Bringing home your new puppy

Poodle cross on the Omlet Topology Dog Bed.

There is nothing more exciting than bringing home your new puppy. But, for all the fun ahead, it can also be a challenging time. In this guide, we’ll uncover everything you need for the coming weeks and how best to settle in your new family member. Puppyhood is a crazy journey that you’re about to embark on but when it’s rewarded with a dog’s unconditional love, it makes all the mischief more than worth it.

Collecting your new puppy

First and foremost, your puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before you collect them. In the US, many states have made this enforceable by law, meaning that breeders, pet dealers and retail pet stores are not permitted to sell puppies under this age. The main reason for this is that puppies are often not fully weaned before this age. The early weeks of a puppy’s life are also key to socialization, where they learn bite inhibition from their mother and littermates.

When what seems like a lifetime has passed and it’s finally time to collect your pup, there are a few things you should expect to receive from the breeder:

Your puppy’s dietary requirements

Your breeder should provide you with information about what food your puppy has been eating, what time they’ve been eating and how often they’ve been feeding them. For the first few weeks of your puppy being home, you should avoid deviating from this to avoid stomach upset.

Reminders of home

Some breeders will offer you a dog blanket or a piece of cloth with the puppy’s mom’s scent on it to take with you. This way, your puppy will have something familiar and comforting to them when they’re taken from their first to their forever home.

Documentation

Before bringing home a new puppy, ensure that the breeder provides you with the following documentation:

• Copies of health certificates of the mother and father
• Information about any vaccinations your puppy has had
• Details of microchipping
• Insurance details
• A signed contract of the sale
• And if you’ve opted for a pedigree dog, their proof of pedigree certificate.

Should the breeder not be able to provide you with these, it’s a wise idea to walk away.

Welcome home, Fido

Depending on their breed, dogs live an average of 13 years - your puppy will be a member of your family, and needs a name everyone will know and love them by. Choosing your puppy’s name isn’t always easy though, especially before bringing them home and seeing their personality shine through. But, by choosing a name early on, the quicker you’ll be able to get your pup’s attention for training.

For some inspiration, some of the most popular dog names in the UK as of 2023 are Daisy, Max, Bella, Charlie and Buster. But if you’re still struggling, read our How to name a pet blog for some tips on finding a name to best suit your puppy.

Housewarming essentials

As well as ensuring your puppy’s breeder is able to provide you with the above, it’s also key that you, as a new owner, are as prepared as possible. So, to allow your puppy to settle in comfortably you’ll need a few products at the ready. You can find our full new puppy checklist in our blog here but most importantly, you’ll need to find them a comfortable spot to sleep. Dogs sleep an awful lot and puppies, even more so. And by a lot, we mean up to 20 hours a day. So, with so much time spent resting, it’s essential that as pet parents we get their bed right.

The Topology Dog Bed is ideal for taking your new addition from puppyhood to their senior years. And paired with our Quilted topper, the Topology stands indestructible even when faced with razor-sharp puppy teeth and accidents. Plus, the orthopaedic, memory foam mattress offers premium comfort and that sink-in feeling for a lifetime of dreamy sleep.

Establishing a routine with your new puppy

Dogs are pets that find assurance in routine. It’s helpful that your breeder would have already established what time your pup was eating but now they’re home, you should also schedule play and potty times.

It may take some time for your puppy to adjust to their new home, so you should also allow plenty of time for them to explore their new surroundings. A dog’s sense of smell is anywhere between 10,000 to 100,000 times more accurate than ours, so as well as new people, things and places to see, they need to take in all the new smells too.

Puppy’s visit to the vet

An early visit to the vet is essential for getting your puppy socialized into new surroundings. Prior to bringing your furry friend home, contact your veterinarian's office and arrange an appointment for a health evaluation. This also marks the perfect opportunity to get your new dog used to travelling in a car.

Are they missing Mum?

Puppies establish a close bond with their mother and littermates before going to live in their new homes. Naturally, they’ll miss this time they shared but fortunately, this is only temporary. The first few nights in your home can be unsettled though, as they adjust to the fact that they’re no longer with their mum.

Keep things quiet to create a calming atmosphere for your puppy’s first nights. Don’t forget to keep the blanket your breeder may have provided you with to remind them of Mum close by. It’s not uncommon for them to whine or bark and it’s perfectly fine to comfort them until they feel safe when alone.

Omlet and your puppy

At Omlet, we embrace every part of owning a dog. From the excitement of bringing your new puppy home to their boisterous behaviour as adolescents, we know that pet parenthood comes with highs and lows. That’s why we design innovative products such as the Topology Dog Bed, Fido Studio Dog Crate and designer dog collars and leads, that make the journey not only easier but more enjoyable for both owners and their pets.

Labrador on the Omlet Topology Dog Bed.