What to Do the Day You Bring Your Puppy Home

What to Do the Day You Bring Your Puppy Home

Bringing home a puppy is such a special moment — one full of excitement, love, and let’s be honest… a little bit of panic!

You’ve got the toys, the bed, the treats, the food bowl. You’ve read a million blogs. But now that they’re actually in your home, you might be wondering:

“What do I do first?”
“Should I feed them now?”
“Where should they sleep?”
“Why are they biting everything already!?”

Take a deep breath — you’re not alone. I’ve raised three puppies myself, and I help new puppy owners every day through my natural treat and food shop. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do on Day One, so you can focus on bonding with your puppy, not second-guessing yourself.

Table of Contents


1. Keep It Calm from the Moment They Arrive

The car ride home, the new smells, the different sounds — everything is brand new for your puppy. So the most important thing you can do when you first bring them into your home is to keep the environment calm and quiet.

What to do:

  • Use soft voices (no excited shouting)

  • Avoid having visitors over on the first day

  • Let them explore slowly, at their own pace

“When I brought my first pup, Dolly, home, she hid behind the sofa for a good 10 minutes before building the courage to come out. It was tempting to scoop her up, but letting her explore on her own really helped her settle.”

2. Show Them Their Safe Space

Puppies need a quiet, secure place to rest and observe — especially when everything feels so new. Set up a crate or comfy bed in a low-traffic area of your home. Make sure it feels cosy, not like a time-out zone.

Tips:

  • Add a soft blanket (bonus if it smells like mum/littermates)

  • Let them go in and out freely — never force them in

  • Pop a treat or two inside to make it feel positive

“Dolly went straight into her crate the first night and fell asleep immediately. Reggie took a full day to even look at it. Both completely normal!”

3. Straight Outside for a Toilet Break

Seriously — before you put the kettle on or take their photo, head straight to the garden. This is the best time to start setting toilet training routines.

How to make it work:

  • Use the same toilet spot each time

  • Wait quietly — don’t distract them with excitement

  • Praise calmly (and maybe give a small treat)

4. Prepare Your Children (and Their Excitement)

Puppies and kids — adorable, right? But while the kids may be bursting with excitement, your puppy is likely feeling a bit unsure. The first day is about building trust and calm, not entertainment.

Puppy rules for kids:

  • Sit down and let the puppy come to them

  • Use quiet voices and slow hands

  • No chasing, picking up, or tugging toys away

  • Respect when the puppy walks away or goes to sleep

Want help with this? Download my Puppy Rules for Kids Cheat Sheet – it’s fridge-ready and free.

5. Offer Water and a Small Meal (If It's Mealtime)

Depending on when you bring your puppy home, they might be ready for a meal. But don’t be surprised if they don’t eat right away — nerves can affect appetite.

Stick with the breeder’s food for the first few days to avoid upsetting their tummy.

Feeding tips:

  • Fresh water should always be available

  • Offer food if it’s their regular mealtime, but don’t push it

  • If you’re switching to natural food, do it gradually over a few days

“Dolly didn’t eat a thing until the next morning. I panicked, but it turns out she was just overwhelmed. By day two, she was eating like a champ (and has never stopped!).”

6. Let Them Nap — A Lot!

Puppies need up to 20 hours of sleep a day. Yep, really. Without enough rest, they get overtired, mouthy, and wild — which new owners often mistake for being “naughty.”

How to help them rest:

  • Keep noise low

  • Limit constant stimulation or play

  • Let them nap undisturbed (no waking them up for cuddles!)

“I thought Reggie needed more walks to burn off energy… but he was just shattered. Once I protected his nap time, his behaviour completely changed.”

7. Begin Gentle Bonding

You don’t need to do much today except be present. Let them come to you. Sit on the floor. Offer a toy. Speak kindly. That’s how trust is built.

Tips:

  • Say their name gently and happily

  • Don’t overwhelm them with cuddles

  • Offer a soft toy or a tasty chew to explore

8. Prepare for the First Night

The first night can be emotional. Your puppy might cry, bark, or be unsettled — this is completely normal. They’ve never slept without their mum or littermates before.

First-night survival tips:

  • Choose where they’ll sleep: crate, pen, or in your room

  • Keep the routine calm — last toilet, then bedtime

  • Toilet trips during the night = no fuss, no play

Final Thought: Be Patient With Yourself

The first day with your puppy isn’t about training — it’s about settling in. You're both learning. You’ll make mistakes. That’s okay.

Be gentle with them, and with yourself.

You’re doing better than you think.

For any further help and advice please contact us on 01484 246420 and why not join our social media channels and online community on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.

With Wags and Woofs,

Laura, Dolly & Reggie

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