Before bringing a puppy home, prepare a safe sleeping area, puppy-proof the spaces they will use, buy suitable food and basic supplies, choose a veterinarian, gather existing health and vaccination records, plan toilet breaks and decide how the household will share responsibilities. Keep the first days calm and predictable, use positive reinforcement and give the puppy time to adjust rather than overwhelming them with visitors, outings or training goals.

Puppy vaccination usually begins at around 6–8 weeks of age. For the major core viral vaccines against canine distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus, the 2024 WSAVA guidelines recommend repeat doses every 2–4 weeks until the puppy is at least 16 weeks old. Additional vaccines—including rabies, leptospirosis, Bordetella, canine influenza or Lyme disease—depend on local law, geography, lifestyle and individual risk. Your veterinarian should create the vaccination schedule for your puppy rather than relying on a universal timetable.