Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience, but it can also be a bit overwhelming—both for you and your furry friend. The first week with your new puppy is crucial for building trust, establishing routines, and helping your pup feel comfortable in their new environment. During this time, your puppy will go through a period of adjustment, learning to understand their new home, people, and rules. This guide will help you navigate through the initial days, providing practical advice on what to expect and how to make this transition as smooth as possible.
1. The Arrival Day
The first day your puppy arrives at your home is both exhilarating and stressful. For your puppy, the environment might seem completely foreign, filled with strange smells, sights, and sounds. The best approach is to keep things calm and low-key during this initial period.
When your puppy arrives, they will likely be a bit nervous, possibly shy or even scared. As the new pack leader, you need to provide reassurance and guidance. Set up a designated area for your puppy to explore, like a cozy corner with their bed, toys, and water. This area should be quiet and free from distractions to help them settle in quickly.
Don’t overwhelm your puppy with too much activity, attention, or toys right away. Let them explore at their own pace. Puppies take time to adjust, so be patient and give your new friend the opportunity to feel safe and comfortable in their new environment.
2. Sleep and Rest
One of the biggest challenges during the first week with a new puppy is managing their sleep schedule. Puppies, especially young ones, require a lot of sleep—up to 18 to 20 hours per day! It’s important to make sure they get enough rest, but at the same time, you also want them to start learning the routine of the home.
The crate becomes a very important tool during this period. Puppies often feel more secure in a confined space during their initial days in a new environment. The crate should be set up in a quiet, dimly lit area, away from the commotion of the household, where they can sleep comfortably. Make sure that it’s not too large; a spacious crate can make your puppy feel lost and uneasy. Line the crate with a soft, warm bed or blanket and place familiar toys inside.
As they adjust, your puppy will gradually learn that the crate is a safe space to sleep, rest, and retreat when they need some quiet time. Begin setting a consistent bedtime and gradually establish a sleep routine so your puppy knows what to expect.
3. Establishing a Feeding Routine
Puppies, especially in their first week at home, will need frequent meals. Young puppies require a nutritious diet to support their rapid growth and energy levels. During the first few days, you should feed your puppy three to four times a day to help them adjust to their new home. Offer a balanced diet of high-quality puppy food, either dry or canned, depending on their preference and nutritional needs.
Gradually, over the course of a week or two, you can transition them to a more regular feeding schedule, such as twice a day. Make sure to measure portions accurately and keep a consistent schedule. Puppies will be hungry and curious during this period, so providing food at regular intervals will help keep them on track.
Along with food, fresh water should always be available to your puppy. Dehydration can lead to health problems, especially for young pups who are still adjusting to their new environment. Always ensure that clean water is within reach.
4. Potty Training
Potty training is one of the first things you’ll need to focus on during your puppy’s first week. Puppies have tiny bladders and bowels, which means they’ll need to go outside often. The goal during the first week is to establish a routine for bathroom breaks and help your puppy learn where it’s appropriate to relieve themselves.
Take your puppy outside every hour, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Use the same command or phrase—such as “go potty”—every time to help them associate the action with the desired behavior. Praise your puppy enthusiastically when they do their business outside, reinforcing this positive behavior.
It’s not unusual for a puppy to have accidents during the first week or two as they adjust. Be patient, and remember that they’re still learning. You might also want to consider using puppy pads indoors, particularly during the nights or in cases of extreme weather, until your puppy is more consistently trained.
5. Socialization
The first week with your new puppy is a critical period for socialization. Puppies are like sponges during their initial days, soaking up information and experiences that will shape their temperament and behavior. Introduce your puppy to various people, pets, and environments in a calm and controlled manner.
Invite friends and family over, but keep the interactions brief and positive. You want your puppy to associate new people and experiences with positive outcomes, so don’t overwhelm them. For other pets, like cats or dogs, let your puppy sniff, observe, and explore at their own pace. Always supervise and reward calm behavior with praise or treats.
