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Preparing For A New Puppy

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Dog

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Welcoming a dog into your family is an exciting decision, but it also brings a long-term commitment. Before reserving a puppy, take time to discuss these questions with everyone in your household.

  1. Why do you want a dog?
    Think about your reasons and whether you are ready to provide the care, companionship and commitment a dog needs throughout their life.

  2. Why have you chosen this breed?
    Have you researched their temperament, exercise needs, grooming requirements and typical behaviour? Consider whether the breed suits your lifestyle, home and family.

  3. Who will be responsible for their care?
    Decide who will manage feeding, toilet training, walks, grooming, training and veterinary appointments. Children can help, but an adult must take overall responsibility.

  4. Do you have enough time for a puppy?
    Puppies need frequent toilet breaks, regular meals, supervision, gentle training and reassurance. Can you make time for these needs, particularly during the first few weeks?

  5. Are there children in your household?
    Consider their ages and how you will teach them to interact gently and respectfully with the dog. Are you able to supervise their interactions and give your puppy a quiet place to rest undisturbed?

  6. Is everyone in the household on board?
    A new dog affects the whole family. Make sure everyone understands the commitment and agrees on routines, boundaries and expectations.

  7. Are you willing to invest in training?
    Training takes patience and consistency. Are you prepared to use kind, reward-based methods and seek support from a suitable trainer when needed?

  8. Does anyone have allergies?
    Consider whether allergies could affect your ability to keep a dog comfortably. Spend time around the breed beforehand if this is a concern, remembering that no breed is guaranteed to be allergy-free.

  9. Can you commit to grooming and ongoing health care?
    Your dog will need regular coat care, appropriate parasite prevention, vaccinations and veterinary checks. For a Cocker Spaniel, this also means routine brushing, combing and professional grooming as needed.

  10. How long would your dog be left alone?
    Think about work, school runs and other commitments. Young puppies need frequent attention and toilet breaks, so consider who will help when you cannot be there.

  11. Can you provide daily exercise, play and companionship?
    Dogs need more than access to a garden. Can you provide suitable walks, play, training and opportunities to explore, alongside plenty of rest?

  12. Can you afford the ongoing costs?
    Budget for quality food, grooming, training, veterinary care, insurance, equipment and care while you are away. Consider how you would cover unexpected veterinary bills or changes in your circumstances.

Taking time to answer these questions honestly will help you decide whether this is the right time to welcome a dog and give them the happy, secure home they deserve.

Before Collection: Preparing for Your Puppy

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Preparing your home before collection will help your puppy settle comfortably and make those first few days easier for you both.

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Puppy-Proofing Your Home and Garden

Puppies are curious and explore with their mouths, so take a look around your home from their level. Anything within reach may become something to chew!

  • Secure electrical cables and keep chargers out of reach.

  • Store cleaning products, medicines, batteries and other potentially harmful items in secure cupboards.

  • Put away small objects that could be swallowed, including children’s toys, hair ties, coins and socks.

  • Keep shoes, handbags, rubbish bins and food out of reach.

  • Check that any houseplants within reach are safe for dogs.

  • Use baby gates to restrict access to stairs and rooms where your puppy cannot be supervised.

  • Choose a quiet area for their bed, crate or pen, away from draughts and busy walkways.

Check your garden carefully before your puppy arrives. Secure gates, repair gaps beneath fences and remove sharp objects, chemicals and other hazards. Block access to ponds and swimming pools, and check for plants that may be harmful to dogs. Even in a secure garden, supervise your puppy while they explore.

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Choosing and Registering with a Vet

Choose a veterinary practice you feel comfortable with and register your puppy before collection. Find out their opening hours, how to book an appointment and who provides their out-of-hours emergency care.

  • Vaccinations: your puppy will receive their first DHP and L4 vaccinations at 8 weeks old. Their second vaccination appointment will be due 28 days after the first vaccination, usually at 12 weeks old. Book using the exact date shown on their vaccination record, and tell your vet which vaccines have already been given so they can confirm and complete the appropriate course.

  • Take their vaccination record and details of previous worming and flea treatments to the appointment.

  • Ask about ongoing parasite prevention and when your puppy can safely begin walking in public areas.

  • Save the practice’s daytime and emergency telephone numbers in your phone.

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Looking into Puppy Training Classes

Good puppy classes can help you build a strong relationship with your puppy and support early learning. Research local classes in advance, as suitable courses may have waiting lists.

Look for a trainer who uses kind, reward-based methods, with treats, praise and play to encourage the behaviours you want.

A suitable class should offer:

  • Small, well-managed groups with time for individual guidance.

  • Advice on everyday skills, such as responding to their name, recall, loose-lead walking and settling.

  • Support with puppy mouthing, toilet training and other common challenges.

  • Carefully supervised introductions, with space for puppies to feel comfortable.

  • Clear vaccination and health requirements.

Avoid classes that rely on shouting, intimidation or physical punishment. Puppy socialisation should involve gentle, positive experiences, with time to observe and build confidence at your puppy’s own pace.

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Gathering the Essentials

Have the basics ready before collection so you can focus on helping your puppy settle.

  • A comfortable bed: choose something washable and suitably sized. An expensive bed can wait until the chewing stage has passed!

  • A crate or playpen: provide a secure resting area with enough room to stand, turn around and lie comfortably. Introduce it positively so it becomes a welcoming place to rest.

  • Baby gates: useful for creating a manageable puppy area and restricting access to stairs.

  • Food and water bowls: choose sturdy, easy-to-clean bowls that are difficult to tip over.

  • Their usual puppy food: your puppy will come home with a bag of their usual food, enough for approximately 2–3 weeks. An email link is available to purchase a second bag from Purina with a 30% discount. You can also find this link at the bottom of our website. Follow the feeding guidance provided at collection and avoid sudden food changes while your puppy is settling.

  • Blankets and towels: keep several washable spares for bedding, drying paws and cleaning up accidents.

  • Puppy-safe toys: choose a selection of appropriately sized toys for gentle play and chewing. Rotate the toys daily, putting some away and swapping them for others to keep your puppy interested and help prevent boredom. Check toys regularly and remove anything damaged.

  • A collar or harness and lightweight lead: it is best to wait until your puppy is home before buying their collar, so they can be measured and fitted with the correct size. Check the fit regularly as your puppy grows.

  • Grooming supplies: have a suitable brush and comb ready so you can introduce short, gentle grooming sessions.

  • Toilet-training supplies: keep poo bags, cleaning cloths and a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner handy. Puppy pads may also be useful for travel or your chosen toilet-training setup.

  • A secure travel carrier or crate: have this ready for collection and future car journeys, ensuring it is suitable for your puppy’s size and can be secured safely in the vehicle.

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You do not need to buy everything at once. A safe space, comfortable bedding, suitable food and a few practical essentials are a good starting point.

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