Bringing a Puppy Home: Your First-Day Plan
The day you bring your puppy home is one you will remember for years. It is also an enormous day for your puppy, who has just left everything it knows. A thoughtful plan can make the day smoother for both of you, and set the tone for the weeks to come.
Before you pick up your puppy
- Finish puppy-proofing the home and yard using our puppy-proofing guide.
- Set up the crate or pen, bed, bowls and toys.
- Buy the food your puppy has been eating. See our puppy shopping list.
- Arrange for time off if possible.
- Plan a collection time in the morning to give your puppy a full day to settle.
- Ask the breeder or rescue for a blanket or toy with familiar smells.
- Gather paperwork, including health records and contracts.
The car ride home
Bring a helper, a crate or secure carrier, towels, paper towels, a spare set of clothes for you and a few treats. Do not let the puppy roam loose in the car. Some puppies get carsick or anxious. Keep the journey calm, with a soft voice. Our guide to traveling with a puppy by car covers safety in more detail.
Arriving home
- Go to the toilet spot first. Carry or walk your puppy to the area you want it to use, and wait a few minutes. Reward if it goes.
- Explore gradually. Let the puppy sniff around a small, safe area on a leash or in a pen, rather than the whole house.
- Keep it calm. Avoid loud noises, crowds and rough play.
- Show the sleeping area and water.
Introduce family members gently
Introduce people one at a time, calmly. Ask children to sit on the floor and let the puppy come to them rather than grabbing it. Supervise all interactions. If you have other pets, introduce them carefully. See our guides to introducing a puppy to resident dogs and cats.
Feeding on day one
Feed the same food the puppy has been eating, in the same portions, in a quiet spot. Offer small meals on the schedule recommended by the breeder or vet. The stress of moving may reduce appetite, which is normal for a day or two. Our guide to the puppy feeding schedule by age explains what to expect.
Toilet routine
Take your puppy out:
- First thing after arriving
- After every meal, nap and play session
- Every hour or so while awake
- Before bed
Praise and reward success, and clean accidents calmly with an enzymatic cleaner. Our guide to how to potty train a puppy provides a full plan.
Rest and sleep
A day of excitement is tiring. Let your puppy nap in its crate or pen, and avoid waking it. Puppies often fall asleep suddenly. Make sure it has quiet time between activities.
Gentle first lessons
- Say your puppy's name and reward when it looks at you.
- Handle its paws, ears and mouth gently with treats.
- Introduce the crate positively.
- Begin to teach sit using a treat lure, if your puppy is ready.
Avoid overwhelming it with training on the first day.
Things to avoid on day one
- A stream of visitors
- Loud, chaotic play
- Long car trips or outings
- Bathing, unless essential
- Leaving the puppy alone for long
- Expecting perfection
Prepare for the night
Follow our guide to the first night at home, and plan to be patient. Then continue with the first week guide.
The takeaway
The first day is about safety, calm and routine. Keep it low-key, respond to your puppy's needs and enjoy the start of your life together.
Frequently asked questions
Should I let friends and family visit on the first day?
It is best to keep visitors to a minimum. Your puppy needs time to settle, and too much excitement can be overwhelming.
How do I transport a puppy home safely?
Use a crate or secure carrier in the car, with a helper if possible. Bring towels and a spare in case of car sickness.
How often should I take my puppy out on the first day?
Often, typically every hour or so when awake, and after meals, naps and play.
Should I start training on the first day?
Keep it light. Start toilet routines, name recognition and gentle handling, but let your puppy settle before formal training.