Few things are as joyful — or as chaotic — as bringing home a new puppy. Those first few days set the tone for everything that follows, so a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to help your new arrival settle in, and keep your own sanity intact, through week one.
Before they arrive: puppy-proof
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and they’re faster than you’d think. Before yours comes home:
- Move anything chewable, breakable or toxic out of reach — cables, shoes, houseplants, cleaning products.
- Set up a cosy den — a crate or a quiet corner with a soft bed where they can retreat and feel safe.
- Stock up on food (ideally the same brand the breeder used, to avoid tummy upsets), bowls, a collar and lead, and a few simple toys.
Day one: keep it calm
The temptation is to invite everyone round to meet the new puppy. Resist it. Your puppy has just left its mother and littermates and everything it knows — day one should be quiet. Let them explore one or two rooms at their own pace, show them where their bed, water and toilet spot are, and keep the fuss gentle. A tired, overwhelmed puppy needs rest more than excitement.
Toileting: patience, not punishment
House-training starts immediately, and consistency is everything. Take your puppy out often — after waking, after eating, after play, and every couple of hours besides — and praise them warmly the moment they go in the right place. Accidents will happen; they’re not naughtiness, just a tiny bladder and a lot to learn. Never scold or punish — simply clean up calmly and carry on. They’ll get there.
The first nights
The first few nights can be tearful — for the puppy, and sometimes for you. Whining is normal; your puppy is missing the warmth of its littermates. Some gentle reassurance, a warm bed near you at first, and a predictable routine all help. It usually settles within a week or two as they learn they’re safe.
Start good habits early
Puppies learn fast, and the early weeks are golden for gentle training:
- Reward the behaviour you want with treats and praise — it works far better than telling them off.
- Begin handling them gently — paws, ears, mouth — so vet visits and grooming are stress-free later.
- Introduce short, positive experiences of the world: different sounds, surfaces, and calm, friendly people.
Don’t forget the vet
Book a check-up early. Your vet will sort out vaccinations, worming, flea treatment, and microchipping, and can answer the hundred questions every new owner has. It’s also the start of a relationship that’ll keep your dog healthy for years.
Breathe — you’ve got this
Week one is a whirlwind of tiny teeth, broken sleep, and puddles on the floor. But it passes quickly, and it’s the foundation of a friendship that’ll last a lifetime. Be patient, be kind, and enjoy it — they’re only this small once.