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New Puppy Tips

Your First 30 Days With a New Puppy

A week-by-week plan for your first 30 days with a new puppy: settling in, potty training, crate training and socializing.

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Download the 30-day plan (PDF) Get the shopping checklist

Before they come home

  • Pick the crate spot (near where you sleep for the first weeks).
  • Puppy-proof: cords, shoes, plants, trash cans, low cabinets.
  • Buy the essentials from the checklist and set up the gate.
  • Book a vet visit for the first week.
  • Decide family rules: who feeds, where the dog sleeps, what words you'll use for commands.

Days 1-3: Settle in

  • Go straight to the potty spot when you get home.
  • Keep it quiet: no big visitors or outings yet.
  • Start a simple routine: potty, eat, play, potty, nap.
  • Take them out after waking, eating, playing, and every 1-2 hours.
  • Expect some crying at night; take them out once, calmly, then back to the crate.

Days 4-7: Build the routine

  • First vet visit: bring records, ask about vaccines, deworming and food amounts.
  • Short crate sessions during the day with a stuffed chew toy.
  • Start name recognition and 'sit' with tiny treats.
  • Handle paws, ears and mouth gently every day.

Week 2: Gentle exploring

  • Introduce new sounds, surfaces and people at home.
  • Practice short alone time (5-15 minutes) so being alone is normal.
  • Start wearing the collar and harness indoors.
  • Keep cleaning accidents with enzyme spray, never scold after the fact.

Week 3: Learn & socialize

  • Ask your vet when it's safe to visit public places.
  • Look into puppy classes.
  • Practice 'come,' 'down,' and loose-leash walking in the yard.
  • Try a lick mat or snuffle mat for calm time.

Week 4: Check in

  • Look at your potty log: are accidents going down?
  • Slowly stretch time between potty breaks.
  • Book next vaccines if needed.
  • Celebrate! The first month is the hardest.

Every puppy is different. Your vet is the best guide for vaccines, food amounts and when it's safe to go out in public.

Keep reading

Golden puppy in the grass TrainingPuppy Potty Training Schedule That Works A simple puppy potty training schedule by age, with the times your puppy needs to go out and what to do about accidents. Black lab puppy cuddling a plush toy TrainingCrate Training & Surviving the First Night How to crate train a puppy and get through the first night: setup, routines and what to do when they cry. Fluffy puppy lying with a green ball Safety guidePlaytime & Mealtime: How to Time Exercise to Help Prevent Bloat When to play, walk and feed your dog to lower the risk of bloat (GDV), which dogs are at higher risk, and the warning signs that mean go to the vet now.