New Owner Guide

Welcoming your puppy home

Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but everything will be new to them—the people, smells, sounds, and routine. Patience, gentle handling, and predictable days will help your puppy feel secure.

🐾 Preparing for arrival

Prepare a quiet sleeping area, food and water bowls, a secure carrier, a leash, suitable chew toys, and cleaning supplies.
Puppy-proof your home by securing electrical cords and keeping medicines, cleaning products, toxic foods, plants, and small objects out of reach. Check gates and fences for gaps.
Book your puppy’s first veterinary examination within 72 hours of receiving them, as required by our health guarantee.

🐾 The first trip and day one

You can use a secured carrier if you are driving by yourself or if someone comes with you they can hold the puppy. Keep the journey calm and never leave your puppy alone in a parked vehicle.
At home, show them their toilet area first, then introduce a small, safe part of the house. Allow them to explore at their own pace. Keep visitors and excitement to a minimum during the first few days, and provide plenty of undisturbed rest.
Introduce children and other pets gradually, with close supervision and space for everyone to retreat.

🐾 The first night

Your puppy may miss their mother and littermates. Place their sleeping area close enough for you to hear them and respond when they need help.
The blanket with their mother’s scent can provide familiarity. Offer a toilet break before bedtime. If your puppy cries, check whether they need the toilet, reassurance, or help settling. Keep nighttime interactions quiet and gentle. Avoid leaving a distressed puppy to cry for prolonged periods.

🐾 Feeding your puppy

Begin with the familiar puppy food provided in your starter package. Measure meals and use the food label and your veterinarian’s advice to determine the appropriate daily amount and number of meals.
Provide fresh drinking water. Avoid sudden diet changes, rich table scraps, and excessive treats.

🐾 Potty training

Take your puppy to their toilet area frequently—especially after waking, eating, drinking, and playing, and before bedtime.
Stay nearby and reward them immediately after they finish in the right place. Watch for sniffing, circling, or suddenly wandering away.
Accidents are part of learning. Clean them thoroughly with a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner and never punish your puppy or rub their nose in a mess. Supervision and a consistent routine help prevent repeated accidents.
If you use pee pads, keep their location consistent and gradually work toward your intended long-term toilet routine.

🐾 Crate training

Introduce the crate as a comfortable resting place. Let your puppy investigate with the door open, and use treats or meals to build a positive association.
Practise closing the door briefly while you remain nearby, increasing the time gradually as your puppy becomes comfortable. The crate should allow them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Never use it as punishment or as a substitute for company, activity, and toilet breaks. If your puppy panics, return to shorter, easier practice sessions.

🐾 Grooming

Introduce brushing, combing, and gentle handling of the paws and ears in short, rewarding sessions.
Wavy and curly coats can tangle close to the skin, particularly behind the ears and around the legs. Ask a groomer to demonstrate suitable tools and a routine for your puppy’s coat.
Your veterinarian or groomer can also help with nail care, ear care, and introducing toothbrushing.

🐾 Vaccinations and parasite care

Bring your puppy’s health record to their first veterinary appointment. It lists care already received and helps your veterinarian plan the next vaccinations and parasite treatments.
The first vaccination does not complete the puppy series. Your veterinarian will confirm the remaining schedule, including a final puppy core dose at 16 weeks or older, and any other recommended vaccines.
Continue deworming and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention according to veterinary advice. Do not repeat or combine products without checking what your puppy has already received.

🐾 Socialization and confidence

Socialization means helping your puppy feel comfortable with everyday life—not making them greet every person or dog.
Introduce new sounds, surfaces, people, and experiences gradually. Keep encounters positive and give your puppy space if they seem worried.
Safe socialization can begin before the vaccination series is complete. Avoid dog parks and places heavily used by unfamiliar dogs until your veterinarian advises they are appropriate.

🐾 Understanding puppy blues

It is possible to love your puppy and still feel tired, overwhelmed, or unsure. Interrupted sleep, accidents, and a changed routine can make the adjustment difficult.
Keep expectations realistic, share responsibilities where possible, and make time for breaks while your puppy is safely cared for. Notice small improvements rather than expecting perfect behaviour.

🐾 Staying connected

We welcome updates as your puppy grows.
Phone: 519-492-3652
Email: cockapoosandcavapoosinabasket@gmail.com