What to expect your first week with a puppy

The first week of owning a puppy is exciting but also challenging as your new companion adjusts to their environment and routine. Here’s what to expect and how to navigate this critical time:

1. Adjustment Period

• Nervousness and Shyness: Your puppy may feel overwhelmed by new sights, sounds, and smells. They might hide, whine, or appear hesitant.
• Separation Anxiety: Puppies may miss their mother and littermates, especially at night, leading to crying or restlessness.

2. Sleepless Nights

• Nighttime Whining: Puppies are not used to being alone. They may cry at night when placed in their crate or sleeping area.
• Frequent Potty Breaks: Expect to wake up every 2–4 hours for bathroom breaks, as puppies have small bladders.

3. Potty Training Challenges

• Accidents Will Happen: Be patient as your puppy learns where to go. Establish a consistent potty schedule and reward successes.
• Frequent Breaks: Take your puppy out after waking up, eating, playing, and before bedtime.

4. Bonding and Socialization

• Building Trust: Spend quality time with your puppy to help them feel secure. Gentle play, cuddles, and hand-feeding can help.
• Introducing Family Members: Allow your puppy to meet family members calmly to avoid overwhelming them.

5. Feeding and Nutrition

• Consistent Meals: Stick to the food your puppy was eating before and gradually transition to a new diet if needed.
• Frequent Meals: Puppies usually eat 3–4 small meals a day. Follow your vet’s recommendations based on their age and breed.

6. Training Begins

• Start Simple Commands: Teach basic commands like “sit” and “come” using treats and praise.
• Crate Training: Introduce the crate as a safe, positive space. Use treats and toys to encourage your puppy to spend time in it.

7. Exploration and Curiosity

• Chewing and Biting: Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Provide appropriate chew toys to prevent them from gnawing on furniture or shoes.
• Supervised Exploration: Allow your puppy to explore their new home under supervision to prevent accidents and injuries.

8. Health and Vet Visit

• Schedule a Vet Appointment: Take your puppy for a check-up within the first few days. Bring any vaccination or medical records.
• Parasite Prevention: Discuss flea, tick, and deworming treatments with your vet.

9. Energy Bursts and Naps

• Playtime: Puppies have short bursts of energy followed by long naps. Ensure they have safe toys to keep them occupied.
• Rest is Essential: Puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep per day to support their growth.

10. Patience and Consistency

• Set a Routine: Puppies thrive on predictability. Establish a schedule for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and sleep.
• Stay Calm: Adjusting to a new home is overwhelming for a puppy, so remain patient and positive.

By the end of the first week, your puppy will begin to feel more comfortable in their new home, and you’ll start building a strong bond that will set the foundation for a happy life together.