Raising Puppies: A Realistic Guide for New Owners

PATIENCE IS REQUIRED

Raising puppies sounds awesome! However, it is also a lot of hard work — and for some reason, when puppies grow up we all forget what little terrors they once were.

Raising a puppy requires careful attention to their health, socialisation, training, and environment to ensure they grow into happy, well-adjusted adult dogs.

Liver and white spaniel puppy sitting on a path, looking up at the camera

The cute stage is short — and busier than you think.

Patience is required. Progress with a puppy is rarely a straight line. Expect setbacks, accidents and plenty of repetition.

Training and Routine

Establishing a consistent routine from day one is crucial. Feed, play, and take your puppy outside at regular intervals. Young puppies typically need bathroom breaks:

Every 1–2 hours while awake
After every meal
Immediately upon waking from naps

Crate training and creating a safe, designated area provide security and help with house training. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage desired behaviours.

Wet, muddy spaniel puppy sitting on wet paving stones after being outside

Toilet breaks happen in all weathers — every one to two hours.

Puppies learn our routines very quickly — but that also means they can pick up bad habits even quicker. Remember that behaviours you may find amusing now may not be so charming when they are older, such as jumping up.

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so provide appropriate chew toys and supervise interactions to prevent destructive behaviour. Consistency in commands and household rules ensures your puppy understands expectations.

Short, engaging training sessions work best due to their limited attention spans. A good rule of thumb is 3 x 5 minutes or 5 x 3 minutes across the day.

Nutrition and Supplies

Choose a high-quality puppy food appropriate for your puppy's breed, age, and health needs. Essential supplies include:

Food and water bowls
Collar, lead and ID tag
Crate and bedding
Toys, including suitable chew toys
Cleaning supplies for accidents

Puppy-proof your home before they arrive. Remove hazards such as trailing electrical cords and toxic plants, and secure anything a curious mouth could reach.

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are critical in your puppy's first year and beyond.

Socialisation should continue as your puppy grows, gradually introducing new environments, people, and other animals. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are the keys to raising a well-behaved, confident adult dog.

Don't forget the microchip. Make sure your puppy is microchipped and that your contact details are registered and kept up to date.