🐶 Your Puppy’s First Week at Home: What to Expect & How to Settle Them In

Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s most joyful moments. But the first week can also feel a little overwhelming! From sleepless nights to toilet training mishaps, it’s totally normal to wonder, "Am I doing this right?"

The good news is: you’ve got this, and we’re here to help.

Here’s everything you need to know about surviving (and thriving through) your puppy’s first week at home, with tips for settling them in, building confidence, and starting their socialisation journey early.

🐾 What Should You Do the First Week With a New Puppy?

During their first 7 days with you, your puppy is learning everything. Where they sleep, who their new family is, what noises are normal, and when it’s time to eat or go outside. Your job is to create a calm, predictable routine that helps them feel secure and safe.

Here are some simple but powerful things to focus on:

💤 1. Create a Calm, Predictable Routine

Puppies thrive on routine. It helps reduce stress and builds trust. Aim to keep the first week slow and predictable.

Set regular:

• Mealtimes

• Nap times (puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep!)

• Toilet breaks (every 1–2 hours, especially after food or play)

• Bedtime wind-down – dim lights, soft voice, no overstimulation

Avoid inviting guests, taking long trips, or making big changes during this time. Let your pup get used to you and their new home first.

🐶 2. Practice Being Apart (Yes, From Day One!)

One of the most important things you can do in the first week is begin gentle separation training. This helps prevent separation anxiety later on.

Start by:

• Leaving the room while your puppy is napping or resting

• Increasing time apart slowly (1 minute, then 3, then 5…)

• By day 3–4, try stepping outside the house for 5–10 minutes

➡️ Always leave and return calmly, without fuss, this teaches your pup that being alone is normal and safe.

🌍 3. Start Socialising (Before Vaccinations Finish!)

Many new puppy owners wait to socialise until after vaccinations, but the most important window is before 16 weeks.

Until your pup is fully vaccinated, you can still introduce them to the world by carrying them in your arms or using a dog carrier.

Expose them to:

• Busy high streets

• Traffic sounds, buggies, bikes

• Friendly strangers and children

• Public transport

• Other dogs (from a safe distance)

🐾 The goal? Positive exposure, not full-on interaction. Keep it short, upbeat, and reward calm behaviour.

🐾 4. Let Them Explore at Their Own Pace

Your home is brand new to your puppy, every surface, sound and smell is unfamiliar. Don’t overwhelm them. Let them explore room by room, and always provide a safe space like a crate or pen where they can retreat and rest.

If you have other pets, do slow, supervised introductions in neutral areas like the garden, not inside where they may feel territorial.

🐕 5. Don’t Panic if They Don’t Eat

If your puppy skips a meal or two during the first 48 hours, it’s totally normal. They’ve had a big journey and a big life change. Offer food in short sessions, but focus on fresh water and rest first. If you’re worried, always call your vet for reassurance.

💗 Most Importantly: Be Kind to Yourself

The first week can feel emotional, highs, lows, doubts, tiredness. It’s all normal.

You’re doing something amazing, and your puppy is learning to love and trust you every day. Take things slow, celebrate small wins, and remember: you’re not alone.

📥 Free New Puppy Checklist

Not sure if you have everything you need?
Download our FREE New Puppy Checklist and sign up to The Pup Pack Newsletter below — it covers all the essentials for food, training, toys, grooming and more. It’s perfect for new puppy owners!

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