Your first-week guide to bringing a new puppy home

A new puppy is exciting, but those first days are a big adjustment period for both of you. Getting the start right lays the foundation for healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Set up a safe space

Decide on your puppy's bed, food and water bowls, and potty area ahead of time. Remove cables, small swallowable objects, and harmful plants. A calm corner where they feel secure will speed up the settling-in process.

Vet, vaccinations, and routine

Schedule a vet check within the first week and plan the vaccination and parasite schedule together. Keeping feeding times and potty breaks on a regular rhythm is critical for both your puppy's digestion and house training. Patience and consistency are the best teachers.

Socialization and first walks

Once vaccinations are complete, introduce the outside world through short, positive experiences. Different sounds, people, and surfaces help your puppy grow into a confident adult. Keep walks short at first and lengthen them gradually.