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Helping your dog settle in is incredibly important. With just a few simple adjustments, you can make their transition smoother and far less stressful. We’ve given your puppy the very best start in life, now it’s over to you to continue that journey.
Welcoming a new pup to your home can be an exciting and fun time, but it can also come with a lot of questions and worries, especially if this is your first experience having a puppy. The most common question we see as a Kennel Club breeder is ‘How do I help my new puppy settle in?’, and the answer is there are a number of ways you can prepare yourself.
If this is not your first time owning a puppy, it may still be a good idea to brush up on your ownership skills, with the experience of coming into a new environment being overwhelming for new arrivals. As a 5-star breeder, we have put together our tops tips through our years of experience, outlining how to settle a new puppy by following these recommendations
Food and Water
Provide your puppy with clean food and water bowls in a quiet area away from toilet training spaces. Fresh water should always be available during the day, and meals should be given at set times rather than free feeding to help establish a routine.
Comfort and Reassurance
Moving to a new home can be overwhelming for a puppy, so comfort and reassurance are very important. A cosy bed, familiar blanket, and calm environment will help your puppy feel safe and settle more easily.
Something to Chew On
Puppies love to chew, especially during the teething stage. Provide a few suitable toys or rubber chews so your puppy has something safe to play with and does not chew household items.
New Experiences
Introduce your puppy to new experiences slowly and calmly. Everyday sounds, short car journeys, and gentle exposure to new environments will help build confidence and positive behaviour.
Children
Children should always be supervised around a new puppy. Teach them to respect the puppy’s space, especially when the puppy is sleeping or resting, to ensure a calm and safe relationship.
Safety
Before bringing your puppy home, make sure your house and garden are safe. Remove hazards such as loose wires, toxic plants, or small objects that could be swallowed.
Establishing the Rules
Consistency is key when training a puppy. Setting clear rules from the beginning and using positive reinforcement will help your puppy learn good behaviour and build a strong bond with you.
Toilet Training
Take your puppy outside regularly, especially after meals, drinking, or sleeping. Praise and reward them when they go to the toilet in the correct place to encourage good habits.
Sleeping Arrangements
Decide where your puppy will sleep and keep this consistent. A crate or comfortable bed in a quiet area can help your puppy feel secure while they adjust to their new home.
Posted on Ilona MarshTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I honestly can’t recommend Zoe highly enough. I bought a puppy from her and also completed training through her academy, and both experiences were absolutely outstanding. The puppy I brought home has been incredible in every way, healthy, well-socialised, and with such a lovely temperament. It’s clear how much care and dedication Zoe puts into raising her dogs. The training was just as impressive. It was well structured, supportive, and genuinely enjoyable. Zoe has a fantastic way of explaining things clearly and making you feel confident, no matter your level of experience. I came away with so much knowledge and a much stronger bond with my pup. You can really tell that Zoe is passionate about what she does, and she goes above and beyond to support both her dogs and their owners. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for a puppy or high quality training.🩷Posted on Natasha WilliamsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve worked closely with Zoe Saunders as both a friend and whelper, and I can confidently say her level of care and dedication is second to none. She goes above and beyond for every dog in her care, and the quality of her dogs speaks for itself — well-bred, well-raised, and given the best possible start in life. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Zoe to anyone looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable breeder. 🤍Posted on JadeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Finding a reputable breeder when buying from overseas isn’t always easy, and it’s natural to feel cautious at the start. Being introduced to Zoe Saunders made that decision effortless. From the outset, Zoe was warm, attentive, and highly professional. She guided me through each step with such ease and clarity that any initial worries quickly disappeared. Even from a distance, I felt reassured and fully supported throughout the entire process. When our puppy arrived, it confirmed everything. Healthy, beautifully natured, and clearly well cared for from the very beginning. It’s evident that Zoe raises her dogs with genuine dedication and a great deal of love. I’m absolutely delighted with the experience and would wholeheartedly recommend Zoe to anyone, especially those considering bringing a puppy home from abroad.Posted on Jon WatsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Buying a puppy from overseas, especially from Dubai, is a gamble if you don’t know who you’re dealing with. Trust is the whole game. That’s where Zoe Saunders stands apart. I was pointed in her direction and, in hindsight, that recommendation made the entire experience. From the first conversation, she was calm, clear, and completely in control of the process. No confusion. No uncertainty. Just straight answers and steady guidance. Exactly what you need when you’re doing this from another country. She made something that could’ve felt complicated feel simple. That’s not luck, that’s experience. And the proof is in the dog. Healthy. Confident. Well-socialised. The kind of temperament you can’t fake or rush. It’s obvious these puppies are raised properly, with time, attention, and standards that don’t slip. I couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out. If you’re buying from abroad and want to remove the risk, Zoe is someone you can trust without hesitation. The family and I couldn't be more happier with would recommend who to anyone whose serious about quality, health and peace of mind. Thanks Zoe...Posted on Patricia BrooksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Love Zoe - incredibly reliable, expert knowledge, wonderfully honest and such a lovely person all round.The dogs are beautiful and you can just tell they are well kept. Would highly recommend.Posted on Dilan AbeyaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Zoe Saunders at Unique Stud & Pups is in a different league. What stands out most is her knowledge, honesty, and genuine care for the dogs. She clearly understands genetics, health testing, and breeding at a level most people simply do not, and that gives you real confidence when speaking to her. You can tell this is not just about selling puppies, it is about producing exceptional-quality dogs with health, temperament, and long-term wellbeing in mind. She is also incredibly trustworthy and direct, which is refreshing. If you are looking for someone who truly knows her craft, takes quality seriously, and clearly puts huge thought into what she does, Zoe is someone I would highly recommend. A real expert, and a real professional.Posted on Julianne ReadingsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Zoe is an amazing lady, who is very caring, professional and extremely knowledgable about her business. She works so hard to improve every day. Would highly recommend her.Posted on Scarlett SaundersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My lovely auntie who gave me a puppy for my daughters, only right for me to leave a comment Little dolly has brought us so many memories over the years, & many more to come i will forever be greatful xxxxxx top class breeder & i am so proud of you & all u have achieved. XxxxxPosted on Victoria KirleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. “Zoe is incredibly passionate and genuinely cares about her dogs. You can see the love and effort she puts into everything she does. Such a great experience and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend!”Posted on Gerry O'CallaghanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am now the proud owner of 3 fluffy Frenchies. I would never buy a family member from anyone but Zoe Saunders. She really knows her stuff and produces top quality, healthy dogs. The after care and advice given is exceptional.