Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but those first few days can also come with lots of questions. Here's what to expect during your puppy's first week home, plus simple tips to help them feel safe, comfortable, and confident as they settle into their new family.
Bringing Your Puppy Home
Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting days for a family! It can also be a big adjustment for your puppy. They’ve left the people, puppies, smells, sounds, and routine they know and suddenly entered an entirely new world.
A little patience, consistency, and preparation can make those first few days much easier for everyone.
The First 24 Hours
Your puppy may be excited and playful right away, or they may be a little quiet and unsure. Both can be completely normal. Give them time to explore their new surroundings without overwhelming them with too much activity at once.
As tempting as it is to invite everyone over to meet the new puppy, we recommend keeping those first couple of days fairly calm.
Eating and Drinking
Some puppies may not eat quite as much immediately after traveling or arriving in a new home. Keep fresh water available and continue feeding the same food and schedule your puppy is accustomed to whenever possible.
Changing foods suddenly can contribute to an upset stomach, so any food transition should be done gradually.
For our very small toy-breed puppies, we may provide additional feeding and Nutri-Cal instructions to help support them during the transition.
Expect Lots of Sleep
Puppies sleep—a LOT! Between playing, learning, growing, and adjusting to their new environment, they need plenty of rest.
Creating a comfortable crate or playpen gives your puppy a safe place to relax without becoming overstimulated.
Start a Potty Routine Right Away
Take your puppy to their designated potty area frequently, especially after waking up, eating, drinking, and playing.
Accidents are part of raising a puppy. Consistency and positive reinforcement will get you much farther than punishment.
Keep Their World Small at First
Your puppy doesn’t need access to the entire house on day one. A crate or puppy playpen can help create a safe, manageable space while your puppy learns the household routine.
Gradually introduce more freedom as your puppy becomes comfortable and successful.
Socialization Matters
Our puppies receive lots of hands-on attention and socialization before leaving us, but that work doesn’t stop when they go home.
Continue introducing your puppy to new people, household sounds, surfaces, grooming, handling, and age-appropriate experiences in a positive way.
Until your veterinarian tells you your puppy has adequate vaccine protection, be cautious about high-traffic areas where unknown dogs have been.
Continue Your Puppy’s Health Schedule
Your puppy will leave Prayers & Puppies up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming. You will receive information about what your puppy has already received so you can share it with your veterinarian and continue their care appropriately.
We recommend establishing care with your veterinarian shortly after bringing your puppy home.
Your Puppy Doesn’t Need Perfection
There will probably be an accident on the floor. They may cry in their crate. They might chew something they shouldn’t or decide that bedtime sounds like an excellent time to play.
That’s puppyhood.
Be patient, stay consistent, celebrate the little wins, and remember that your puppy is learning an entirely new way of life right alongside you.
Before long, the puppy who seemed unsure on day one will be running your household like they’ve lived there forever. ❤️
We’ve put together our favorite puppy supplies and everyday essentials to make preparing for your new family member easier. From crates and playpens to feeding, grooming, enrichment, travel supplies, and more, visit our Puppy Parent Resources page to see what we actually use and recommend.
