What to Do the First Few Days When You Bring a New Puppy Home

Bringing a new puppy home is equal parts exciting, emotional, and exhausting. Those first few days set the tone for your puppy’s confidence, routine, and trust in you—so slowing down and focusing on the basics is key. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Here’s exactly what to prioritize during those first few days to help your puppy (and you!) start off on the right paw.

1. Keep the First Day Calm and Simple

It’s tempting to invite friends over, let everyone hold the puppy, or take a million photos but your puppy has just experienced a huge change. New smells, new people, new sounds, and separation from their litter can be overwhelming.

On day one:

• Bring your puppy straight home

• Let them explore a small, safe area

• Avoid visitors if possible

• Keep voices calm and movements slow

Think of the first day as decompression time, not a celebration.

2. Set Up a Small “Home Base”

Instead of giving your puppy full access to the house right away, start with a limited space, like a playpen, crate area, or gated room. This helps prevent accidents and makes your puppy feel secure.

Include:

• A crate or bed

• Food and water bowls

• A few soft toys

• A blanket that smells like home (Doodle Puppy Crew always sends home a blanket smelling like litter mates and mamma.)

A smaller space helps your puppy relax and learn where they belong.

3. Start a Routine Immediately

Puppies thrive on predictability. Even if it feels early, starting a routine on day one helps your puppy feel safe and reduces anxiety.

Focus on consistent:

• Potty breaks (after waking, eating, playing, and before bed)

• Feeding times

• Nap times

• Bedtime

The routine doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be consistent. (Doodle Puppy Crew sends home a detailed schedule that all of their puppies get put on in order to have a smooth transition time.)

4. Prioritize Potty Training (But Be Patient)

Your puppy will not “get it” right away and that’s okay. Frequent potty breaks are essential in the first few days.

Helpful tips:

• Take them out every 30–60 minutes while awake

• Always go to the same potty spot

• Praise immediately when they go

• Never punish accidents indoors

Accidents are part of the process. Calm redirection builds trust and punishment breaks it.

5. Focus on Bonding, Not Training

Formal training can wait. The first few days should be about building a relationship.

Bonding ideas:

• Hand-feed a few meals

• Sit on the floor and let your puppy come to you

• Gentle play sessions

• Quiet cuddle time

Your puppy needs to learn that you are safe before they can learn anything else.

6. Expect Whining (Especially at Night)

The first nights can be the hardest. Your puppy may cry because they miss their litter and are adjusting to sleeping alone.

What helps:

• A crate near your bed

• A snuggle puppy or ticking clock

• Keeping bedtime consistent

• Calm reassurance without excessive attention

Most puppies adjust within a few nights if you stay consistent.

7. Limit New Experiences at First

Socialization is important but it doesn’t mean doing everything immediately. In the first few days, less is more.

For now:

• Avoid dog parks

• Skip long car rides

• Keep interactions low-key

• Focus on your household routine

You’ll have plenty of time for adventures once your puppy feels secure and they have all of their shots.

8. Take Care of Yourself Too

Puppy blues are real. Sleep disruption, constant supervision, and worry can hit harder than expected.

Give yourself grace:

• You’re learning together

• Mistakes are normal

• Progress isn’t linear

A calm, regulated owner helps create a calm, confident puppy.

And lastly......

The first few days with a new puppy aren’t about perfection, they’re about connection, consistency, and comfort. If your puppy feels safe, loved, and guided, everything else will come with time.

Slow down. Breathe. You’re building the foundation for years of companionship and that’s something truly special. At Doodle Puppy Crew, we want you to be set up for success to help you through those first few days. To learn more about what we offer through our Cavapoochon's, check out doodlepuppycrew.com