Prepare before arrival.
Choose a quiet sleeping area and a separate, accessible toilet area. Secure electrical cables, medicines, cleaning products, small objects, toxic foods and plants. Use gates where needed, and check fencing for gaps a small puppy could find.
Have an age-appropriate complete puppy food, bowls, bedding, a secure harness or collar, lead, identification tag, safe chew toys and cleaning supplies ready. Ask the breeder or rescue centre about the puppy’s current food and routine so any change can be gradual.
Keep the first days small and predictable.
Take your puppy to the toilet area on arrival, then introduce the home gradually. Too many rooms, visitors or new experiences at once can be overwhelming. A simple rhythm of toileting, food, gentle play and sleep provides reassurance.
Young puppies need substantial rest and may not sleep through the night immediately. Give them a comfortable place close enough to feel secure, respond calmly, and keep overnight toilet trips quiet and uneventful.
Build a routine without expecting perfection.
Toilet training
Offer frequent toilet opportunities, particularly after waking, eating, drinking, play and excitement. Quietly praise and reward success. Accidents are part of learning: clean them thoroughly and avoid punishment, which can create anxiety without teaching the required behaviour.
Food and water
Provide fresh water and feed the appropriate quantity of a complete puppy food, divided into meals suitable for your puppy’s age and size. Avoid sudden diet changes. Your veterinary practice can advise on growth, body condition and any breed-specific needs.
Training and handling
Use short, reward-based sessions to teach a name response, recall foundations, settling and comfortable handling. Reward the behaviour you want and stop before your puppy becomes tired or frustrated. Everyone at home should use the same cues and boundaries.
Socialisation means safe, positive experiences.
Socialisation is more than meeting other dogs. It includes people, household sounds, surfaces, vehicles, gentle handling and learning to relax in different situations. Keep exposures brief and pair them with something your puppy enjoys. Never force interaction when your puppy is worried or unable to move away.
Socialisation can begin before a vaccination course is complete, but infection risk must be managed. Carrying a puppy outdoors, calm car journeys and meeting known, healthy, vaccinated dogs in a suitable private environment may be options. Ask your vet what is safe locally before allowing contact with public ground or unfamiliar dogs.
Put veterinary care in place early.
Register with a veterinary practice and arrange an initial health check. Confirm the vaccination record and discuss parasite prevention, neutering at an appropriate stage, dental care, insurance and any concerns about eating, digestion, skin, movement or behaviour.
In France, check that identification and the I-CAD change of keeper are complete. The French requirements are explained above; do not apply the UK eight-week registration rule to France.
Contact a vet promptly if a puppy is repeatedly vomiting, has significant or bloody diarrhoea, refuses food, is unusually quiet or weak, struggles to breathe, collapses, has a seizure, develops a swollen abdomen or may have swallowed something harmful. Young puppies can deteriorate quickly.
Progress is not always a straight line.
Some days will feel easier than others. Calm repetition, realistic expectations and adequate rest help both puppy and household. If fear, distress, guarding, biting or separation difficulties are persistent or escalating, speak to your vet and ask about a suitably qualified, reward-based behaviour professional.
Sources & further reading
PDSA: First day and night with a puppy
Blue Cross: Socialising your puppy
The Royal Kennel Club: Your puppy’s first few weeks
Reviewed September 2026