Dinner & The Dogs is a monthly guide to the products, routines, and small rituals that make life with dogs easier.*The guidance shared here comes from personal and professional experience.
It isn’t a substitute for veterinary care, so always check with your vet if you have questions or concerns about your puppy’s health.This page includes affiliate links.
Every recommendation is grounded in real experience — tested, trusted, and chosen with a trainer’s eye.
Tapping the picture to shop may earn a small commission.
Just like a human baby, your puppy is brand new to your home, your routine, and the world outside your front door. Those early days come with big adjustments — learning where to sleep, when to go out, and how to settle in a brand‑new environment. A baby monitor can be a lifesaver during this stage. It lets you hear when your puppy stirs, whimpers, or needs attention without constantly hovering, and it helps you respond before small needs turn into big stress.
You can expect to be up every few hours at first; that’s completely normal until they mature enough to regulate their bladder and fall into your household rhythm.
This phase doesn’t last forever, but having the right tools makes it much smoother for both of you.
Chewing: What to Expect
You can absolutely expect your puppy to chew — it’s a normal part of development, and those brand‑new puppy teeth are razor sharp.
In the early weeks, nothing is off‑limits, because chewing is how they soothe their gums, explore their environment, and burn off energy. Having a few safe, durable chew toys on hand makes a huge difference. It gives them an appropriate outlet, protects your home, and helps you redirect those tiny needle‑teeth before they find something you care about.
Puppies are brand new to travel, new environments, and new routines — and all that change can lead to mild tummy trouble.
It’s common for young dogs to feel a little crummy when they’re adjusting, especially if they’re not drinking quite enough and dehydration creeps in.
A simple, gentle Organic broth can make a world of difference.
I keep this on hand even now that my dogs are older because it’s a true lifesaver during those occasional upset‑tummy days.
I’ve come to rely on the humble potato as one of those everyday staples that quietly does everything.
They’re inexpensive, easy to find, and often local when they’re in season — and offer more natural vitamins than plain white rice.
The best part is how practical they are for both people and puppies. You can make a simple batch for yourself, set aside a portion for your dog, and still have plenty left over. Mashed plain potato (no butter, salt, or seasoning) becomes a gentle, nourishing base during mild tummy upset, and it’s one of those solutions that feels almost too simple, yet works every time.
