Bringing Home a New Puppy in Greenwich: First Weeks Advice

Quick Answer: The first few weeks with a new puppy should focus on settling in gently, starting toilet training and routine, feeding the right diet, arranging a veterinary health check, and beginning vaccinations, parasite prevention and socialisation safely. At Blackheath Vets, we recommend early support so puppies in Greenwich and South East London get the best possible start.

Introduction

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. Many local pet owners in Greenwich, Blackheath and across South East London ask us what really matters in those first days and weeks. The good news is that you do not need to do everything at once. A calm routine, a safe home environment and the right veterinary guidance can make a big difference.

At Blackheath Vets we regularly help new puppy owners with early health checks, vaccinations, parasite control, feeding advice and practical support as their puppy settles in. Our experienced veterinary team supports pets across Blackheath, Greenwich and South East London, and we know that early preventative care helps build strong foundations for lifelong health.

If you have just welcomed a puppy home, or you are preparing for arrival day, this guide covers what to do first, what to avoid, and when to speak to a vet.

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1. Prepare a calm, safe space

Your puppy has just left its litter, travelled to a new home and met new people. That is a lot to process. Try to keep the first few days calm and predictable. Set up:

• A quiet bed or crate area
• Fresh water at all times
• Suitable puppy food
• A place for toileting outside, or a consistent indoor plan if needed initially
• Safe chew toys
• Gates or barriers to block unsafe areas

Our veterinary team often advises owners to limit visitors at first. While everyone wants to meet a new puppy, too much excitement can be tiring and may make settling more difficult.

2. Start a simple routine straight away

Puppies tend to settle better when their day is predictable. Feed at regular times, take them outside frequently for toileting, and build in rest periods. Young puppies sleep a lot, and overtired puppies can become mouthy, noisy or unsettled.

A typical early routine includes:

• Toilet breaks after sleeping, eating, playing and waking in the night
• Short, gentle play sessions
• Quiet rest in between activity
• Regular mealtimes based on the breeder’s or rehoming centre’s advice

If you are unsure whether your puppy is settling normally, you can book an appointment online for tailored advice from our local veterinary team.

3. Feed the right diet and avoid sudden changes

Stick with the food your puppy has already been eating for at least the first several days unless you have been advised otherwise. Sudden food changes can lead to an upset stomach. If you plan to switch to a different diet, do so gradually over several days.

Make sure the food is labelled as complete puppy food and appropriate for your puppy’s size and breed. Fresh water should always be available.

We commonly see mild digestive upset in the first week after homing, often linked to changes in routine, treats, stress or diet. If your puppy has ongoing diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, seems quiet, or is not eating, it is best to seek veterinary advice promptly.

4. Arrange a puppy health check early

One of the most important first steps is arranging an early veterinary check. At Blackheath Vets we regularly help new owners by checking growth, body condition, eyes, ears, skin, heart, joints and general development, as well as reviewing any vaccination or worming history.

Our free puppy health checks are a helpful way to make sure your puppy is off to a good start. We can also talk through feeding, toilet training, teething, insurance, microchipping and preventative care.

If you are new to the area, you can register your puppy with Blackheath Vets before your first visit.

5. Vaccinations, worming and flea prevention matter early

Preventative healthcare is an important part of protecting your puppy while their immune system is still developing. Puppies usually need a course of vaccinations, as well as regular parasite treatment for worms and, where appropriate, fleas.

In our experience supporting pets across Blackheath and South East London, many owners are unsure when they can start walks or meet other dogs. The answer depends on your puppy’s vaccine stage and overall health. We can advise you based on their exact schedule.

You can explore our preventative healthcare options and ask us about the Puppy VIP Plan, which is designed to support puppies during those important early months.

6. Socialisation should be safe, positive and gradual

Socialisation means helping your puppy become comfortable with normal sights, sounds, people and experiences. This should be gentle and positive, not overwhelming. Good early experiences can help puppies grow into more confident adult dogs.

Safe socialisation ideas before full outdoor access may include:

• Hearing traffic, household sounds and doorbells
• Meeting calm visitors of different ages
• Seeing people in hats, umbrellas or uniforms
• Short car journeys
• Watching the outside world from a safe place or being carried where appropriate

A common misunderstanding is that socialisation only starts after vaccinations are complete. In fact, early learning is important, but it should be done sensibly and safely. Our veterinary team often advises owners on how to balance social development with infection risk.

7. Begin gentle training from day one

Your puppy is learning all the time. Start with simple basics such as name recognition, toilet training, calm handling, coming when called indoors, and rewarding desired behaviour. Keep sessions short and positive.

Common mistakes include:

• Expecting too much too soon
• Punishing accidents indoors
• Overstimulating a tired puppy
• Introducing too many new situations at once

At Blackheath Vets we regularly help owners who worry that normal puppy behaviours mean something is wrong. Mouthing, chewing, short attention spans and occasional accidents are all common in young puppies. Consistency matters more than perfection.

8. Expect teething, chewing and changing sleep patterns

Puppies often explore the world with their mouths, especially when teething starts. Provide appropriate chew toys and keep shoes, cables and children’s toys out of reach. Rest is just as important as play. Puppies that miss sleep can become overexcited and harder to manage.

Many local pet owners ask us whether crate training is cruel. Used properly, a crate can give a puppy a secure resting place and support house training. The key is to introduce it gradually and make it a calm, positive space rather than a punishment.

9. Think ahead about lifelong healthcare

The first weeks are a good time to plan for ongoing care, including regular check-ups, neutering discussions at the right age, dental care, weight monitoring and breed-specific advice where needed. We provide health checks and clinics as part of supporting pets through every stage of life.

If your puppy is a flat-faced breed such as a French Bulldog, Pug or Bulldog, we may also discuss breathing health as they grow. Where appropriate, we offer a BOAS Grading Clinic to assess airway function in brachycephalic breeds.

What We Commonly See at Blackheath Vets

At Blackheath Vets we regularly help new puppy owners with a similar set of early questions and concerns.

• One of the most common concerns we hear is whether a puppy is sleeping too much or too little. Most puppies need a great deal of sleep, and tiredness after excitement is normal.
• Many local pet owners ask us about soft stools in the first week. Mild digestive upset can happen with change and stress, but persistent diarrhoea, vomiting or poor appetite should be checked.
• We regularly help owners who are unsure when to start training. The answer is immediately, but keep it gentle, positive and very short.
• A common misunderstanding is that accidents indoors mean a puppy is being stubborn. In reality, young puppies simply need frequent opportunities and consistent routine.
• We commonly see puppies becoming nippy or wild in the evening when they are actually overtired and need rest.
• Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps owners choose the right preventative plan for vaccinations, worming and flea control in Blackheath, Greenwich and South East London.

For many families, a structured preventative plan makes the early months feel more manageable. Our Puppy VIP Plan can be a helpful option if you want support with routine care from the start.

Practical Advice

• Puppy-proof your home before arrival, including bins, cleaning products, medicines, cables and small chewable items.
• Use rewards and praise rather than punishment.
• Keep early walks and outings guided by your vet’s vaccination advice.
• Handle paws, ears and mouth gently so your puppy gets used to being examined.
• Track eating, stool quality, toileting and behaviour during the first couple of weeks.
• Arrange early support if you are feeling unsure rather than waiting for problems to grow.

If you are comparing costs and planning ahead, you may also find our veterinary prices page helpful.

When To Contact A Vet

Please contact a vet if your puppy:

• Is not eating or drinking
• Has repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
• Seems very quiet, weak or unusually sleepy
• Has coughing, breathing noise or difficulty breathing
• Has swollen eyes, sore skin or ear irritation
• Is limping or seems painful
• Has eaten something they should not

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately.

For urgent help, please use our emergency 24-hour vetcare information. Our local veterinary team is committed to providing high-quality veterinary care with a personal approach for pets across Greenwich, Blackheath and South East London.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I take my new puppy to the vet?

Ideally within the first few days of bringing them home. An early check helps confirm that your puppy is settling well and allows us to discuss vaccinations, parasite prevention, feeding and general care.

Can I take my puppy out before vaccinations are complete?

This depends on your puppy’s vaccination status and local risk. Safe socialisation can start before full outdoor walks, but it should be planned carefully. Speak to our veterinary team for tailored advice.

How often should my puppy be fed?

This varies with age, size and diet, but young puppies usually need several small meals a day. We can guide you based on your puppy’s individual needs.

Is it worth joining a puppy healthcare plan?

For many owners, yes. A plan can help spread the cost of routine care and keep vaccinations and parasite prevention on track. You can explore our Puppy VIP Plan if you would like structured support.

What if my puppy cries at night?

Some settling-in distress is common at first. Keep the sleeping area calm, nearby and consistent. Make sure your puppy has toileted, has had enough rest during the day, and is not too hot or cold. If distress is persistent or your puppy seems unwell, seek advice.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.

Support for New Puppy Owners in Blackheath and Greenwich

If you have brought home a new puppy in Greenwich, Blackheath or elsewhere in South East London, we are here to help. You can book an appointment, register your pet, or find Blackheath Vets and speak to our team about a first health check. If you would like support with routine preventative care, ask us about our Puppy VIP Plan and other current offers.