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The First Week with your New Puppy!

Puppies are the best. They bring a joy and lightness to your home that is unlike anything else! Much like a new baby, they light a spark in your heart that you may not have known was there. But the love they make you feel, isn't the only similarity to a new baby. Waking up at night & becoming all too familiar with the inner workings of your little one's digestive system also come to mind :) But fear not! We have some tips and tricks to help make this new adjustment much smoother! Before we break down how to hack this new change, let me give you an idea of what to expect from your new pup!
What To Expect from the First Few Days with a New Puppy
- A potentially nervous pup
Keep in mind your puppy just left everything they are familiar with. They are in an entirely new environment with new smells, sights, and sounds. Even though they are weaned from their mama already, they no longer have their siblings around to play & cuddle with. On top of that they most likely had a big day of travel to get to you so they may be especially tired and worn out. All this to say, this usually causes one of two reactions. Extreme shyness or one very hyper pup.
For Those Puppies that Act Shy You Can Expect Actions Such As,
- Shaking
- Hiding
- Whining
- Sitting or lying in one place for a long time
- Nervous peeing
These are normal actions for an adjusting puppy and as long as they are fed and watered, this is nothing to worry about! They are just adjusting and will soon warm up! This can also often times bring on the concern that the puppy has been neglected. We encourage you to get to know your breeder and make sure your soon to be pup is getting the love it deserves, & if so, don't second guess that when you bring your puppy home, and it seems nervous and timid. It is just trying to process all the new changes.
For Those Puppies that React with Lots of Energy Here's What to Expect,
- Super hyper behaviors
- Barking / whining
- Trying to jump out of our arms or constantly trying to get to your face
- Jumping in circles
- Nervous peeing
Once again, as long as they are fed and watered, just give them some time to adjust and calm down.
How to Help Your Puppy Feel More Comfortable
A lot of the solution to this is just time, it is amazing how quickly they adjust! We like to send home a blanket with the scent of the puppies' siblings with each of our pups. This is a good way to offer something comforting in an unfamiliar environment. Here are some other ideas,
- Stuffed dog with heartbeat! The sound of a heartbeat is comforting and helps to reduce anxiety. Here is a link to one that we like,
- Sending a shirt or blanket ahead of time with you & your family's scent that we can put in with your puppy
- If your breeder does not send home a blanket with their siblings' scent, you could request one

What to Expect from the First Few Nights with your new Puppy
I'm not going to sugar coat it, until your puppy gets adjusted...nights can be rough! We highly suggest crate training until your puppy is fully potty trained. That being said, during the training time your puppy would be in its crate at night. We recommend taking them out to potty once a night for the first week, and after that they should be able to go all night without having to use the restroom.
Expect Lots of Crying from your new Puppy
We know it can be hard, but we recommend putting the puppy's crate in a room that they cannot see you. Every dog is different, and you can experiment with what works best for yours, but we find most of the time they cry less if they cannot see you. If you would really like to have them in the same room as you, put a blanket over the crate.
Make your Puppy's Crate, a Happy Place
You ultimately want them to enjoy going in their crate. To do this, make it comfortable! Offer toys in the crate, treats, and even supplying their food and water to them when they are in the crate can all be ways to help them to enjoy this area.
Try Your Best to be Consistent and Patient with your Puppy
Just like a baby, it is difficult to hear them cry! But keep in mind, you are teaching them valuable skills that will increase their quality of life in the long run! This stage does not last long! In conclusion, the adjustment can be challenging but it goes by quick, and you and your pup will bond in the meantime! The hard times are SO worth it for the longtime companion you will gain in your dog!















