Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming. The first week is crucial for establishing good habits and building a strong bond with your new furry friend. With the right approach, you can set your puppy up for success and avoid common pitfalls. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your puppy’s transition smooth and stress-free.
1. Preparing for Your Puppy’s Arrival
Before your puppy comes home, make sure you have everything ready. A well-prepared home will help your puppy adjust more easily.
Essential Supplies Checklist:
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Crate (for sleep and training)
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Comfy bed
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Food and water bowls
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High-quality puppy food
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Leash and collar
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Identification tag
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Puppy-safe chew toys
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Training treats
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Puppy pads or designated potty area
Puppy-Proofing Your Home:
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Remove small objects and electrical cords within reach.
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Block access to dangerous areas.
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Secure trash cans and toxic household items.
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Keep shoes, furniture, and other chewable items out of reach.
Setting Up a Safe Space:
Your puppy should have a designated area where they feel safe and secure. A crate or playpen works well as a quiet, comfortable place for rest and training. If you want a quiet dog, they exist too!
2. The First 24 Hours: What to Expect
The first day is a major transition for your puppy. Here’s how to make it as smooth as possible.
Introducing Your Puppy to Their New Home:
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Keep things calm and quiet.
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Allow your puppy to explore at their own pace.
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Show them their crate, play area, and designated potty spot.
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Limit interactions with family members to avoid overwhelming them.
Managing First-Night Anxiety:
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Expect some whining or crying, as your puppy adjusts.
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Place their crate near your bed for comfort.
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Use a warm blanket or a stuffed toy with a heartbeat simulator.
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Avoid taking them out of the crate when they whine—this reinforces the behavior.
3. Housetraining: Setting Your Puppy Up for Success
Housetraining should begin the moment your puppy arrives. A consistent routine helps prevent accidents and teaches good habits.
Tips for Effective Housetraining:
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Take your puppy outside every 1–2 hours, especially after meals and naps.
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Use the same potty spot to reinforce habit formation.
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Praise and reward them immediately after they go in the right place.
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Supervise at all times or use a crate when you can’t watch them.
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Avoid punishment for accidents—redirect instead.
Common Housetraining Mistakes:
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Inconsistent schedules
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Not supervising closely enough
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Using punishment, which can create fear and confusion
4. Sleep Training: Helping Your Puppy Sleep Through the Night
Many puppies struggle with their first nights away from their litter. Here’s how to help them settle in:
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Set a bedtime routine: potty break, calm playtime, and quiet cuddles.
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Limit water intake an hour before bed.
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Expect to take them out at least once during the night.
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Gradually extend time between potty breaks as they adjust.
5. Preventing Chewing and Destructive Behavior
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Teaching appropriate chewing behavior early prevents damage to your belongings.
Tips to Curb Destructive Chewing:
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Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys.
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Rotate toys to keep them interesting.
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Redirect chewing from furniture or shoes to toys.
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Use puppy-safe bitter sprays on off-limit objects.
6. Socialization: Why It Can’t Wait
The socialization window (8–12 weeks) is critical for shaping your puppy’s confidence and behavior.
Safe Socialization Tips:
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Expose your puppy to new people, sights, and sounds in a controlled way.
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Arrange playdates with vaccinated, friendly dogs.
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Gently introduce handling for future grooming and vet visits.
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Reward positive interactions with treats and praise.
7. Basic Training: The First Commands to Teach
Start teaching your puppy essential skills right away.
Beginner Commands:
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Name recognition – Say their name and reward when they look at you.
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Sit – Use a treat to guide them into a sitting position.
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Come – Call their name and reward when they approach.
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Stay – Start with short durations and build up.
Use positive reinforcement and keep sessions short (5–10 minutes).
8. Common Puppy Problems and How to Solve Them
Puppy Biting:
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Redirect to a toy when they bite hands or feet.
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Use a firm “Ouch!” and stop playing to teach bite inhibition.
Excessive Barking:
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Identify triggers and redirect attention.
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Avoid rewarding barking with attention.
Separation Anxiety:
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Leave for short periods and gradually increase duration.
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Provide interactive toys to keep them occupied.
9. When to See a Vet: Health Checks and Vaccinations
Your puppy's first vet visit is essential for their health and well-being.
Vet Visit Checklist:
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Vaccination schedule
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Deworming and flea prevention
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Microchipping and ID tags
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Discussing diet and exercise
Recognize signs of illness, such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, and contact your vet if needed.
10. The First Week’s Routine: Sample Daily Schedule
Consistency is key to building a stable routine for your puppy.
Sample Schedule:
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7:00 AM – Wake up & potty break
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7:15 AM – Breakfast & short playtime
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8:00 AM – Potty break & crate time while you work
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12:00 PM – Lunch & training session
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3:00 PM – Potty break & socialization
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6:00 PM – Dinner & evening playtime
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9:00 PM – Wind-down time & final potty break
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10:00 PM – Bedtime
Laying the Foundation for a Well-Behaved Dog
The first week is crucial for setting expectations and building a positive relationship with your puppy. By establishing routines, being patient, and using positive reinforcement, you’ll raise a confident and well-behaved companion.
If you need extra support in Montreal, consider online puppy training programs or professional trainers to guide you through the process.
With the right approach, your puppy’s first week at home will be the start of a wonderful journey together!
