The “Puppy Don’ts”: What to Avoid When Bringing Home a New Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and joyful experience, but it also comes with responsibilities. Many common mistakes can lead to unnecessary stress, accidents, and even long-term behavioral problems. In this blog post, Dr. Jonathan Hansche of Partners Animal Hospital and I discuss the top "Puppy Don’ts"—things you should avoid when training and housebreaking your new furry family member.

1. Don’t Give Too Much Freedom Too Soon

Many pet parents make the mistake of giving their puppy free rein of the house right away. However, puppies are naturally curious and can get into dangerous situations, such as:
🐾Destroying furniture or demonstrating destructive behavior
🐾Eating toxic plants or chewing on electrical cords
🐾Falling from furniture or down stairs
🐾Soiling the house in areas that may be difficult to clean

Instead, create a "Puppy Zen Den"—a safe, gated area with a crate, bed, and chew toys to help your pup adjust while keeping them out of trouble. Each month, you can gradually increase the area your puppy can roam slowly giving them more freedom.

2. Don’t Allow Jumping Off High Surfaces

Puppies don’t understand heights and can easily fracture their legs by jumping off furniture, countertops, or even your arms. Small breeds are especially at risk! To prevent injuries:

✔Lift and place puppies gently on and off furniture.
✔ Encourage them to use ramps or stairs if needed.
✔ Teach children to sit on the floor when playing with a puppy, instead of carrying them around.

✔ Avoid placing your puppy on furniture that is too high in general (bed, sofa, counter)

3. Don’t Use Negative Punishment

Punishing a puppy by yelling, smacking, or using force can lead to fear-based behavioral issues later on. Instead of punishment, use positive reinforcement methods:
✔ Reward good behavior with treats and praise.
✔ Redirect unwanted chewing to appropriate toys.
✔ Give short timeouts in their crate if needed.

4. Don’t Forget to Watch Your Step

Puppies love to follow their owners closely, which puts them at risk of being stepped on or tripped over. Some pet parents unknowingly cause injuries by accidentally kicking or stepping on their tiny pup. Be mindful of where you walk, especially in:
🐾 Busy areas like the kitchen
🐾 Doorways and hallways
🐾 Stairs and outdoor paths

5. Don’t Delay Veterinary Care

One of the most important things you can do after bringing a puppy home is to schedule a vet visit immediately. Some puppies may have missed vaccines, deworming, or early health screenings, which are crucial for preventing disease. Contact your veterinarian as soon as you get settled to:
✔ Confirm vaccine history and set up a schedule
✔ Check for parasites or underlying health issues
✔ Get advice on nutrition, training, and behavior

Final Thoughts

Bringing a puppy home is an adventure, but avoiding these common mistakes will set your pet up for a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted life. By providing a structured environment, safe handling, positive training, and timely veterinary care, you’ll build a strong foundation for your puppy’s future.

🐶💙 Thanks for joining us on Pet Pro Tips! Stay tuned for more expert advice on raising happy, healthy pets.

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