There are few things as delightful as new puppy smell and bringing one home. It’s one of life’s most joyful moments. But, once the excitement begins to settle, many first-time dog owners are left wondering What exactly do you do when you bring a puppy home?
This guide is here to help. Whether you're adopting a puppy for the first time, bringing them home on day one, or settling in during the first week. You'll find practical, proven tips on everything from essential supplies to trust-building training techniques that lay a strong foundation.
The First 24 Hours: What Do You Do When You Bring a Puppy Home?
First, congratulations! The first day with your new dog sets the tone for everything that follows. Start by letting your puppy explore their new space, one room at a time.
Avoid overwhelming them with too much freedom or stimulation. Give them time to sniff, rest, and slowly get to know their new-but-soon-to-be forever home and surroundings.
Expect Some Stress
Whining, pacing, confusion, and accidents in a new place are all completely normal. Try your best to keep things calm, quiet, and soothing.
Avoid big introductions to extended family or other pets right away. Instead, focus on routine. Feeding, potty breaks, short walks, and rest should follow a predictable schedule. This predictability offers your new dog comfort.
Establishing a positive foundation is also key when training a puppy. Start with their name, a consistent potty spot, and a designated sleeping area.
Your Puppy Checklist: Things to Have at Home When You Bring a Puppy
Preparation prevents panic—yours and your dogs. Before bringing a new puppy home, stock up on these essentials.
Pre-Puppy Checklist
✓ Crate or den (for safe sleep and boundaries)
✓ Food and water bowls (preferably non-slip, stainless steel if possible)
✓ Your puppy’s current food, enough to transition to a new food if appropriate
✓ Leash and collar or harness
✓ ID tags with your contact info
✓ Training treats and a treat pouch
✓ Puppy pads and an enzymatic cleaner for accidents
✓ Chew toys and puzzle feeders
✓ Soft bedding or a blanket from the breeder/shelter
Pre-Puppy To-Do List
✓ Research and choose a veterinarian near you. Book an appointment to verify health, microchipping, vaccinations, and other necessities. Follow your vet’s recommendations for diet and other health-related issues.
✓ Puppy-proof your home and yard to ensure safety. Remove potential hazards that would make an enticing chew toy, or anything that might be swallowed by a curious puppy.
These are some essentials to welcoming your puppy. You don’t need everything on day one, but these basics will set you up for early success and smooth training sessions.
First Nights and Adjustment: Tips for Bringing Home a Puppy
The first few nights might be very tough on both of you. Your puppy may cry, whine, or refuse to settle. This is also normal.
Introduce your puppy to their new den (crate) in a quiet area of house. Leave the door open and feed them inside. Try to avoid naps on the first day so they are tired by your bedtime.
Keep potty breaks consistent but low-key. No playtime—just business. One of the best tips for bringing home a puppy is to stay consistent. Pick a time and stick to it as much as possible. Night routines, in particular, build a sense of safety. Over time, your puppy will adjust faster if they know what to expect.
Puppy Training from Day One: Building Trust, Never Fear
Many owners anxiously ask us: When should I start training my puppy? And the answer we tell them every time is: immediately. But training doesn’t mean sit-stay-fetch. It starts with bonding, communication, and boundaries.
Remember, your puppy isn’t being stubborn—they’re learning a brand new language to communicate with you. Bark Busters employs proven, natural methods that make communication simple and stress-free for both you and your dog. At Bark Busters, it’s never about control; it’s about clarity and consistency.
Socialization and Boundaries: Bringing a New Puppy Home with Family or Other Pets
Bringing home a new puppy to a house with kids or other pets does require extra thought. Start slow. Let everyone meet through barriers or on a leash.
Set clear boundaries. This includes crate time, alone time, and “no-go” zones. Socialization doesn’t mean flooding your puppy with strangers; it means safe, positive exposure to new sights, sounds, smells, and people in small doses.
These early boundaries help prevent behavior issues later and is a foundational step in training a puppy to thrive in any environment.
Help! What Happens if It’s Not Going Smoothly?
Not every moment will be Instagram-worthy. Expect hiccups like accidents, barking, chewing, or fearfulness. These are all normal, too. Don’t panic or blame yourself.
If things feel too much, know that our professional support is always available. Bark Buster’s offers in-home training that meets your puppy or dog right where they are, literally and emotionally.
“My husband and I enlisted the help of Bark Busters after recently welcoming 2 new puppies into our home and could not be happier and grateful for the tips, guidance, and help we received.”
– Shannon K, MN.
How Bark Busters Helps, Long-Term
Every person, every puppy is different. That’s why Bark Buster’s offers:
- One-on-one, in-home training tailored to your dog’s personality and your lifestyle
- Natural, dog-friendly communication methods
- Support for common behaviors like barking, jumping, or aggression
- A Lifetime Support Guarantee for peace of mind at any time
From preparing to bring home a new puppy to tackling your older dog’s seemingly ingrained habits, we are here for you and for life!
Remember that early structure, gentle guidance, and consistent training will build you a bond that will last a lifetime. Don’t guess your way through their puppyhood. Bark Busters is here to guide you every step of the way from leash-walks to barking.
Book your first session with us today and find an in-home, compassionate trainer to work with your unique puppy and lifestyle needs.
