Top 10 Questions People Google About Puppies (And the Answers Every New Owner Needs)

Bringing home a puppy is one of life's greatest joys (but it is also quite stressful, especially if it's your first every dog.)

Along with the excitement comes a lot of questions. In fact, thousands of people turn to Google every day looking for advice on raising their new four-legged friend.

To help you get started, we've answered the ten most commonly searched questions about puppies, and we've added our own experience, as we got a puppy in 2025.

1. How Often Should I Feed My Puppy?

Puppies need more frequent meals than adult dogs because they're growing rapidly and have smaller stomachs.

As a general guide:

• 8–12 weeks old: 4 meals per day

• 3–6 months old: 3 meals per day

• 6–12 months old: 2 meals per day

Always follow the feeding guidelines on your chosen puppy food and consult your vet if you're unsure.

Should I feed puppy specific food?

YES! Puppy food is higher in calories that adult dog food, to help your puppy grow. It will also contain specific vitamins and minerals for this important stage.

Should I feed wet or dry food?

It's entirely up to you. Both will give your puppy what they need, as most dry food is a 'complete' food, meaning it has everything in it your puppy needs.

Can I give my puppy chews?

Yes and no. Each chew will have its own age guidelines. Don't be tempted to skip on a stage, as your puppies teeth will be VERY fragile when you first bring them home.

Under 12 weeks - Rubber toys such as Kong are your best friend. Plus rope toys and plush toys. Your puppy will enjoy chewing on these, and they will be soft enough for their little teeth.

12 weeks to 16 weeks - your pup can now enjoy some of the softer range of natural chews such as Natural Beef Chews, Tripe Sticks and Puppy Chew-Its. Check out our section for treats and chews for puppies 12+ weeks here

6-7 months onwards and most if not all of your puppies teeth should now have fallen out and been replaced by adult teeth - so they can now enjoy most chews.

2. How Much Sleep Does a Puppy Need?

A lot more than most people realise!

Puppies typically sleep between 18 and 20 hours a day. Sleep is essential for their growth, development, and learning. If your puppy seems sleepy throughout the day, it's usually completely normal.

Top tip: your puppy may need you to regulate their nap times. Be mindful of how long they've been awake and if they are 'due a nap'.

If your puppy starts to get manic, bitey, stops listening or destructive, they are most likely over-tired and need a nap!

3. When Should I Start Training My Puppy?

Immediately.

Puppies begin learning from the moment they arrive in your home. Basic training, including their name, toilet training, and simple commands like "sit" and "come," can start as early as 8 weeks old.

Keep sessions short, positive, and reward-based.

At this age they are learning every second they are awake, by touch, smell, listening, watching. It's a great time to start your positive training habits.

4. How Long Does Toilet Training Take?

Every puppy is different, but most puppies begin to understand toilet training within a few weeks. Full reliability can take several months.

Success comes from consistency:

• Take them outside regularly

• Praise successful toileting outdoors

• Establish a routine

• Avoid punishment for accidents. If you shout or punish your puppy for accidents, it will make them shy to go at all, and it will end up with an anxious dog that is more likely to have accidents.

• Notice how many times they've had a poop (they will poop after every meal) and get ahead of the game. Take them out, or put them on the puppy pad and encourage them to 'wee wee' or 'pee pee'.
  
• Notice their behaviour when they need the toilet, some dogs will circle around before they poop. You can then preempt the need and get them to the correct place.

Patience is key and if we say it a million times - CONSISTENCY.

5. Why Does My Puppy Bite Everything?

Puppies explore the world with their mouths.

Chewing and nipping are normal behaviours, especially during teething, which typically occurs between 3 and 6 months of age.

Provide suitable chew toys and redirect unwanted chewing rather than scolding.

Remember, they are just a baby and they aren't trying to bite you, they are playing.

6. When Can My Puppy Go Outside?

Your puppy must have received their core vaccinations before exploring public areas where other dogs may have been.

However, socialisation should start much earlier. Safe exposure to new sights, sounds, people, and environments is incredibly important during the first few months of life.

Grab a puppy backpack or sling and take them with you to cafes, the pub, the shops. But, avoid other dog direct contact until you've had those jabs!

Always follow your vet's guidance regarding vaccination schedules.

7. How Often Should I Walk My Puppy?

A common rule is around 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice daily.

For example:

• 3-month-old puppy = 15-minute walk

• 4-month-old puppy = 20-minute walk

Over-exercising young puppies can put unnecessary strain on developing joints and bones, especially in big breeds.

8. What Is the Best Way to Socialise a Puppy?

Socialisation means helping your puppy feel comfortable and confident around different people, animals, environments, and experiences.

Introduce your puppy gradually to:

• Different types of people

• Friendly vaccinated dogs

• Various surfaces and sounds

• Car journeys

• Everyday household activities

Positive experiences during puppyhood can help prevent behavioural problems later in life.

Top tip: the quicker you get your puppy used to car journeys, the easier your life will be. Don't wait until they are fully vaccinated, you can take them around in the car from any age. They must be tethered by law, so grab a puppy car seat, a starter harness and make sure they are clipped in.

9. Why Is My Puppy Crying at Night?

The first few nights away from their mother and littermates can be stressful.

Your puppy may cry because they:

• Feel lonely

• Need the toilet

• Are adjusting to a new environment

• Need reassurance

A comfortable bed, a consistent bedtime routine, and patience usually help them settle within a few days.

We will say it again - CONSISTENCY. Dogs love routine and will settle better if they know that it's bedtime. Don't wait for your puppy to be exhausted, as they will just be over-tired and find it difficult to sleep.

Top tip: Puppies like dark, quiet, secure places to sleep. Make sure you are providing them with a place to relax and get proper rest. If your house is loud and busy your puppy will find it incredibly difficult to switch off. So find a quieter room for their crate/bed.

10. How Do I Stop My Puppy Jumping Up?

Puppies jump because they're excited and seeking attention.

The most effective approach is to reward calm behaviour and avoid giving attention when jumping occurs.

Ask visitors to do the same. Consistency from everyone in the household will help your puppy learn much faster.

Use a cue word such as 'down' or 'floor' and keep that word for ONLY this command. Don't mix your command words around. Once the puppies paws are on the floor, reward with your cue word 'good' or 'yes', for example.

Final Thoughts

Raising a puppy can feel overwhelming at times, but remember that every well-behaved adult dog was once a mischievous puppy. The key ingredients are patience, consistency, training, and plenty of love.

AND try to enjoy it! The puppy stage won't last long!

If you're welcoming a new puppy into your home, focus on building trust, creating positive routines, and enjoying the journey. Those early weeks pass surprisingly quickly, and before you know it, your tiny bundle of fluff will have grown and you'll be missing the cute puppy looking up at you.

At Be More Bob, we believe every dog deserves the best possible start in life. By understanding your puppy's needs and behaviours, you'll be setting the foundation for years of happiness together.

Top five words for your puppy life

1) Consitency

2) Kindess

3) Routine

4) Understanding

5) Joy