Bringing Home a New Puppy: First Week Checklist

Congratulations on your new puppy! The first week is exciting, overwhelming, and absolutely crucial for setting the foundation of your relationship. Here's everything you need to know and prepare.

Before the Puppy Arrives

Essential Supplies

• ☐Food and water bowls — stainless steel or ceramic (plastic can harbor bacteria)
• ☐High-quality puppy food — ask your breeder what the puppy has been eating
• ☐Crate or playpen — sized appropriately for the breed
• ☐Bed/blanket — something soft and washable
• ☐Collar and leash — adjustable for growing puppies
• ☐ID tag — with your phone number
• ☐Pee pads — essential for apartment training
• ☐Enzymatic cleaner — for inevitable accidents
• ☐Chew toys — puppies NEED to chew; provide appropriate outlets
• ☐Grooming basics — brush, puppy shampoo, nail clipper

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

• ☐Hide or secure electrical cords
• ☐Remove toxic plants (lilies, aloe vera, pothos)
• ☐Store chemicals, medications, and cleaning products out of reach
• ☐Secure trash cans with lids
• ☐Cover or block small spaces where puppy could get stuck
• ☐Remove small objects that could be swallowed

Day 1: Arrival Day

Keep it calm. Your puppy has just left its mother and siblings — everything is new and potentially scary.

1. Direct to the potty area — Take the puppy to where you want it to go potty first thing. Wait patiently. Praise lavishly when it goes.
2. Explore slowly — Let the puppy explore one room at a time. Don't overwhelm with the entire house.
3. First meal — Offer the same food the breeder was using, at the same times. Sudden diet changes cause digestive upset.
4. Meet family members — One at a time, calmly. No loud voices or sudden grabbing.
5. First night — The puppy WILL cry. Place the crate near your bed. A warm water bottle wrapped in a towel can mimic the warmth of littermates.

Days 2-3: Establishing Routine

Puppies thrive on routine. Establish these habits immediately:

• Morning: Wake up → potty → breakfast → play → nap
• Afternoon: Wake up → potty → lunch → play/training → nap
• Evening: Wake up → potty → dinner → play → potty → bedtime

Feed 3-4 times daily for puppies under 4 months, then gradually move to 2 meals per day.

Days 4-7: Building Trust

By now, your puppy should be settling in. Focus on:

Gentle Handling

Touch your puppy's paws, ears, mouth, and belly daily. This makes future vet visits and grooming much easier.

Basic Training

Start with just one command: their name. Say their name, and when they look at you, immediately reward with a treat. This teaches attention and recall.

Socialization (Indoor)

Introduce your puppy to different:

• Sounds (TV, music, doorbell, vacuum — at low volume first)
• Surfaces (tile, carpet, grass)
• People (different ages, wearing hats/sunglasses)

Common First Week Problems

Won't Eat

Normal for the first 24-48 hours. Stress can suppress appetite. Offer food, leave it for 15 minutes, then take it away. Don't panic unless it goes beyond 48 hours.

Crying at Night

Completely normal. Don't give in and bring the puppy to your bed (unless that's your permanent plan). The crying typically improves dramatically by night 3-4.

Biting/Nipping

ALL puppies bite. It's how they explore. Redirect to toys, and when biting is too hard, let out a sharp "ouch!" and briefly stop playing.

Emergency Contacts to Have Ready

• Your veterinarian's number
• Nearest 24-hour emergency vet
• Your breeder's number (for breed-specific questions)
• Pet poison helpline

*Getting a puppy from Dogs Paradise Bangalore? We provide a detailed "New Parent" guide with every puppy, along with a starter food kit. Contact us to learn more!*