Bringing home a puppy is exciting, emotional, and honestly a little overwhelming. No matter how much you’ve read or how prepared you feel, the first day and first week can still come as a shock. Suddenly you’re responsible for a tiny, confused being (with very sharp teeth) who doesn’t know your rules, your routine, or your world yet.
To help cut through the noise, this guide pulls together real advice from dog owners who’ve just been through it themselves. These are the practical dos and don’ts people wish they’d followed during those early days - no perfect training or toilet plan - just what actually helps puppies settle and helps humans stay sane.
If you’re about to bring a puppy home, or you’re in the thick of week one right now, this is for you...
Do: focus on comfort and bonding first
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Take plenty of pictures and enjoy the new little family member while they’re tiny - like a kid, they grow up so fast. Many owners recommend soaking up this time because the puppy really is only this little once.
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Let your puppy cuddle with you on the couch or floor between naps - they’re still a baby and new to everything.
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Spend the first few days forming a bond and getting to know your puppy’s personality before diving deep into training.
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Continue potty breaks frequently - right after meals, naps and play - to support early toilet training.
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Make sure the puppy has a comfortable, designated rest spot that feels safe and calming. Setting up a quiet space ahead of time makes settling in easier.
Don’t: overwhelm them or yourself
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Don’t give your puppy free rein of the whole house at first. Limiting their space to your main living area helps you supervise potty training and reduces accidents.
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Don’t leave them alone for more than a few seconds at first. It’s better to build up alone time slowly, starting from very short moments.
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Avoid expecting perfect behaviour right away. Accidents and confusion are normal with a new environment and routine.
Do: introduce rules and structure gently
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Puppy-proof your home before they arrive so there’s less to get wrecked and fewer hazards.
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Set clear house rules early on - like where they should sleep or if they’re allowed on the furniture. Consistency from day one makes future training easier.
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Introduce crate or playpen training early with positive reinforcement so it becomes a safe space, not something scary.
Don’t: skip breaks or ignore signs of stress
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Don’t rush social outings with other dogs until vaccinations are complete - puppies can easily pick up illnesses before they’re fully protected.
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Don’t force long training sessions at first - keep it gentle and short, focusing on name recognition and comfort.
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Avoid showing frustration if they don’t “get it” right away - puppies need patience as they adjust.
Do: create calm, positive first experiences
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Take breaks for rest - puppies need a LOT of sleep in the first week, and ignoring this can cause stress.
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Introduce them slowly to new parts of the house and you can even sleep in the same room to help them settle in the first few nights.
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Reward good behaviour with praise or treats, which strengthens the bond and helps set good habits early.
Don’t: forget to take care of yourself too
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Puppy raising is a big adjustment - many new owners report feeling overwhelmed or exhausted in the first week. Be kind to yourself and accept help if needed.
Quick summary checklist
Do:
✔ Get the puppy comfortable and safe
✔ Limit space and supervise closely
✔ Bond, play, and take pictures
✔ Set rules consistently
✔ Introduce crate/playpen positively
Don’t:
✘ Leave them alone too soon
✘ Expect perfect behaviour overnight
✘ Overwhelm them with visitors or training
✘ Skip planning or puppy-proofing