Getting a new puppy is exciting for the whole family, it’s important to know what to expect during your puppy’s first year and also what supplies you’ll need to provide them with the essentials to help them develop into a happy, healthy and a well-adjusted dog.

During the first 12 months, your new puppy will do most of their growing. It’s also a vital time in their life for developing proper social skills with other pets and humans—not to mention your puppy will be going through a lot of memorable experiences. At about 8 weeks old, puppies begin to leave their litter mates and go to new homes.
While having a new puppy is a whole lot of fun, this is the time where you will need to lay the groundwork to ensure they get the best start in life.

Puppies need to eat a high-quality pet food about three times a day and also require a bowl of fresh water nearby at all times.

When choosing a food for your new puppy make sure it’s a diet specifically formulated for puppies. There is a great range of options available including wet food, dry food, and NZ Made food all produced with your growing puppy in mind. Premium dog food diets are nutritiously balanced and don't require supplementation.

It is important to note that the size of your new puppy will impact their nutritional needs. A small-breed puppy’s growth period is shorter than that of a larger puppy and their needs for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are also different. Large-breed puppies aren’t considered fully grown until they are around 2 years old, so they will need to be on a large-breed puppy food longer.

Intestinal worming should be done from 4 weeks of age. The breeder or shelter should have started worming prior to you adopting your pooch. It's recommended to worm your pet every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age and then monthly till 6 months of age. After 6 months of age, intestinal worming should be done every 3 months.

Milbemax is a broad spectrum all-wormer that is safe for puppies from 2 weeks of age and provides effective protection from roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm. Flea and/or tick prevention is safe to start around 6-9 weeks of age (depending on the product you choose). Bravecto offers combined flea and tick prevention, available in either a spot on or chewable tablet and is safe for puppies safe from 8 weeks of age.

If you want to combine flea, worming and tick protection, NexGard Spectra can be used on puppies from 8 weeks of age and is effective in treating flea, ticks, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.

Also at this time, your new puppy will be starting their vaccinations if they haven’t already. They should be ready for their first round of vaccinations at around 6-8 weeks and their second round at about 10-12 weeks so ensure to book these visits in with your veterinarian.

Now is a crucial time to begin toilet training your new puppy to go potty outside or on dog toilet training pads.

Toilet training requires a consistent routine along with patience and plenty of praise. Carry puppy to the place you intend to use as their "toilet area." For pups under 10 weeks you will need to do this hourly when they are awake, for older pups a general rule is 1 hour for every month of their age.

If your pup has an accident, do not react negatively or positively simply remove them from the area and clean up with a quality stain and odour remover and leave to air dry. You can also begin some basic training with your pup at this time. There are a few commands, like sit, that puppies can learn with the help of some healthy puppy treats and lots of positive praise (of course!).

Invest in a good quality leash and collar or harness. Get your pup accustomed to it by letting them wear it in the house prior to going outside for walks. Don’t drag your puppy as they get use to the sensation; allow them to move at their own pace. The EzyDog Zero Shock Leash and Chest Plate Harness are a great solution for pups that like to pull ahead while walking as it offers a shock absorbing component that drastically reduces strain and pull on the dog and the owner.

Puppy socialization helps puppies feel comfortable in the world. The key is to find the right balance between exposing your puppy to a lot of different sights and sounds, including people and other dogs in a way that prevents overstimulation, fearfulness or withdrawal. Forcing pups out of their comfort zone in the name of socialization is entirely different from allowing them the choice to have new experiences.

Some great ways to successfully socialise your puppy include: Enrolling them in puppy school, Inviting friends over and introducing them to your new puppy or take a trip to the park to catch up with a friend and their (well behaved) dogs.

Always be prepared to step in if you notice your puppy becoming overwhelmed. Doing so will help your puppy recognise that they can rely on you to keep him safe.

Dogs are den animals, and they love the comfort and security offered by a snug space of their own. A dog crate is an ideal resting place for your pup. It's important to find a crate that's just the right size for your puppy. Dog crates for puppies should not have too much room, because then the puppy is likely to have an accident inside of it. You should size the crate so that your puppy has just enough space to stand up, turn around and lie down.

Provide comfortable bedding for your puppy, dry beds are ideal as they will keep your pup clean dry and warm as they are made from fibres that draw moisture away from your pup and under the mat ensuring the fleece remains dry

Puppies should only require bathing every 2-3 weeks. Bathing them more frequently can cause their skin to dry out and become itchy and flaky. Use a shampoo specifically formulated for puppies such as Yours Droolly Natural Puppy Shampoo or WashBar Natural Puppy Shampoo.

Brushing your pups coat regularly will ensure they are used to handling and can be a great way to build a bond with your pup. Long haired breeds need to be brushed daily to prevent knotting and matting. Professional grooming may be required in some breeds.

Puppies start teething around 12 weeks of age and at around 24 weeks will have all 42 of their adult teeth. Most baby teeth are often swallowed, but don't be concerned if you find the occasional little tooth laying around the house!

During this time your pup will more than likely insist on chewing everything in sight. Make sure they have plenty of appropriate dental chews to ease the stress and pain of teething. Nylabone is a popular choice and has an extensive range of options available. Until your pup has all their adult teeth avoid giving harder dental chews or bones as baby teeth are a little more delicate and may break if they chew hard objects.

Once your pup has all their adult teeth, veterinary dentists recommend daily tooth brushing as the gold standard for dog dental care, and the earlier you start the easier it will be for your dog to accept this. Try to get your puppy used to having their mouth examined and handled from an early age.

The CET Home Dental Kit contains an enzymatic and tartar control toothpaste and soft bristled toothbrush which are specially formulated for pets.

For more advice on what you may need to care for you puppy, please contact Pet Direct's customer Service Experts on 0800 200 240.