Surviving the First Day: How to Spend your Puppy's First Day Home

So, you're getting a puppy! I've been through it many times, and although it is SO exciting, it can also be very nerve-wracking. Your puppy's first day at home is a great opportunity to set them (and you) up for success. Here are our tips to have a smooth first day and to help them feel comfortable in their new space.

Preparation.

Preparation is key to making the introduction into your home as smooth and stress-free as possible. It's important to set up a safe space for your puppy to have when they arrive. This could be a crate, a closed-off area, or a room in your house. This is a good spot to have a bed, some toys, and maybe some food and water. If your puppy comes home with a scented item from their mother or littermates, this is a great spot to put it.

Car Ride

Typically, the first day will start with a car ride from the breeder to your home. It may be the puppy's first time in a car, and it will likely be scary for them. The most important thing is to secure your puppy, whether it's in a crate or with a seatbelt.

To help minimize the puppy's stress, make the space comfortable for them. This includes proper air ventilation, a comfy spot to lay down, ensuring the car is at a comfortable temperature, and some toys and treats.

Many puppies get motion sickness at first, so make sure to bring cleaning supplies with you and to look out for signs that they aren't feeling well.

If the trip is long, plan your stops ahead of time to make sure that your puppy has the opportunity to potty outside.

Introduction

It is important to remember that you and your house are completely new for the puppy. They might be fearful at first, so it's crucial to let them go at their own pace. Try not to overwhelm the puppy with too many new people, sounds, smells, treats, or toys. Let them check out the house at their own pace, giving them lots of time to take in your scent.

Although you will probably want to give the puppy all your love, make sure not to smother them. Let them come to you for cuddles or playtime when they feel ready.

Potty Training

It is essential to start potty training as soon as you pick them up. One of the first things you should do when you arrive at your house is to show them the "bathroom." This could be the backyard, a pee pad, a patch of grass, or wherever you will be bringing them to potty. This will help them understand where you want them to go.

A potty break schedule is a great way to keep yourself consistent. A new puppy should be taken out at least every 2 hours, and after eating or playing. I recommend bringing your puppy out every 15-ish minutes on the first day, so that they learn where to pee and don't have the opportunity to have accidents. It's also important to reward the puppy for pottying outside, either with treats, petting, or toys. This will teach the puppy that pottying outside = good things, making them more likely to repeat it.

Routine

Having a daily routine will help make your life, and the puppy's life, easier. If possible, it's ideal to start the routine on their first day home. This includes things like feeding times, potty breaks, naps, bedtime, and waking up.

Stay Calm

Your puppy has had a very eventful and stressful day, so it's important to keep yourself calm and relaxed. This will help your puppy feel the same.

Even though you probably just want to soak up all the cuteness, remember that you will have lots of time to do it. Let your puppy have alone time when they want it, as well as lots of nap time. It's been a tiring day!

Bedtime

It's important to decide ahead of time where your puppy will be spending the night. We recommend crate training your puppy, but you might prefer a pen, separate room, or in the room with you. Puppies usually can't hold it for the whole night, so plan 1-2 potty breaks during the night.

Crate training is definitely a topic for another post, but the most crucial part is patience. It will take time for your puppy to learn that the crate is a safe space, so it's important to start slowly. A great place to start is rewarding them for just sniffing the crate, then sticking their head in, then their front legs, back legs, whole body, etc.

You did it! You've made it through your puppy's first day home. Although the puppy period can be difficult, remember to take it one day at a time. Don't expect perfection from your puppy, or from yourself - it's okay to make mistakes!