Preparing for Your New Puppy

Preparing for your new puppy: Bringing a new puppy into your life is an exciting adventure that comes with a lot of responsibility. Preparing your home and your family for the arrival of your new furry friend is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition. From creating a safe space to understanding how to communicate effectively with your cavapoo puppy, every detail plays a role in setting up both of you for success. This guide will walk you through everything you need to do to prepare for your puppy’s arrival, including reading the go-home packet and starting the Baxter and Bella course to communicate better with your cavapoo or maltipoo puppy.

You can see our available puppies here https://storytaildogs.com/puppies-available

1. Set Up Your Home: Preparing for your new puppy

Before you bring your new cavapoo or maltipoo puppy home, it’s essential to make sure your home is safe and welcoming. Your puppy will need a comfortable, secure environment where they can rest, play, and begin their training. Start by gathering the necessary supplies.

Essential Supplies

Here’s a checklist of items you’ll need before bringing your puppy home:

• Crate: A crate is an essential tool for house training and provides your puppy with a safe, personal space. Make sure it’s large enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. While many families believe buying a larger crate for a puppy to grow into is a smart, cost-effective choice, we actually recommend starting with a smaller, appropriately-sized crate like this one. . .. If a crate is too large, your puppy may designate a “potty corner,” which can disrupt the entire house-training process. A smaller crate encourages your puppy to hold their bladder and associate the crate with a clean, safe resting space. We suggest selecting a crate designed for your puppy’s current size, with enough room for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Bed: Your puppy will need a cozy bed for relaxing and sleeping. Choose a washable, comfortable option that fits their size.
• Food and Water Bowls: Food and Water Bowls: Choosing the right food and water bowls is important for your puppy’s health and hygiene. While plastic bowls might seem convenient, they can harbor bacteria, scratch easily, and may even contribute to skin irritation or allergic reactions in some puppies. Glass or stainless steel bowls are much better options. They are more hygienic, as they resist scratches and are easier to clean thoroughly, reducing the risk of bacteria buildup. Additionally, using glass or stainless steel bowls can help reduce or even eliminate tear stains in certain breeds, as they prevent bacteria and other contaminants from accumulating in your puppy’s water. Ensure the bowls are the appropriate size for your puppy and are placed on a stable surface to avoid spills. Fresh water should always be available to keep your puppy hydrated and healthy.
• Toys: Puppies love to chew, and providing a variety of chew toys is essential to protect your furniture and shoes. Remember, StoryTail Dogs are small toy and miniature breeds with small mouths, so it’s important to choose toys specifically designed for their size. Opt for small, lightweight toys that your puppy can comfortably carry and chew. Toys made for larger breeds may be too big and go unused, leaving your puppy without the stimulation they need. Always select safe toys without small parts that could break off and be swallowed, ensuring both fun and safety for your new pup.
• Leash and Collar: A soft collar and a sturdy leash are essential for walks and bathroom breaks. Make sure they fit your puppy properly for comfort and safety.
• Puppy Food: Start with the food your puppy has been eating before coming home. Gradually transition to your preferred brand, selecting a high-quality puppy food to support growth and development.
• Training Pads or Newspapers: For puppies not fully house trained, having puppy pads or newspapers on hand can help manage accidents.
• Grooming Supplies: Even if grooming isn’t needed immediately, having basic tools like a brush, puppy shampoo, and nail clippers ensures you’re prepared for when the time comes. You can read more about grooming your storytail puppy here https://storytaildogs.com/2025/01/08/cavapoo-grooming-complete-guide/

What’s Included in Your StoryTail Dog’s Go-Home Bag

Every StoryTail puppy comes home with a thoughtfully curated go-home bag to help ensure a smooth transition. This bag includes:

• Starter Food Pack: A supply of the high-quality puppy food your pup has been eating, making it easy to continue their current diet.
• Blanket or toy with Scent: A cozy blanket infused with familiar scents from their mother and littermates, providing comfort as they adjust to their new environment.
• Health Records: Documentation of vaccinations, deworming, and a health guarantee to ensure your puppy’s well-being.
• Puppy Care Guide: A comprehensive guide filled with tips and advice to help you navigate the early days of puppy ownership.
• Microchip Registration Info: Details about your puppy’s microchip, providing peace of mind and security.
• 30-Day Pet Insurance Trial: Access to Trupanion pet insurance to cover any unexpected health needs during your puppy’s first month at home.

With these supplies, you’ll be well-equipped to welcome your new puppy and provide them with a safe, loving environment.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home to Prepare for your New Puppy

Just as you would child-proof your home, puppy-proofing is essential. Puppies are curious and will explore their environment, often getting into trouble. Here’s how to prepare:

• Secure Electrical Cords and Wires: Puppies love to chew on anything, including electrical cords. Hide or cover cords to prevent accidents.
• Remove Small Objects: Small items, such as shoes, buttons, or toys, can easily be swallowed. Keep these items out of reach.
• Safety Gates: Use gates to block off areas that aren’t maltipoo puppy-friendly or where they shouldn’t go unsupervised.
• Secure Trash Cans: Puppies are attracted to trash, so use covered or secured bins to prevent them from rummaging through garbage.
• Pet-Proof Your Yard: If you have a yard, ensure that it is securely fenced and free of any hazards like sharp objects, toxic plants, or harmful chemicals.

You can read more about puppy proofing your home here https://storytaildogs.com/2025/01/08/cavapoo-dogs-puppy-proofing-home-first-few-weeks/

2. Start Training Early with Baxter and Bella

Training is one of the most important aspects of raising a well-behaved and happy puppy. Early training helps to establish good habits, prevents undesirable behaviors, and strengthens the bond between you and your cavapoo puppy. One excellent resource to help with training is the Baxter & Bella Online Puppy School.

Why Baxter and Bella for preparing for your new puppy?

Baxter & Bella provides an interactive, online puppy training course that covers essential skills for communication, behavior, and bonding. It’s designed to help you understand your puppy’s needs and to guide you in how to communicate with them effectively. The course uses positive reinforcement methods and focuses on creating a strong relationship between you and your maltipoo puppy.

What Will You Learn?

By starting the Baxter & Bella course, you’ll learn a variety of training techniques, including:

• How to Communicate with Your Puppy: Understanding puppy body language and vocalizations is crucial. Baxter & Bella helps you decode these signals so you can respond appropriately.
• Basic Commands: From “sit” to “stay,” the course will guide you through essential commands that lay the foundation for future training.
• Crate Training: Proper crate training is an important part of housebreaking and helping your puppy feel secure in their new home.
• Socialization Tips: Early socialization is key for preventing behavior problems later in life. Baxter & Bella provides tips on how to safely introduce your puppy to new people, pets, and environments.
• Dealing with Behavioral Issues: Puppies often display unwanted behaviors like chewing, barking, or jumping. Baxter & Bella will provide solutions to address these behaviors effectively.

Consistency Is Key for preparing for your new puppy

Remember, training takes time and consistency. The Baxter & Bella course gives you a structure to follow, but it’s important to practice regularly. Short, fun training sessions will help reinforce the lessons and keep your puppy engaged.

3. Read the Go-Home Packet to Prepare for your new puppy

At StoryTail Dogs, we email your go-home packet a few weeks before your puppy’s go-home day, giving you plenty of time to review it in advance. This packet is an invaluable resource, filled with essential information about your puppy’s health, training, and how to ensure a smooth transition into your home. We highly recommend reading it thoroughly before pick-up day, as it can be challenging to focus on the details with an excited puppy demanding your attention. Familiarizing yourself with the packet ahead of time will help you feel more prepared and confident as you welcome your new furry family member.

What’s Included in the Go-Home Packet?

• Health Information: The packet will include details about your puppy’s vaccinations, deworming schedule, and any medical treatments they’ve received. This is essential for keeping track of your puppy’s health and ensuring they receive any necessary follow-up care.
• Feeding Schedule: You’ll receive information on the food your puppy has been eating and how often they should be fed. It’s important to follow this schedule when preparing for your new puppy, especially during the first few days, to avoid digestive upset.
• Training Tips: Many breeders include helpful tips for crate training, housebreaking, and managing behavior during the first few weeks.
• Contract and Policies: Your go-home packet may also contain a contract, outlining your responsibilities as a puppy owner and the breeder’s policies. Be sure to read through this carefully.

Why It’s Important

Reading through the go-home packet helps you understand your puppy’s background and needs. It also ensures that you’re equipped with the information necessary to provide the best possible care for your new pet. Take the time to go through every section of the packet when preparing for your new puppy and reach out to your breeder or veterinarian if you have any questions.

4. Prepare Your Family

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting event, but it’s important to prepare your family for the changes and responsibilities that come with it. Ensuring everyone is on the same page about the puppy’s care will create a smoother transition for both your family and the puppy. Here are some key points to discuss:

• Responsibilities: Clearly assign tasks such as feeding, walking, training, and cleaning up after your puppy. A well-defined plan helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that your puppy receives consistent care. For younger family members, choose age-appropriate tasks they can confidently handle.
• House Rules: Establish clear rules for your puppy before they arrive. Decide together whether the puppy will be allowed on furniture, which areas of the house are off-limits, and how to handle mealtime routines. Consistency is key to helping your puppy learn the rules quickly.
• Safe Interaction: Teach young children how to interact safely and respectfully with the new puppy. Puppies are delicate and can easily become overwhelmed by rough play or being handled improperly. Help children understand the importance of gentle petting, avoiding roughhousing, and letting the puppy rest when needed.
• Time Commitment: Puppies need a significant amount of time and attention, especially during the first few weeks. Daily walks, training sessions, playtime, and supervision are essential to their development and well-being. Ensure that everyone is prepared to contribute to these activities to create a loving and supportive environment for your new furry family member.

By preparing your family ahead of time, you’ll set the stage for a positive experience and a harmonious bond with your puppy.

5. Create a Daily Routine for Your Puppy

Puppies thrive on structure and consistency. Establishing a daily routine when preparing for your new puppy for feeding, bathroom breaks, playtime, and training will not only help your puppy feel secure but also make the transition into their new home smoother. A predictable schedule provides stability and reduces anxiety, setting your puppy up for success in housebreaking and basic training. Here’s a more detailed structure you can follow:

Preparing for your new puppy routine

• Morning: Begin the day with a trip outside for a bathroom break as soon as your puppy wakes up. This is followed by a short training session focusing on basic commands like “sit” or “stay.” Afterward, engage in a few minutes of playtime to burn off your puppy’s morning energy before offering their first meal of the day.
• Midday: Take your puppy outside for another bathroom break to reinforce house training. This is a good time to provide their midday meal. Puppies typically need to eat 3–4 times a day, depending on their age. Since they also need to relieve themselves every 2–4 hours, plan for an additional bathroom break during this period. Incorporate a short play session to keep them engaged and stimulated.
• Afternoon: Offer another bathroom break and engage in some active play or a short walk to help your puppy release pent-up energy. This is also a great time for a second training session to build consistency and reinforce new skills.
• Evening: Before settling down for the night, take your puppy outside for their final bathroom break of the day. Provide their last meal at least a couple of hours before bedtime to minimize the chance of overnight accidents. After mealtime, encourage quiet activities like cuddling or chewing on a toy to help them wind down before bed.

Having a consistent daily routine not only helps your puppy feel safe and secure but also makes life easier for you. With regular bathroom breaks and training times, your puppy will learn what to expect and quickly adapt to their new environment. Keep in mind that while structure is important, flexibility is sometimes necessary as your puppy grows and their needs evolve.

StoryTail Dogs Daily Routine

At StoryTail Dogs, our puppies follow a carefully structured daily routine to prepare them for a smooth transition into their new homes. By 8 weeks, most of our puppies are already spending overnight in their crates, helping them adjust to sleeping in a safe, personal space. Their day starts with a bathroom break and a meal right after waking up. After breakfast, they enjoy a short training session to introduce basic commands and set the foundation for good behavior. Throughout the day, they have regular bathroom breaks, playtime, and short naps. Puppies spend time in different play areas, each designed to engage them in new environments and experiences. This helps them become adaptable and confident in varying situations.

For our spring and summer litters, we also include special swim time a few times a week, which not only provides a fun and enriching activity but also helps build muscle and coordination. They rest in their crates for a couple of hours during the day, learning to be independent and comfortable in their space. Our puppies are fed four meals a day, with each meal followed by a bathroom break to reinforce housebreaking. As the day winds down, they enjoy quiet time before their final potty break and a peaceful night in their crate. This consistent routine ensures that our puppies grow up to be well-behaved, adaptable, and happy pets.

6. Be Patient and Prepared for the Adjustment Period

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting experience, but it’s also a time of adjustment—for both you and your puppy. The first few weeks can be a little challenging as your puppy acclimates to their new environment, and it’s common for puppies to experience stress. During this time, there may be accidents, chewing, and even crying. It’s important to remember that these behaviors are part of the process and a natural part of growing up. Remaining patient and consistent will help you navigate this period more smoothly. Here are some key tips to ease the adjustment:

Expect Accidents:

It’s crucial to understand that housebreaking doesn’t happen overnight. Expect your puppy to have a few accidents in the early days, even with regular bathroom breaks. This is completely normal and part of the learning process. Be consistent with taking your puppy outside and make sure to praise them enthusiastically when they do their business in the right place. Remember, positive reinforcement will encourage them to repeat the desired behavior. If an accident happens, don’t punish your puppy—it’s important to keep the mood calm and patient. Clean up accidents quickly and continue with your housebreaking routine.

Don’t Overwhelm Your Puppy:

It’s easy to get excited about introducing your puppy to new things, but it’s important not to overwhelm them. Puppies are still learning how to process all the new experiences, smells, and sights around them. Start by gradually introducing new people, pets, and environments to avoid overwhelming your puppy’s senses. Keep initial interactions short and positive, allowing your puppy time to adjust. Too much stimulation too quickly can cause stress, which may result in undesirable behaviors such as chewing or nervousness. Give your puppy the time they need to feel comfortable with their new surroundings.

Remember, the adjustment period is temporary. Your puppy will gradually settle into their new routine and begin to feel more at home. The key is to be patient, consistent, and provide a calm, supportive environment as they adapt. This will help foster a strong bond with your puppy and ensure that they grow into a well-adjusted, confident companion.

7. Establish a Relationship with Your Veterinarian

When preparing for your new puppy, it’s essential to choose a trusted veterinarian who will be there for your puppy’s health needs. Selecting a veterinarian early ensures you have someone familiar with your puppy’s breed, temperament, and unique health requirements. Establishing a relationship with your vet ahead of time is not only important for your puppy’s immediate needs but also for ensuring a long-term health plan. It allows you to build a partnership with the veterinarian who will provide care for your puppy throughout their life.

Schedule a wellness check within the first few days of bringing your puppy home. This initial check-up gives your vet the opportunity to assess your puppy’s overall health, check for any underlying issues, and ensure there are no concerns you may not have noticed. Your puppy will also need to receive essential vaccinations during this visit to protect against potentially life-threatening illnesses such as distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. As part of our Story Tail Dogs contract, it’s required to have your puppy seen by a veterinarian within 3 days of bringing them home. This ensures your puppy’s health is confirmed early, and any necessary medical attention can be given promptly.

Routine vet visits are vital for maintaining your puppy’s overall health. Your vet will guide you on the schedule for vaccinations, deworming, and flea and tick prevention. These regular visits also provide an opportunity for your vet to monitor your puppy’s growth and development, ensuring they are meeting important milestones in their physical and behavioral development. The vet will keep track of your puppy’s weight, coat condition, and any other potential health concerns that may arise as they grow.

In addition to wellness visits, your veterinarian will play a key role in providing preventative care, including flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Keeping up with these treatments is essential to protect your puppy from common parasites that can lead to serious health issues. Regular vet visits also ensure your puppy receives advice on grooming, diet, and behavior, all of which contribute to a happy, healthy life.

Having a veterinarian who is familiar with your puppy’s history and needs builds trust and creates a long-lasting partnership for your pet’s well-being. Early and consistent care from a trusted veterinarian is essential for keeping your puppy healthy, happy, and well-adjusted throughout their life. By following this important step and scheduling a vet visit within 3 days of bringing your puppy home, you are taking a proactive approach to ensuring a bright and healthy future for your new furry companion.

Conclusion

Preparing for a new puppy is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and commitment. By following the steps outlined in this guide, including setting up your home, starting training early with Baxter & Bella, reading the go-home packet, and preparing your family, you’ll set your puppy up for success. Remember, patience, consistency, and love are key as you embark on this exciting new journey with your puppy.

StoryTail Dogs is a trusted Cavapoo and Maltipoo breeder near Bernville, Pennsylvania, specializing in producing healthy, well-socialized puppies. If you’re looking for available Cavapoo puppies nearby, or available Maltipoo puppies near me, StoryTail Dogs is the perfect choice. By combining modern science with love, we focus on developing outstanding temperaments and resilient health in every puppy. Our puppies are raised in a nurturing home environment, benefiting from early neurological stimulation, socialization with children, and exposure to other pets. This careful approach ensures that each puppy is ready to become a loving, well-adjusted addition to your family.

American Kennel Club-“Preparing for your new puppy”- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/preparing-new-puppy/

WebMD- “Bringing Home a New Puppy” https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/bringing-home-new-puppy

The Humane Society of the United States- “How to make your new dog feel comfortable in your home” –https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-make-your-new-dog-feel-comfortable-your-home