So You Just Adopted a Puppy. Welcome to the Bork Dog Family!
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting moment in life: equal parts joy, chaos, and love. I still remember those first few days with my own dog: the 3 a.m. wake-up calls, the tiny paws tapping on the hardwood floors, and that feeling of “okay… what now?”
At Bork, we believe that raising a healthy, happy dog starts with the right foundation. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and time spent bonding. That’s what we call the Bork way of life. Whether you’re here after adopting from one of our rescue partners or just looking for guidance as a new pet parent, this is your go-to new puppy checklist to help you and your pup thrive.
1. The Bork Dog Philosophy
Before we dive into tips, I want to share what being a “Bork Dog” really means.
Bork Dogs aren’t just our customers or their pets, they’re our community. They’re the dogs who eat well, move daily, and know they’re loved. Whether you buy treats from us or just follow along for advice, we want every pup to live the Bork lifestyle: balanced, active, and full of wagging tails.
For me, that philosophy started with Elle, my own high-energy, football-obsessed best friend. When I first brought Elle home, I quickly realized she was motivated differently. While she liked treats, what really lit her up was a ball. Once I understood that, our training changed completely.
I started using the ball as her reward not just for play, but as part of how we connected and learned together. Fast forward nine years, and we’re still going strong. Every afternoon around 5 PM, Elle starts pacing by the back door, eyes wide, waiting for our daily football session.
We’ve been so consistent with that habit that, honestly, she’s barely changed since she was a puppy. She’s still sharp, athletic, and tuned into me in a way that’s hard to describe. I know I’m biased, but she’s the best dog in the world and she embodies what I hope every Bork Dog becomes: happy, healthy, and completely in sync with their person.
That’s the heart of what we believe at Bork. It’s not just about what’s in the treats, it’s about what those treats help build: trust, joy, and lifelong connection.
This is Elle the day I brought her home at 4 months old.
This is Elle 9 years later and still equally obsessed with her football.
2. Feed Like a Bork Dog
One of the biggest questions new puppy parents have is “what should I feed my puppy and how often?”
Puppy Feeding Schedule
For most puppies, feeding three small meals a day works best until they’re around six months old. After that, you can usually move to two meals daily. Use the packaging on your puppy’s food as a guide for portions, but keep in mind every dog’s needs are different based on breed, weight, and activity level.
If you’re researching an 8-week-old puppy feeding schedule, keep meals short and consistent morning, midday, and early evening. Routine matters as much as what’s in the bowl.
Healthy Snacks & Training Rewards
Treats are one of the best tools for training, bonding, and building trust but not all treats are created equal. We designed our recipes around healthy puppy treats made with human-grade ingredients you can pronounce.
Our Pumpkin Mini Bones and Peanut Mini Butter Bones are two of our most popular options, especially when you’re working on basic commands or crate training. They’re small enough for frequent rewards and made without grains or fillers because your pup deserves real food, not mystery ingredients.
When choosing the best treats for puppy training, look for:
- Simple ingredients
- Bite-sized portions
- No artificial preservatives or dyes
- Naturally rich in protein or fiber
Even if you don’t buy from us, that’s the standard we hope all pet parents look for.
3. Move Like a Bork Dog
Exercise is essential to your puppy’s health and just as important for your sanity. A tired puppy is a happy puppy (and one that chews fewer shoes).
How Much Exercise Does a Puppy Need?
A general rule is about five minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. So, a three-month-old pup needs roughly 15 minutes of play or walking twice daily.
Mix things up with:
- Short walks on safe surfaces
- Fetch or tug-of-war sessions
- Basic obedience games (sit, stay, come)
And remember: mental stimulation counts too. Hide treats around the room or try puzzle feeders. They challenge your dog’s brain and help build confidence.
As we like to say, a Bork Dog isn’t just active, they’re engaged.
4. Bond Like a Bork Dog
A strong bond makes training easier, communication clearer, and life together more rewarding.
Spend quiet time together every day whether that’s brushing your puppy, gently handling their paws, or simply sitting with them on the couch. The more positive touch and calm energy they associate with you early on, the stronger that trust becomes.
Here are a few easy bonding ideas:
- Use mealtime as a training opportunity
- Go on “sniff walks” where your dog leads the way
- Reward calm behavior with affection and small treats
- Keep socialization positive — new people, new sounds, and new environments at a pace your puppy can handle
That’s the heart of being a Bork Dog: creating healthy habits that lead to happy dogs and happier humans.
5. A Few Must Haves for New Puppy Parents
Before your new best friend settles in, here’s a simple new puppy checklist to get you started:
- Collar & ID tag (microchip recommended)
- Adjustable harness & leash
- Crate and comfy bed
- Puppy-safe chew toys
- Training treats (try our mini bones for perfect-size rewards)
- Food & water bowls
- Enzyme cleaner for accidents
- Vet appointment for vaccines and a checkup
Keeping these essentials handy makes the transition easier for both of you.
Learn More
- Shop Healthy Puppy Treats at Bork
- Follow Us on Instagram for Puppy Tips and Stories
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Learn More About Our Story
If your new dog tries our treats or the Bork Dog lifestyle, tag us on Instagram!
With love,
Bork Dog Treats