New Pup Essentials: care, training... and commitment!
The twinkle of Christmas lights, the smell of warm mince pies, the sound of laughter around the tree… and maybe, a new little paw padding across your living room. Bringing a puppy into your home is magical at any time of year. But it’s also one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.
At Love My Human, we’re here to celebrate the joy puppies bring, while reminding everyone that they’re not just a festive treat. Any new furry family member is a lifelong commitment. They need lots of love, care, training, and attention, so thinking very carefully before making the decision to bring one home is the first step to giving them the happy, healthy life they deserve.
Puppy essentials
The first weeks at home are all about comfort and routine. And rest assured, our Love My Human boutique is stocked with all the hand-picked essentials you’ll need - cosy beds, bowls, stimulating toys, and everything to help your puppy feel safe and loved. Let’s not forget the poo bags, wipes and training pads – all admittedly puppy parenting’s less glam accessories! We stock lots of gorgeous collars too – another must-have once your pup has had their second set of vaccinations and is ready to go out into the exciting new world. These products aren’t just practical; they help create settings and situations where your puppy can feel safe and thrive.
Balanced nutrition
Choosing the right food for your puppy is a very personal thing. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every puppy is different, and what works well for one may not suit another. Taking the time to do your research, understand ingredients, and consider different feeding options helps you make an informed choice you feel confident about. It’s also important to factor in your own lifestyle, as well as your puppy’s size, breed, and growth needs. When your choice is based on knowledge and what realistically works for your household, you’re far more likely to set your puppy up for long-term health.
Training… and treats!
Puppy training is one of the most important things you can do early on, so try not to let Christmas get in the way of that all-important learning time if you have a young pup at home! The first weeks and months shape how your puppy understands the world - what’s expected, how to respond, and how to cope with new situations. Calm, consistent training helps prevent unwanted behaviours from becoming habits and builds clear communication between you and your dog. It’s less about ‘commands’ and more about setting them up to feel secure, confident, and able to handle everyday life as they grow.
Treats can be an invaluable training tool but it’s important to make sure you buy training treats that are suitable for little pups. If you’re not sure, always ask one of our friendly team who will be very happy to point you in the right direction. Same goes for chews that support teething time – it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your puppy when they have one of these too, to mitigate any choking risk.
Their first groom
Early grooming is key to helping your puppy feel confident and comfortable with being handled. Introducing grooming while your puppy is still young helps them see it as a normal part of life, rather than something to fear. Gentle handling, brushing, and early grooming sessions get puppies used to being touched, lifted, and cared for, which builds confidence and trust.
If you have a puppy, or are planning to introduce one into your family, you can learn the grooming basics at our grooming academy. We’ll teach you everything from brushing coats, shampooing and cleaning ears to gentle nail care. These early habits build trust and make life easier - and more enjoyable - for both of you.
As far as professional grooms go, most experts agree with us that your puppy should come for their first ‘proper’ groom after their vaccinations at 12 weeks. As their adult coat won’t have developed yet, this first appointment should always focus on positive socialisation and handling, not a full-on haircut.
Socialise at the Townhouse
If you’re planning your puppy’s first stroll around town, our Love My Human Townhouse café offers a safe environment where they can make a pitstop. It’s also a cosy space for owners to pause for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon hot drink and a delicious sweet treat! You can check out our menu here.
Early socialisation helps puppies learn how to feel comfortable and confident around other dogs and people, but it needs to be done thoughtfully. Positive, gentle introductions allow your puppy to explore the world at their own pace, building trust and resilience without fear or pressure.
Too much too soon can be overwhelming, so it’s important to focus on quality experiences rather than quantity - calm encounters, familiar faces, and controlled environments. When socialisation is gradual and positive, puppies grow into dogs that are relaxed, adaptable, and confident in everyday situations.