Top 10 Ways to Prepare for a New Puppy in Your Family (Nashville Edition)

Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s greatest joys...but let’s be honest, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. As someone who’s raised many puppies over the years (I used to raise service dog puppies!), I’ve learned firsthand that preparation makes all the difference.

Whether you’re welcoming your very first pup or adding another furry friend to your family, here are my top 10 tips to make the transition smoother for both you and your pup.

1. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Puppies are curious by nature and that curiosity often leads them straight into trouble! Before your new pup arrives, remove anything they might chew, swallow, or knock over. Think: shoes, cords, plants, and kids’ toys. Create a safe, puppy-friendly environment where they can explore without risk (and an emergency vet visit!).

2. Set Up a Designated Puppy Space

Have a cozy, secure area ready for your puppy from day one. A crate or playpen gives them a safe retreat to rest, sleep, and decompress when you can’t keep an eye on them. It also helps with potty training and setting boundaries early on.

3. Choose Your Veterinarian Ahead of Time

Before bringing your puppy home, establish a relationship with a local vet in Nashville. Puppies need multiple puppy visits for vaccines and wellness checks in their first few months. And should an emergency ever arise, you’ll want to know exactly who to call and not be scrambling to find care in the moment.

4. Establish a Routine That Fits Your Lifestyle

Puppies thrive on structure. Plan a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and naps that works with your day-to-day routine. A predictable rhythm helps them settle in faster and builds trust and confidence.

5. Learn About Crate Training

Even if you don’t plan to use a crate long-term, teaching your puppy to see it as a safe and comfortable space has huge benefits, from house training to travel. A positive crate experience sets your dog up for calm independence later on.

6. Socialize the Right Way

Good socialization is more than just exposing your puppy to new things. It’s about doing it thoughtfully. Introduce them to people, pets, and environments gradually, pairing new experiences with positive reinforcement. This helps them grow into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs.

7. Teach Your Puppy How to Learn

This is the best time to lay the foundation for lifelong learning! Whether you join a puppy class or watch a few trusted trainers online, focus on helping your puppy understand how to learn. Start with simple manners and short training sessions — it strengthens your bond and sets them up for success.

8. Expect Some Tough Moments

Raising a puppy isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There will be accidents, chewed furniture, and sleepless nights...and that’s perfectly normal. Remind yourself that these phases are temporary, and having a plan for how to handle them will make them easier to navigate.

9. Build Your Puppy Support Team

It truly takes a village to raise a happy dog. Line up your go-to team now. Examples include a reliable dog walker, trusted groomer, and/or boarding facility you can count on when you travel. Having support in place helps you balance puppy care with everything else in life.

10. Get Professional Help When You Need It

If you’re bringing home a new puppy in Nashville, Prefurred Pets Nashville is here to help! We specialize in in-home puppy care and mid-day dog walks, perfect for busy professionals and new puppy parents who need a hand during the day.

We’ve helped so many families through the early months of puppyhood, giving them peace of mind (and a little extra sleep!).

Click HERE to schedule your in-home puppy Onboarding Session/Meet & Greet.