidents
Grooming supplies
Puppy training treats
Your Puppy’s First Night
The first few nights can be an adjustment. Your puppy may cry or whine because they miss their littermates. Most puppies adjust quickly with consistency and patience.
A few helpful tips:
Keep the crate near your bed
Take your puppy out for potty breaks before bedtime
Keep nighttime calm and quiet
Offer comfort, but avoid creating habits you don’t want long term
Potty Training Basics
Consistency is key!
Take your puppy outside:
First thing in the morning
After naps
After meals
After play sessions
Before bedtime
Celebrate successes with praise and treats immediately after they potty outside. Accidents are normal — never punish your puppy for mistakes.
Veterinary Care & Vaccinations
Schedule your puppy’s first veterinary visit within 72 hours of coming home. Continue your veterinarian’s recommended vaccine and wellness schedule.
Socialization Matters
Positive early experiences help puppies grow into confident adult dogs. Keep experiences positive and age-appropriate.
Safely introduce your puppy to:
New people
Gentle dogs once they are fully vaccinated
Different surfaces and sounds
Car rides
Grooming and handling
Training Starts Immediately
It is essential that you have a plan to train your puppy! We have teamed up with BAXTER & Bella who provide one of the very best online dog training programs in the world and are thrilled to now be able to offer all of our families special discounted pricing on their Lifetime Membership with the discount code: Oxfordshire
They are a family-friendly training program with everything you need to be successful. Your membership includes unlimited Professional Training Support for life! You can LEARN MORE HERE . Don’t forget to use our unique discount code 'Oxfordshire' to save 25% instantly!