5 Useful Tips for First-Time Puppy Owners

There is plenty to think about when you get a new puppy. From feeding to training, working out how to keep them happy and healthy can feel daunting.

To make it all easier and help you avoid making common mistakes, we have put together five top puppy care tips.

Choose a Nutritious Diet

Regardless of breed or size of puppy, all dogs are carnivores (or omnivorous carnivores), so the ideal diet needs to contain a high level of meat.

Natural diets that are balanced with high-quality meat, supportive joint care and digestive aids such as prebiotics will help build up a pup’s strength.

Remember, the best ingredients will be clear and easy to understand. Look for named meats, e.g. Fresh Chicken or Dried Lamb, rather than vague terms such as Poultry Meat Meal.

For more information on what puppies need, read Our Guide to Puppy Nutrition.

Explore our range of Natural Puppy Foods.

Socialise Your Puppy Early!

For a puppy to grow up into an adjusted, relaxed, and happy dog, they need to be properly socialised and desensitised. If puppies aren’t introduced to new things, they are more likely to become easily stressed and anxious as adults.

Once vaccinated, get them out and about, meeting new people, puppies and dogs, and having new experiences. This helps puppies learn how to interact properly with other dogs and owners, plus it provides a fun and enriching experience for your furry friend.

Look for your local Pets Corner Puppy Hour to help your puppy make some friends.

Read our Puppy Socialising Guide.

Beat Boredom with Puzzle Toys

Puppies can easily get bored. Remember boredom leads to destructive behaviour and bad habits, such as chewing furniture and jumping up.

Keeping a puppy entertained is easy and important for their mental and physical development. Puzzle and interactive feeding toys stimulate your pup’s senses and encourage them to use their brains to problem solve.

Of course, training is essential and will strengthen your bond with your beloved pup, as well as keep them mentally enriched. All you need is an easy-to-use clicker and some delicious and tempting treats.

Read our clicker training guide for help getting started!

Master Walking Etiquette

New owners can sometimes be guilty of skipping a few steps when it comes to walkies. It is essential that your puppy learns proper walking etiquette and that you are always venturing out with the proper equipment.

Poo bags are an absolute essential, and honestly, you can never have too many… Properly fitted walking equipment is another must-have, but remember puppies must get used to their leads, collars and harnesses first.

Before your puppy is old enough for outdoor walks, get them used to wearing a collar or harness for short periods at home. Give them lots of praise and reward them to cement a positive connection with their new walking accessories.

Sometimes, as a new owner, it can be difficult to get the fit right. For help, head to your local Pets Corner store, where we offer free fitting services and expert advice.

Get Toilet Training Right!

When it comes to toilet training, it is natural for your pup to have accidents, but with the right training and attitude, they’ll quickly stop.

Puppies should always be praised for toileting in the correct place and should be taken out to the toilet very regularly. Patience, positivity, and consistency are key.

For step-by-step advice on toilet training pups, read our Guide to Toilet Training Puppies.

We wish you luck on your journey as a puppy owner. Remember, they grow up so fast, so cherish every moment, even when they are being naughty!