Baths can wait
Most puppies do not need a bath in their first weeks at home. They get dirty in small, local ways: a muddy paw, a milk-stained chin, a messy bottom. A damp cloth or a plain wipe handles all of it. Save the first real bath for when the puppy is genuinely dirty all over, and follow the age guidance on the product you use.
Build the habit before the need
Handle paws, ears and mouth daily, for seconds, with praise. Run a soft brush over the coat even if there is nothing to brush. Stand the puppy in an empty bath and give a treat. A puppy that learns the bath, the brush and the towel are ordinary will be an adult that tolerates all three.
What puppy skin does not need
Fragrance, essential oils, anything with a strong scent, and anything made for people. A puppy's sense of smell is developing and its skin is still learning to protect itself. The plainer the product, the better.
Normal things that look worrying
Small pimples on the belly and chin, a little flaking as the coat changes, and dry patches after a cold walk are common and usually pass. What is not normal: bald patches, red or weeping skin, persistent scratching, or a strong smell. Puppies pick up skin parasites and infections easily, and a vet should see anything that does not settle within a few days.
Paws and the outside world
Once the puppy is walking on pavements, wipe the paws after each outing and check between the toes. In winter, a very small amount of balm on dry pads, at night, is enough. Puppies chew everything, including their own feet, so choose products made to be licked.