Bringing a new puppy home can feel overwhelming, so I created this Q&A to provide tips and tricks that worked for me. Every puppy is unique, so it’s important to find what works best for your family and stick with it. Here’s some guidance to help you get started: Do Your Homework Preparation is key! Just like you would research and plan for a baby, the same applies to your new puppy. Read books, watch videos, and search online for answers to your questions. A great resource I recommend is the podcast Your New Puppy. It’s perfect for beginner pet parents or anyone needing a refresher. I found it incredibly helpful when I got my dogs and still revisit episodes when I need guidance. Settling In When you bring your puppy home, start by introducing them to their designated space, like where their bed and food bowls are. Gradually show them the rest of the house, as the new environment can be a lot to take in at once. Feeding To make meals easier to digest, soak your puppy’s food in water for about 10 minutes. You’ll need to do this until their adult teeth come in, but some dogs prefer their food soaked long-term. I still soak my dogs’ food and use the opportunity to add other goodies to their meals. Potty Training Puppies are like babies—they need close supervision during potty training. I suggest taking a few days off work to establish a routine. Watch for signs like sniffing, and take them outside immediately. Use cues like “outside” and “go potty” consistently, and bring them out 15 minutes after drinking water or 30 minutes after meals. The Bell Method Hang a bell by your door and tap your puppy’s paw on it each time you take them outside. This helps them associate the sound with going potty. I’ve used this method with both my dogs, and it’s been a game changer—they still use the bells to let me know when they need to go out. Kennel Training We start kennel training when puppies are 5 1/2 weeks old, so they’ll already be somewhat familiar with it when they come home. Begin by keeping them in the kennel for short periods (about an hour), then gradually increase the time. Puppies usually won’t soil their kennel if it’s appropriately sized, but accidents can happen (especially as puppies) while they’re young—don’t worry, it’s part of the process. Overnight Routine The first few nights can be tricky as your puppy adjusts to their new home. I recommend keeping their kennel in the same room as you initially to ease their anxiety. Limit water after 7 p.m. to reduce overnight bathroom breaks. If they whine, don’t let them out every time, as they’ll associate whining with getting out. Only take them out if they genuinely need to potty. Walks and Socialization Hold off on walks until your puppy is fully vaccinated to avoid exposure to illnesses. Similarly, avoid putting them on the floor at pet stores until they’re protected. In the meantime, keep them entertained at home with plenty of playtime. Establish a Routine Dogs thrive on routines, so set regular schedules for meals, potty breaks, and walks. Consistency will help them feel secure and know what to expect. This guide is a work in progress, so if there’s anything you’d like me to add, please let me know! Every tip helps make the transition smoother for new puppy parents.