Your Puppy Care Guide
Everything you need to know for your puppy’s first weeks and months home, from feeding schedules to house-training basics. Bookmark this page, you’ll come back to it often.
Feeding
Stick to the same food at first
Your puppy goes home with a small starter bag. Keep them on it for at least a week before switching, sudden changes can upset their stomach.
Meals, not free-feeding
Puppies under 6 months typically do best with 3 meals a day on a set schedule rather than food left out all day.
Fresh water, always
Keep water available at all times, and wash the bowl daily. Puppies drink more than you’d expect, especially after play.
Watch the treats
Treats are great for training, but they add up fast. Keep them small and factor them into your puppy’s daily food total.
Switching food gradually
If you do change brands, mix the new food in gradually over 7–10 days, increasing the new and decreasing the old each day.
No table scraps
Human food, especially anything fatty, salty, or seasoned, can upset a puppy’s stomach or worse. Best to avoid it entirely.
Health & Vet Care
Book a vet visit within 72 hours
Even though your puppy has already been checked, a visit with your own vet within the first few days is part of our health guarantee.
Keep the vaccination schedule
Your puppy’s records show what’s been given and what’s due next. Don’t let boosters slip, they build on each other.
Watch for warning signs
Loss of appetite for more than a day, ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or unusual lethargy are all reasons to call your vet promptly.
Hold off on the dog park
Wait until your puppy’s vaccination series is complete, usually around 16 weeks, before visiting places with lots of unknown dogs.
Spay/neuter timing
Talk to your vet about the right timing for your puppy’s breed and size, it’s often later than people expect for larger breeds like Labs.
Flea, tick & heartworm prevention
Ask your vet about starting a preventative plan at your first visit, even indoor dogs benefit from year-round protection.
Training & Socialization
House-training takes patience
Take your puppy out every 1–2 hours at first, right after meals, naps, and play. Consistency matters more than speed here.
Crate training helps everyone
A crate isn’t a punishment, it gives your puppy a safe space and makes house-training and alone time much easier.
Socialize early, but safely
Expose your puppy to new sounds, people, and calm dogs while young. Labs are naturally social, but good habits start now.
Keep training sessions short
5–10 minutes a few times a day beats one long session. Puppies have short attention spans, end on a win.
Redirect, don’t just correct
Chewing and nipping are normal puppy behavior. Give them something appropriate to redirect to instead of just saying no.
Consider a puppy class
A structured class around 10–16 weeks is a great way to build good habits alongside socializing with other puppies.
Grooming
Brush weekly
Labs shed more than people expect. A weekly brush with a rubber curry brush keeps loose fur under control year-round.
Bathe only when needed
Every 4–6 weeks is usually enough. Over-bathing can dry out their skin and strip natural oils from their coat.
Trim nails regularly
If you hear clicking on the floor, it’s time. Long nails are uncomfortable and can affect how your puppy walks.
Check ears weekly
Labs’ floppy ears trap moisture. A quick weekly check and gentle cleaning helps prevent ear infections.
Start early, keep it positive
Get your puppy used to being handled, paws, ears, mouth, now. It makes grooming and vet visits much easier later.
Brush teeth a few times a week
Use a dog-safe toothpaste. Starting this habit young sets your puppy up for better dental health long-term.
Home Safety
Puppy-proof at floor level
Get down on your knees and look around. Cords, small objects, and shoes all look like chew toys to a curious puppy.
Secure trash and food
Labs are notorious counter-surfers even as puppies. Keep trash cans covered and food out of reach.
Know the toxic plants and foods
Chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol are dangerous. Check your houseplants too, several common ones are toxic to dogs.
Block off stairs if needed
A baby gate can help until your puppy is confident and coordinated enough to handle stairs safely on their own.
Secure the yard
Check fence gaps and gate latches before letting your puppy roam unsupervised outside, they’re faster and more curious than expected.
Never leave them in a hot car
Even a few minutes in a parked car can be dangerous. If your puppy can’t come inside with you, they should stay home.
First Week Checklist
The essentials to have sorted before, or right after, your puppy comes home.
Crate, bed, and a few appropriate chew toys set up before arrival
Vet appointment booked for within the first 72 hours
Starter food on hand, plus a plan for what to feed after
Home puppy-proofed at floor level, cords and small objects put away
A bathroom schedule in mind, ideally with everyone in the house aligned
ID tag or plan for microchip registration update in your name
Quiet, low-key first few days planned, big introductions can wait
Our number saved, so you can reach out with any questions
Quick Questions
Still have questions?
We’re happy to help with anything not covered here, before or after you bring your puppy home.