How to Take Care of a Puppy: 11-Step Guide for New Pet Parents 

They call it “puppy love” for a reason. Your brand-new four-legged bundle of joy is going to bring so much fun and affection to your life—but puppies are a lot of work, too.

We’re here with everything you need to know to keep that pup happy and healthy, including expert insights from professional dog trainer and founder of NOVA Canine Academy, Ethan Steinberg.

1. Choose the right pup for you

Dog ownership is a major investment, both emotionally and financially. Keep the costs of owning a dog in mind. Once you’re confident about becoming a pet parent, there’s a few decisions you’ll have to make.

Maybe you want to buy a specific breed from a responsible breeder, or you’re considering adopting a dog.

If you’re interested in a particular breed, it helps to think about your own living situation and how it may vibe with that breed’s personality. For example, some breeds might be a better fit for first time dog owners, while there are certain breeds that are better suited than others for apartment living.

It’s also important to keep in mind that while pure-bred dogs are definitely adorable, they tend to have some more health problems than mixed breed dogs or mutts, who are just as adorable. 

2. Puppy-proof your home

Much like human babies, puppies can get themselves into trouble pretty easily. Before you bring your puppy home, prepare your home to keep your new doggo (and your stuff) safe.

• Put away breakable items. Vases, ceramics, or crystal decorations should all be kept well above puppy-eye-level. 
• Secure electrical cords. Little puppy teeth love to chew through cords! Cover the cords with a spiral wrap or PVC piping, or keep them above your puppy’s path of destruction. 
• Keep toxic foods and chemicals out of reach. This includes under the sink storage and food left out in the open. 
• Invest in puppy pads. Trust us, your floors will thank you later. 

3. Get the basics

Make sure your puppy already feels right at home by having all the basics on-hand when they arrive: 

• Food. Get enough high-quality puppy food to last you a couple of weeks. Chat with your vet about the best dog food formula for your puppy, and then invest in a bulk order. 
• Treats. A softer, chewable treat ill be easier for little puppy teeth to handle. 
• Toys. A variety of toys including chew toys give you a great opportunity for you to bond with your pup, while promoting healthy brain development. (Just make sure none of them are a choking hazard for puppy’s).
• The Basics. Food bowls, crate, leash, collar, brush, shampoo, dental care accessories. 

Professional dog trainer, Ethan Steinberg, recommends that new puppy parents get a crate right off the bat to help your pup foster independence, help prevent separation anxiety, and ensure they stay safe when unsupervised:

A crate is an invaluable tool, as it taps into a dog’s natural denning instincts, giving them a safe space to rest. Dogs need 12 to 14 hours of sleep daily, with puppies needing more. Start crate training immediately by tossing treats into the crate to encourage them to enter willingly, and gradually extend their time inside. Feed meals and allow the dog to sleep in the crate to build their comfort.

Ethan Steinberg

4. Welcome your puppy home 

Now that you’ve brought your pup into your home, it’s important to help guarantee your puppy’s adjustment goes off without a hitch.

Start by creating a cozy, safe space for them with a comfortable bed and familiar toys. Establish a consistent routine for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime to help them feel secure. Be patient as they explore their surroundings and give them plenty of positive reinforcement and affection. With time and care, your puppy will feel right at home!

5. Make introductions 

Get your puppy acquainted with their new digs by showing them around your home, room-by-room, on a leash. If you have a yard, take them around outside and let them explore. If you have other dogs, make introductions slowly, and with care. 

Especially if your pup has past trauma or shelter backgrounds, Steinberg recommends pet parents find a balance between comfort and building resilience to help them adjust to their new home: “It’s important to keep the dog’s stress levels manageable while gently pushing them through challenges to build confidence. For example, gradually exposing a nervous dog to new situations in controlled increments can help them learn to cope without becoming overwhelmed.” 

For the first few weeks, set your puppy up in your bedroom at night on their bed (or in their crate). This will prevent them from feeling isolated. As you house train your pup, this will also make it easier for you to hear your pup’s, ahem, “gentle requests” to go outside. 

6. Take your puppy for their first vet visit  

Within a few days of coming home, you should book a visit with a trusted vet. They will give your pup a general wellness exam and check for any medical issues. Be sure to prepare a list of questions to ask your vet, such as: 

• When should my puppy be spayed/neutered? 
• Should I get my dog microchipped?
• How canI protect my puppy against fleas and parasites? 
• What’s the best diet to feed my puppy, and how often should I feed them? 
• Is it safe for my puppy to hang out with other dogs? 

On these first vet trips, be sure to give your pup lots of positive reinforcement, so they can associate the experience with love and treats, not needles and exams. 

7. Sign up for pet health insurance

Although the joy and endless cuddles are, of course, part of the pet parent job description, there’s also the concern of long-term health needs. Veterinary care can add up quickly, especially during puppyhood when your new furry friend will need multiple check-ups and puppy vaccinations. 

That’s where pet health insurance comes in. By enrolling early, you can secure coverage before any potential health issues arise, as any pre-existing conditions won’t be eligible for coverage. Plus, did you know you can cover your puppy with Lemonade Pet insurance from the time they’re 8 weeks. 

As your pup grows and their health care needs evolve, insurance can help you navigate unexpected vet bills—whether it’s for routine check ups with preventative care or those surprise situations. It’s a smart way to prioritize their well-being while protecting your wallet.

8. Begin house training 

Similar to potty-training human babies, house training your puppy can be a long, frustrating, and…messy process. It typically takes around 4 to 6 months to fully house train a dog, so don’t be surprised by the occasional accident. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key. 

Puppies can’t control their bodily functions until they’re around 12 weeks of age, so until then, you’ll have to be patient (and invest in cleaning supplies). But just because you have a little pup doesn’t mean you can’t start establishing good habits. Take your puppy outside, to the same spot, every two hours, and reward them with treats and words of encouragement after they successfully “go” where they’re supposed to. 

9. Master leash training & basic commands 

Enjoying long walks with your dog is one of the singular pleasures of dog ownership, but a pushy pup can turn your daily constitutionals into a bit of a nightmare. 

Start by taking your pup out on a leash for about an hour every day, spread out over two to four shorter walks. Get a long leash, and train your pup by standing your ground if they pull, only continuing to move forward when they walk by your side, leaving some slack. This will let your puppy know who’s boss. 

When training your pup with commands like sit, come, stay, and heel, it’s important to avoid relying excessively on treats, as this can create a transactional relationship where the dog only responds to commands for a reward. Instead, focus on building trust through consistent guidance and positive reinforcement.

Ethan Steinberg

10. Socialize your puppy

Puppies need socialization early on with different environments, people, and other animals. After four months of age, it becomes much harder for them to adapt to different environments and stimuli. 

Providing positive experiences and interactions while they’re young helps them grow into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs.

Let your puppy meet a variety of people, from kids to adults. Remind them—especially young children—to pet gently and keep their hands where the puppy can see them.

Talk to your vet about when it’s safe for your puppy to interact with other dogs. You can get some doggy social time by going on a supervised trip to a top-rated dog park, a group class at Petco, or even a visit to a pet-friendly store like PetSmart can help them build confidence and make furry friends.

11. Bond with your puppy

Continuously creating bonds of trust and affection with your puppy will help them thrive in your home. 

Here are some tactics for healthy bonding with your pup: 

• Get into a routine. Puppies thrive off of consistency. Create a regular schedule for meals, walks, naps, and playtime. 
• Give them space. Taking in new sites, smells, and friends are loads of fun for your pup, but it can also wipe them out. Set up their bed or a crate in a quiet corner of your home so they can recharge in peace. Instilling some independence in your pup will make them less likely to form separation anxiety in the long run. 
• Cuddle. Encourage your pup to settle down next to you to create bonds through physical closeness, petting, massaging, and grooming. Slotting in some cuddle time before bedtime can also help your pup understand when it’s time to settle down for the night. 
• Create boundaries. Help your dog understand that you’re the “alpha”, and they’ll automatically turn to you for instructions and guidance. Start by establishing rules around which furniture or areas in your house are off-limits to your pup, and stick to them.

One method that Steinberg believes helps foster boundaries is making meal times interactive. Instead of simply serving your dog’s kibble in a bowl:

Have them work for it by luring them into positions like sit, down, or stay, rewarding each successful repetition.

Ethan Steinberg

Before we go… 

For so many people, a new dog helps make a family feel complete. Remind yourself in the moments of chewed-up shoes, little accidents, and middle of the night barking fits that these are small prices to pay in exchange for unconditional love and lasting companionship. 

While every puppy is different, regular trips to the vet are a universal reality for all new dog owners. With Lemonade pet insurance, you can get up to 90% of your vet bills covered, so you don’t have to think twice about giving your pet the medical care they need.

---

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.