Make their world
small at first.

Prepare for an ordinary week.

Agree who will feed, walk, train and supervise the dog. Register with a veterinary practice, consider insurance and emergency costs, and arrange safe transport. Ask the breeder or rescue what food, sleeping routine, cues and equipment the dog already knows.

• Create a quiet resting area where nobody disturbs the dog.
• Remove medicines, toxic foods, trailing cables and chewable hazards; secure gardens and doors.
• Have a suitable harness or collar, lead, identification tag, bedding, bowls, food and a few safe chews ready.
• Confirm the microchip number and complete the keeper transfer promptly.
• Plan introductions to children and resident animals carefully, with separation available.

Keep familiar things familiar. Continue the food and routine used by the previous home at first where possible. Make changes gradually unless a vet advises otherwise.

Let trust arrive before the visitors do.

Use a predictable rhythm for meals, sleep, toilet trips and gentle activity. Keep walks and new places manageable, avoid a procession of visitors and watch the whole dog for signs they need space. Some dogs eat less, sleep more or have toilet accidents while adjusting; persistent or worrying changes need veterinary advice.

Growing up is not a straight line.

Teething

Most puppies lose their baby teeth and gain adult teeth over roughly three to seven months, although timing varies. Provide size-appropriate, supervised chew options and redirect mouthing calmly. Avoid extremely hard chews that could fracture teeth. Bleeding that does not settle, a broken tooth, marked pain, facial swelling or difficulty eating warrants veterinary advice.

Adolescence

Adolescence often begins around six months and may continue towards 18–24 months or longer, particularly in larger dogs. Expect changing confidence, greater interest in the environment and temporary lapses in familiar skills. Lower the difficulty, reward what you want, protect sleep and continue gradual social learning. A teenager is not being deliberately difficult.