Bringing Home Your Little Woofer: Essential Prep for Your Puppy

Your New Puppy Preparation Checklist from Little Woofers

The decision to bring a new puppy into your life is exciting! That fluff-ball will bring endless joy, but a little preparation goes a long way in setting both of you up for success. At Little Woofers, we believe the key to a happy dog starts with a happy, organised owner.

To help your transition, here is your easy-to-understand checklist of what you absolutely need to know and do before bringing your puppy home.

• Puppy preparation checklist

• Bringing a puppy home

• New puppy essential gear

• Puppy-proofing your home

• First night with a new puppy

• Puppy socialization activities

1. Puppy-Proofing: Making Your Home a Safe Haven

Think of your new Little Woof as a curious, very low-to-the-ground toddler who explores the world with their mouth. Puppy-proofing your home is the most crucial step before they arrive.

• Tuck Away Cords: Electrical cords look like fun chew toys, but they are a serious hazard. Secure them out of reach.

• Remove Hazards: Get rid of small objects they could choke on (coins, batteries, small toys). Also, check your houseplants—many are toxic to dogs!

• Restrict Access: Decide where the puppy is and isn't allowed. Use baby gates to block off stairs or rooms you don't want them in yet. This is essential for preventing unwanted behaviours and for house training.

• Secure the Rubbish: Put all the rubbish bins out of sight behind a closed door or in a container with a tight lid.

  
  

2. Essential Gear: Puppy Prep Checklist

You don't want to be running to the store on the day your puppy comes home! Having all the necessary new puppy essential gear ready minimizes stress for everyone.

Crate: For safe den training, sleeping, and house training. Make it cosy with a blanket, but remove chewable bedding initially.

Food & Water Bowls: Choose non-slip stainless steel bowls. Keep them clean to avoid bacterial build-up.

Puppy Food: Use the same food the breeder/Rescue was feeding initially to avoid stomach upset. Gradually transition food over a two week period if you plan to change brands.

Collar, Lead & Harness: Get an adjustable, lightweight collar and a 4-6 foot lead. Make sure the collar is snug enough that it can't slip over their head but not too tight (you should be able to snuggly fit 1 finger in). Same rule applies for a harness

I.D tag: This a is a legal requirement and if a puppy escapes it can help to get them home ASAP. It will need your Eircode & mobile number- we don't recommend your dogs name, prevents any strangers getting familiar with your pup.

Chew Toys: Redirect chewing away from your furniture. Rotate toys to keep them interesting and engaging.

Enzyme Cleaner: Accidents happen! This cleaner neutralizes the odour, discouraging repeat marking. Do not use ammonia-based cleaners, as the smell mimics urine.

3. The Arrival: Planning the First Few Days

The moment of bringing a puppy home should be calm and low-key.

The First Trip Home

If possible, have two people in the car. One to drive, and one to comfort the puppy. Make sure you have paper towels and an enzyme cleaner handy for travel sickness or accidents.

The First 24 Hours

• Potty Break First: As soon as you arrive, take the puppy straight to their designated potty spot outside. Reward heavily when they go!

• Keep it Quiet: Avoid inviting all your friends over immediately. Let your Little Woof explore their new home and family at their own pace. Too much excitement can be overwhelming.

• Establish a Routine: Dogs thrive on predictability. Start your feeding, playtime, and potty routines immediately.

🌙 The First Night with a New Puppy

This is often the hardest part! Your Little Woofer is used to sleeping with their littermates. Expect some crying.

• Location: Place the crate next to your bed for the first few nights or sleep in the room you'd like them to stay in. Your presence is comforting.

• Comfort: Toss an old t-shirt with your scent or if possible littermates scent on top of the crate (Scent falls and less risk of it being chewed). Make sure the area isn't too hot (on top of a rad) or too cold (beside a glass door). At this age they struggle to regulate their own heat.

• Potty Trips: If they start whining, they likely need to go to the toilet. We recommend toilet breaks preferably before crying starts. Take them straight outside, allow them to eliminate, give soft praise, and immediately put them back in the crate. Avoid making it a playtime or extra cuddle time.

  
  

4. Socialization: The Confidence Building Window

The time between 3 and 16 weeks old is the critical socialization window. During this time, every positive exposure to the world helps build a confident adult dog. This is arguably the most important training you will ever do!

🚦 Puppy Socialization Activities

Remember, the key is quality, not quantity. All new experiences must be positive, pairing the new stimulus with a high-value treat or gentle praise.

• People Exposure: Introduce your puppy to people of all ages, sizes, and appearances (hats, glasses, beards, uniforms). Ask people to stay calm, avoiding overwhelming them. Even meet people and don't introduce or let them say hi. Sit at a distance from people and just chill with your pup.

• Safe Sound Exposure: Play recordings of various sounds quietly at first, like sirens, thunder, fireworks and vacuum cleaners, while your puppy is playing or eating. This creates a positive association.

• Surface Training: Allow your puppy to walk on different textures: grass, concrete, carpet, sand, tile, and even metal grates (if safe).

• Handling Practice: Gently touch their paws, ears, tail, and mouth - then give them a treat. This prepares them for vet visits and grooming and builds trust.

• Grooming: If getting your dog groomed go get their first puppy groom at this time.

The Little Woofers Bottom Line

Preparation reduces anxiety for everyone. By taking the time to puppy-proof and gather your essentials, and by prioritizing positive puppy socialisation activities, you are starting your life together on the right paw. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement will be your best friends!

Welcome to the wonderful world of dog ownership!

Would you like to schedule a virtual pre-puppy consultation with a Little Woofers trainer to walk through your home setup and customize a socialization plan?