The first day sets the tone for everything that follows. A little preparation makes it calmer for your puppy and for you.
Before your puppy arrives
Set up a puppy zone: a quiet corner with a bed or crate, water, and a washable floor. Puppies feel safer in a small space at first than with the run of the house.
Puppy-proof your home:
- tuck away electrical wires and phone chargers
- move shoes, cushions and anything chewable out of reach
- block balconies, gaps in grilles and stairs
- check houseplants; several common ones are toxic to dogs
Shopping list:
- the same food your puppy eats now (switch slowly later, if at all)
- food and water bowls
- a soft bed or crate with a blanket
- a light collar with an ID tag, and a leash
- puppy pads or newspaper for toilet training
- a few safe chew toys
- a gentle puppy shampoo (for later; see bathing your puppy)
Find a vet near you and book a first check-up within the first week.
The ride home
Bring a carrier or have someone hold the puppy on a towel in the back seat. Expect some crying or drooling. A pet-friendly cab helps if you do not have a car.
The first day
- Show them the toilet spot first, before anything else.
- Then let them explore the puppy zone, calmly. No crowd of visitors on day one.
- Feed small meals at the times they are used to.
- Let them sleep. Puppies sleep 16 to 20 hours a day.
- Start gentle routines: the same toilet spot after every meal, nap and play.
The first night
Your puppy has just left its mother and siblings. Crying is normal.
- Put the bed or crate near you for the first nights.
- A warm (not hot) water bottle wrapped in a towel and a ticking clock can be comforting.
- Take them out to the toilet spot once or twice in the night.
- Stay calm and boring at night: no play.
The first week
- vet check-up and a vaccination and deworming plan (see the puppy vaccination schedule)
- start potty training
- short, gentle handling of paws, ears and mouth every day
Next step: Puppy potty training in Bangalore.