Your new puppy is home. Now what?

You've brought your puppy home — congratulations! Now the real work begins. Here are the most important first steps to ensure a healthy, happy start for your new pup.

• Find a Vet: Schedule a vet appointment within the first few days of bringing your puppy home. Your vet will discuss spaying/neutering and set up a vaccine schedule.
  • Spay/Neuter: Some adoption agencies spay or neuter puppies before adoption. If yours hasn't been, talk to your vet about the right timing and benefits.
  • Vaccines: Your vet will recommend and administer the vaccines your growing puppy needs to stay healthy.
• Start Training Early: Every breed benefits from formal training. Find a reputable trainer in your area and start with the basics — come, sit, stay. Early training builds good habits that last a lifetime. See our guide on how to train your dog for tips to get started at home.
• Choose the Right Food: Select a puppy food formula suited to your pup's breed and size, with enough nutrition to support their rapid growth. Read our guide on puppy nutrition for what to look for. Make sure they have the right food and water bowls from day one.
• Set Up Their Space: Give your puppy a comfortable, safe place to sleep and decompress. Browse our dog beds collection for options suited to puppies of all sizes.
• Stock Up on Essentials: Collar, leash, ID tags, crate, and toys are all must-haves for the first days home. See our full guide on what to buy for a new puppy for a complete checklist.

For more on the first days with your new dog, see our guides on how to give your dog a bath and protecting your dog in winter.