For most people, the first few days, weeks, and months with a new puppy are a whirlwind of emotions. Mentally preparing for this may be the most important "prep work" you can do. Prepare to be mentally and emotionally flexible with yourself and your puppy, and enjoy these early times.
- Puppy-proof your space, and have a dedicated area for your puppy. Keep anything you do not wish your puppy to chew off the floor and out of their reach. Items like shoes should be placed on a counter or behind closed doors, have electrical cords tucked away, and don't give your puppy access to more than one room or area at first. It's important to correct the behavior when your puppy is actively chewing on something they shouldn't and replace it with a toy instead. For a puppy who might be an excessive chewer, there are pet-friendly bitter cider sprays that can help deter them. Consistency is important while your puppy learns to navigate their new home.
- During the first week, the puppy will be mostly sleeping and getting to know you. Make sure they stay healthy, and that you begin creating a bond through light play, touching, and kind communication. Outside of lots of potty breaks, don't stress about training them perfectly—that will come soon enough.
- Food. Having a plan for this before your puppy arrives can ease stress since you'll likely want to be home with the puppy for the first few days—not making trips to the feed store. If you plan to transition your puppy to a new type of food, do it gradually, over 5 to 7 days, slowly increasing the amount of new food vs old food. It's also good to mix a small bit of canned pumpkin to help with digestion and the transition. This is easy to find at pet food stores.
- Sleep—similar to food, it's good to have a plan for this. Consistency is key, so if you want your puppy to sleep in a crate at night, starting earlier is better. You can, of course, have that crate near to you for the first several nights, and then move further away once you and the puppy are comfortable with your new setting.
- Potty Plan and Prep. For bathroom issues, EXPECT that there will be accidents. It's virtually impossible to have a puppy that never has a potty "accident" inside. So have the proper cleaning supplies on hand, and give your puppy frequent potty breaks outside, and high praise and many treats when they go potty or poo outside.
- Toys, Treats, and Transport Tips. A few toys are great to have ready to roll, as you'll want to play fetch, tug, and more with your puppy from day one. Toys are great for redirecting when your puppy wants to jump or play-bite at hands, ankles, etc. (which is extremely common and nearly guaranteed). Our blog article on driving your puppy around town can be found here, and can provide a lot of peace of mind when you need to leave the house with your puppy.
Additional Resources
What Do I Need to Do Before My Puppy Comes Home? (From Baxter & Bella)
