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New Puppy Tips

Your First 30 Days With a New Puppy

A week-by-week plan for your first 30 days with a new puppy: settling in, potty training, crate training and socializing.

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Download the 30-day plan (PDF) Get the shopping checklist

Before they come home

  • Book a vet visit for the first week.
  • Buy the essentials from the checklist and set up the gate.
  • Decide family rules: who feeds, where the dog sleeps, what words you'll use for commands.
  • Pick the crate spot (near where you sleep for the first weeks).
  • Puppy-proof: cords, shoes, plants, trash cans, low cabinets.

Days 1-3: Settle in

  • Expect some crying at night; take them out once, calmly, then back to the crate.
  • Go straight to the potty spot when you get home.
  • Keep it quiet: no big visitors or outings yet.
  • Start a simple routine: potty, eat, play, potty, nap.
  • Take them out after waking, eating, playing, and every 1-2 hours.

Days 4-7: Build the routine

  • First vet visit: bring records, ask about vaccines, deworming and food amounts.
  • Handle paws, ears and mouth gently every day.
  • Short crate sessions during the day with a stuffed chew toy.
  • Start name recognition and 'sit' with tiny treats.

Week 2: Gentle exploring

  • Introduce new sounds, surfaces and people at home.
  • Keep cleaning accidents with enzyme spray, never scold after the fact.
  • Practice short alone time (5-15 minutes) so being alone is normal.
  • Start wearing the collar and harness indoors.

Week 3: Learn & socialize

  • Ask your vet when it's safe to visit public places.
  • Look into puppy classes.
  • Practice 'come,' 'down,' and loose-leash walking in the yard.
  • Try a lick mat or snuffle mat for calm time.

Week 4: Check in

  • Book next vaccines if needed.
  • Celebrate! The first month is the hardest.
  • Look at your potty log: are accidents going down?
  • Slowly stretch time between potty breaks.

Every puppy is different. Your vet is the best guide for vaccines, food amounts and when it's safe to go out in public.

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