New Puppy? The UltiMUTT Survival Guide for Your First Weeks Together

🐾 The UltiMUTT Puppy Survival Guide: Your First Steps to Raising a Happy, Healthy Dog

Bringing home a puppy is one of the most exciting — and let’s be honest, exhausting — things you’ll ever do. That little ball of fur is full of love… and also full of questions:

• How do I potty train?

• What do I do about chewing?

• When do I start grooming?

After working with thousands of puppies since 2004 in my dog daycare, grooming, and boarding businesses, I’ve seen it all — the good, the messy, and the downright hilarious. This blog will walk you through the essential first steps to help you and your pup start off on the right paw.

Step 1: Puppy-Proof Your Home

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so anything within reach is fair game.
Check your space for:

• Electrical cords

• Toxic plants

• Shoes, socks, and kids’ toys

• Trash cans

• Anything small enough to swallow

If you can’t supervise, keep your puppy in a safe zone like a crate, playpen, or one room.

Step 2: Gather Your Must-Have Supplies

For Day One, you’ll want:

• A properly sized crate (with a divider for growth)

• Washable bedding

• Stainless steel food & water bowls

• A standard leash & collar (no retractables)

• Chew toys, puzzle toys, and plush toys

• Basic grooming tools (wire comb, slicker brush, puppy shampoo)

Step 3: Make the First 48 Hours Calm

Your pup has just left everything familiar — so keep things simple at first.

• Limit visitors

• Introduce one room at a time

• Bring home something that smells like their mom/littermates

• Place their crate near your bed for comfort

Expect some crying at night — it’s normal. Keep potty breaks on a schedule, and avoid letting them out every time they whimper.

Step 4: Start House & Crate Training Together

The crate–potty–play cycle works wonders:

1. Out of crate → Potty time

2. Success → Playtime

3. No potty → Back to crate for 15–20 minutes, then try again

Puppies can generally hold it for their age in months + 1–2 hours.

Step 5: Manage Biting & Chewing

Teething = chewing. Offer safe chew toys and redirect if they bite your hands or clothes. A quick “yelp” (like another puppy would) works surprisingly well. Stop play if it gets too rough.

Step 6: Socialize Early & Safely

Between 8–16 weeks, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds, surfaces, and friendly people. Avoid high-risk dog areas until they’re fully vaccinated. Keep experiences positive with treats and praise.

Step 7: Begin Grooming Training Immediately

Even if your dog won’t need haircuts, get them used to brushing, nail trims, and ear handling.

• Keep sessions short & fun

• Touch paws, ears, and face daily

• Once vaccinated, book a “just for fun” groomer visit so they learn it’s no big deal

Step 8: Track Health & Vet Milestones

Work with your vet on a vaccination schedule, microchipping, and spay/neuter timing. Annual checkups keep them healthy for life.

💡 Final Tip: The first few nights may be rough, but it gets better fast. Stick to routines, stay positive, and remember — you’re building the foundation for the amazing dog they’ll grow into.

You’ve got this. And soon, you won’t be able to imagine life without them. 🐶💛