Bringing your new puppy home is an exciting milestone, but remember—they’re stepping into an unfamiliar environment with new sights, smells, and people. To help them feel secure and start off on the right paw, follow these guidelines during those first days (and beyond).

Setting the Scene

Don’t just set your puppy down to explore freely. Limit their access to one safe, puppy-proofed area—ideally the kitchen or a connected family room—until they’re older and can be left alone safely. Take them first to their designated potty area and allow plenty of time to go. Then, guide them to where their food and water will be and encourage them to sit while you prepare their meal. After eating, return them to their potty area.

Have a basket of safe toys ready (a non-chewable rubber bin works well) to redirect them from inappropriate chewing. When they’re not in their crate or secure playpen, they should be supervised at all times.

First Day Considerations

The car ride home can cause motion sickness or drooling, which may make your puppy extra thirsty. Expect more frequent potty breaks during the first few hours.

Introduce your puppy to family members calmly—let them approach each person at their own pace and sniff before being petted. It’s important that they return to you for reassurance instead of being picked up by others. Teach children how to turn away or stand still if the puppy gets too rough or jumpy. A calm household encourages a calm puppy.

Introducing Other Pets

If your puppy will meet another dog, do it in a neutral area like the sidewalk in front of your home (but avoid high-dog-traffic areas to protect their immune system). Put away your current dog’s toys to prevent resource guarding. Always have more toys, treats, and attention than there are pets to prevent competition. Feed your new puppy separately so you can monitor their intake and prevent them from eating other pets’ food.

Helping Your Puppy Settle

Your puppy is used to the company of littermates and adult dogs, so they may feel lonely at first. Keep their crate or playpen close to where you spend time. Avoid isolating them in a basement or laundry room—background noise like soft music or a TV can help soothe them. Practice short crate sessions while you’re nearby, gradually increasing the time. Praise them for settling quietly before letting them out, but always respond promptly if you know they need a potty break.

Feeding & Routine

Puppies thrive on consistency. Continue free-feeding until about 4 months old. Then, feed three meals per day until six months, at which point you can transition to two meals daily. If reducing the midday meal earlier, adjust breakfast and dinner portions to compensate. Stick with their current food for at least the first few months; if a change is needed, transition gradually over three weeks.

Potty Training Basics

Your puppy will need to go out:

• First thing in the morning

• Soon after eating or drinking

• During and after playtime

• Just before bedtime

Praise enthusiastically when they potty in the right spot. At night, expect at least one potty break (around 2:30 a.m.), possibly two in the beginning. Keep these trips all business—no play or snacks—so they learn that nighttime is for sleeping. Carry them outside initially to avoid accidents on the way, then gradually allow them to walk to the door as they gain control. Over time, they’ll lengthen their stretches until they can sleep through the night without needing to go.

With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your puppy will quickly learn the ropes and begin to feel at home. These first days set the foundation for a happy, confident companion for years to come.