Preparing Your Home for a New Puppy: A Complete Guide

1. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Just like toddlers, puppies are curious and explore with their mouths! Here’s what to do before your new furry friend arrives:

• Secure cords and wires: Puppies love to chew, so tuck away electrical cords and chargers.

• Remove small or breakable items: Anything that could be swallowed or knocked over should be out of reach.

• Lock away cleaning supplies and chemicals: Keep them in a cabinet your puppy can’t access.

• Check for hazards in the yard: Fill in holes, remove poisonous plants, and make sure fences are secure.

  
  

2. Set Up a Safe Space

Puppies need a safe place to relax and feel comfortable:

• Crate or bed: A cozy crate can help with training and give your puppy a sense of security.

• Puppy-proof room or playpen: Use baby gates or a small room to keep your puppy contained when unsupervised.

• Toys and comfort items: Chew toys, plush toys, and even a soft blanket with your scent can help them settle in.

  
  

3. Stock Up on Essentials

Before your puppy arrives, make sure you have all the basics:

• Food & water bowls

• High-quality puppy food

• Collar, leash, and ID tag

• Grooming supplies (brush, shampoo, nail clippers)

• Puppy pads or training supplies

• Cleaning supplies for accidents

Having everything ready ahead of time makes the first few days much smoother for both you and your puppy.

4. Plan a Routine

Puppies thrive on consistency:

• Feeding schedule: 3–4 times per day for young puppies.

• Potty breaks: Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals and naps.

• Playtime and socialization: Short, frequent play sessions keep them happy and mentally stimulated.

• Training sessions: Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come.

  
  

5. Prepare Your Family

Make sure everyone in your household knows how to interact with the puppy safely:

• Supervise children with your puppy.

• Teach gentle handling and respect for the puppy’s space.

• Assign responsibilities for feeding, walking, and playtime.

  
  

6. Visit Your Veterinarian

Schedule a vet visit soon after bringing your puppy home:

• Check vaccinations and health status.

• Discuss nutrition and growth expectations.

• Get advice on training, grooming, and preventive care.

  
  

7. Make the Home Welcoming

Finally, create a warm and loving environment:

• Speak in a calm, reassuring tone.

• Offer gentle affection and positive reinforcement.

• Be patient—your puppy is learning a lot in a new environment.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Welcoming a puppy is one of life’s greatest joys, and preparation makes all the difference. By puppy-proofing your home, setting up a safe space, and planning a routine, you’ll help your new doodle settle in happily and healthily.

At Dartmouth Doodles, we love helping families create the perfect home for their new furry family members. If you’re ready to meet your next playful, loving puppy, check out our available Dartmouth Doodle puppies this Holiday Season!

New Litter Coming 2025

We have very special news for you! Coltrane and Kellyanne are expecting their second litter together later this year Make sure to call if you would like to join our wait list for a puppy this litter!

Early Neurological Stimulation at Dartmouth Doodles

Our primary focus is to raise the healthiest and happiest puppies for our puppy parents. To achieve this, we begin early socialization and stimulation starting on day 3. This includes exposing our puppies to a variety of sounds, textures, animals, and experiences, all designed to promote their development. A well-socialized puppy is not only healthier but also tends to be a more balanced and adaptable pet.

Through extensive research, including studies by the U.S. Military Canine Program, we know that the period between days 3 and 16 is crucial for the rapid development of a puppy’s neurological system. During this time, puppies' eyes are still closed, and their abilities are limited to sucking, smelling, and crawling. To support their neurological growth, we incorporate a program known as Bio-Sensor or “Super Puppy” training. This program, developed by the military, has been shown to provide long-term benefits, giving puppies an edge in their physical and behavioral development. 

Studies show these benefits:

- Enhanced cardiovascular health

- Stronger heart function

- Improved adrenal gland activity

- Better stress tolerance

- Increased disease resistance

Puppies who undergo ENS are more active and exploratory compared to those who do not receive such stimulation. Non-stimulated puppies, on the other hand, often become more agitated and prone to mistakes. ENS puppies, by contrast, tend to remain calmer, make fewer errors, and express less distress when faced with stressful situations.

Between days 3 and 16, our family—conducts daily ENS exercises for all of our puppies. We follow the Bio-Sensor protocol, which involves five specific exercises, each lasting 3-5 seconds. These exercises stimulate neurological growth in ways that wouldn’t naturally occur at this stage of life.

ENS Exercises Include:

1. Tactical Stimulation: Gentle pressure between the toes

2. Head Held Erect: Encourages proper head posture

3. Head Pointed Down: Promotes balance and coordination

4. Supine Position: Lying on their back for neurological development

5. Thermal Stimulation: Brief exposure to varying temperatures

Puppy Socialization

Once puppies reach 16 days, we begin daily socialization activities to expose them to a wide range of people, environments, and experiences. Our goal is to raise well-adjusted puppies that are comfortable in various situations. The puppies are regularly handled by people of all ages, and they are even introduced to our three adult dogs and surrogates. 

At 4 weeks, we also begin sensory training, where the puppies explore an environment filled with different sights, sounds, colors, and textures. This not only encourages curiosity but also helps them adapt to new stimuli and challenges. By continually changing the textures and introducing mild stressors, we aim to build confidence and resilience, ensuring each puppy is well-prepared to face the world with a positive attitude.

This comprehensive approach to early development ensures that every puppy raised in our home is equipped with the tools they need to thrive in their new homes.