What to Expect During Your Puppy's First Week at Home:
What to Expect During Your Puppy's First Week at Home
Bringing home a new English Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle puppy is an exciting milestone. While your puppy is ready to begin this new adventure, the first week is a big adjustment. Everything is new—from unfamiliar sights and sounds to new routines and family members.
By understanding what to expect during your puppy's first week at home, you can help them feel safe, build confidence, and start developing healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Day 1: Give Your Puppy Time to Adjust
The first day is often overwhelming for a puppy. They've left their littermates, familiar surroundings, and breeder, and they're learning to trust their new family.
When you arrive home:
Introduce your puppy to one room at a time.
Allow them to explore at their own pace.
Keep the environment calm and quiet.
Offer fresh water and a small meal if it's mealtime.
Take them outside frequently for potty breaks.
Don't worry if your puppy seems shy, sleepy, or doesn't eat much during the first day. This is a normal part of the adjustment period.
Establish a Consistent Routine
Puppies thrive on consistency. Creating a predictable daily schedule helps them feel secure and makes training easier.
Your routine should include:
Regular feeding times
Frequent potty breaks
Short play sessions
Scheduled naps
Gentle training
Bedtime at the same time each evening
A consistent routine helps your puppy quickly learn what to expect each day.
Potty Training Begins Immediately
Even though your puppy has already been introduced to a potty routine, they will still need guidance in their new environment.
Take your puppy outside:
First thing in the morning
Every half hour while awake to begin with
After eating
After naps
After playtime
Before bedtime
Celebrate every success with praise and rewards. Remember that accidents are part of the learning process—patience and consistency are the keys to success.
The First Night
Many puppies cry during their first night away from their littermates.
To help your puppy settle:
Use a comfortable crate or puppy pen.
Provide litter or mother scented item (we offer the snuggle puppy scented from litter!)
Keep the sleeping area close to your bedroom if possible.
Provide a soft blanket and safe chew toy.
Take your puppy outside if they wake during the night.
Within a few nights, most puppies begin adjusting to their new routine.
Introduce Family Members Gradually
Allow your puppy to meet each family member in a calm, positive way.
Teach children to:
Sit quietly while the puppy approaches.
Use gentle hands.
Avoid loud noises or chasing.
Respect your puppy's need for rest.
Positive early experiences help build confidence and trust.
Begin Gentle Training
Your puppy is already learning from every interaction.
During the first week, focus on:
Responding to their name
Positive reinforcement
Crate training
Gentle leash introduction
Simple commands like "sit"
Keep training sessions short—just a few minutes at a time.
Schedule Your First Veterinary Visit
Your veterinarian should examine your puppy shortly after they arrive home.
During the appointment, your veterinarian will:
Perform a wellness exam
Review vaccination records
Discuss parasite prevention
Answer nutrition questions
Create a vaccination schedule
This visit helps ensure your puppy gets off to a healthy start.
Encourage Safe Socialization
Socialization is one of the most important parts of puppy development.
During the first week, introduce your puppy to:
Different household sounds
New people
Various floor surfaces
Gentle grooming
Car rides
Everyday experiences
Until your veterinarian confirms it's safe, avoid high-risk public areas where unvaccinated dogs may have been.
Be Patient
Every puppy adjusts differently. Some are confident immediately, while others need a little more time.
Give your puppy plenty of love, encouragement, and opportunities to learn at their own pace. Building trust during this first week lays the foundation for a lifelong bond.
Final Thoughts
Your puppy's first week at home is the beginning of an incredible journey together. By providing a consistent routine, positive training, gentle socialization, and plenty of patience, you'll help your English Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle grow into a happy, confident companion.
Remember, your puppy doesn't expect perfection—they simply need your guidance, consistency, and love. Before you know it, they'll feel right at home and become a cherished member of your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take a puppy to adjust to a new home?
Most puppies begin settling in within a few days, but it can take several weeks to fully adjust to their new family and routine.
Should I let my puppy cry the first night?
Some whining is normal as your puppy adjusts. Offer reassurance, keep them close to you, and take them outside if they need a potty break, but avoid rewarding excessive crying by immediately letting them out of the crate.
How often should I take my puppy outside?
Young puppies should go outside frequently—after waking up, after eating, after playing, and gradually increase time as no accidents during the day to encourage successful potty training.
When should I schedule my puppy's first vet appointment?
It's recommended to schedule a wellness exam within the first few days of bringing your puppy home so your veterinarian can review their health records and establish an ongoing care plan.
