What to expect in your first week with your new dog or puppy: A comforting guide through those exciting, chaotic, and cuddly first few days.
Congratulations your a dog dad (or mum)! 🎉Get ready for a life filled with happy tail wags and maybe a few muddy footprints. Bringing a pup home is joyfully chaotic, and I’m here to give you an idea of what to expect to help you prep.
Day 1: The arrival
You’ve just picked up your new puppy and you’ve survived the car ride home (normally with a few whimpers and maybe some dramatic yawning). Now the real fun starts! When they walk in the door, it’s a lot for them: sniffing everything, wagging tails, and maybe a nervous pee by the fridge. Don’t stress! It’s totally normal.
The first few hours are a mix of “awww” and “uh-oh.” You’ll show them around, introduce the water bowl, and try to tempt them with treats.
Expect confusion around where the toilet is and lots of curious nosing into cupboards you didn’t even know they could reach. It’s important to let them explore and get comfortable in their new environment. Let them check things out and get comfy.
They’ll probably nap. A lot. Puppies can sleep anywhere, even mid chew. When evening rolls around, they might get the “zoomies”. Just roll with it.
Bedtime is sweet but a bit teary, for both of you. Set them up with a cosy blanket, a soft toy, and a bit of reassurance. You might hear a few whimpers but again that’s normal. You need to remember that they’re in a new place on their own (or with other dogs they don’t know) for the first time.
Days 2–3: Settling In and Testing Boundaries
You’ve both survived the first 24 hours YAY! Now day 2 and 3 are the days when your pup starts exploring in earnest. That quiet corner? Investigated. That cushion? Probably claimed. You’ll start noticing bits of their personality emerging, maybe they’re playful and adventurous, or clingy and cautious. They’re realising this is home, and with that comes curiosity and maybe a little trouble.
Tip: Keep your home puppy-safe by tucking away cords, shoes, and anything chewable. Anything that can be chewed – move out of reach. Think of it as baby-proofing but fuzzier.
This is the perfect time to start locking in daily rhythms. Think mealtimes, toilet trips, nap windows, and play sessions. Puppies thrive on predictability. It helps them feel secure and gives you a semblance of sanity.
Day 4-5: Sleep, Snuggles and Surprises
You’re getting the hang of things (sort of). Your pup is feeling more sure of themselves, and you’re starting to decode their little quirks. You’ll also notice patterns in their moods like playful spurts, clingy phases, and random barking at the fridge.
Tip: Stick to your routine but be flexible. Puppies are miniature chaos gremlins with hearts of gold.
Days 4 and 5 are a great time to integrate more training into your days. Puppies are like little sponges, soaking up everything from the tone of your voice to the rhythm of your routine. The earlier you begin, the easier it is to set good habits and build trust. But try to keep it short and sweet. Try 2–5 minute sessions, a few times a day. Some great training options include: sit, stay come, name recognition and handling practice – getting them used to isolated touch like their feet and ears – it’ll make things so much easier in the long-run for vets and groomers!
Days 6–7: You’re Starting to Click
You’ve got inside jokes, favourite toys, and maybe a few nicknames (“Flufflebutt” or “Captain Zoomies” anyone?). Training gets easier as trust builds. You’ll notice them watching you more: learning your rhythms, your tone, your weird dance moves in the kitchen.
And you? You’re getting used to things too. You’ll start to see small things like when they’re worried, happy, or need some space.
Tip: Reward good behaviour like it’s a party. The more praise and treats, the faster they learn. Positive vibes only!