The first few days with your puppy are very important. Make sure your home provides a calm and safe environment for your new dog. Take your puppy outside often, but don’t go for a walk just yet. A new environment will already provide plenty of stimulation, so it’s best to hold off on walks for the time being. Let your puppy explore room by room. You don’t have to show them all the rooms on day one; that’s up to you. Be sure to keep an eye on your puppy when they’re roaming around freely. A young dog might touch things that are dangerous or get lost. Be sure to show them their sleeping spot, as they need to feel comfortable there to get enough sleep and rest. Give him time to get used to his new surroundings bit by bit, at his own pace. Don’t start playing with him straight away with cuddles, games and toys as soon as he arrives. That can be overwhelming.

How do you prepare for the first few days with your puppy?

If you’re reading this article, you’re already well on your way with your preparations. Find out more about your puppy’s breed. Every breed has its own character. There’s a lot involved in raising and training a puppy. Below is a list of the essentials you’ll undoubtedly need:

• Collar
• Lead
• Water and food bowls
• Bed or cushion
• Puppy pen or dog crate
• Treats
• Poop bags
• Puppy food
• Car carrier with a harness

Don’t forget to keep wipes in the house for accidents. Make sure you have plenty of clean socks too.

What do you need to know about a puppy?

A puppy needs several vaccinations and will also need to be wormed regularly. Book a check-up with the veterinarian and make sure you have a good plan in place for vaccinations and worming. It’s also best to feed your puppy puppy food to support its growth spurt. Pay attention to factors such as the protein content of the nutrition (ideally >27%), the protein source and the kibble size. If your dog is allergic to certain ingredients, you must absolutely avoid these in its nutrition.

Important things you should teach a puppy in the first few days

Socialise your puppy with other people and dogs, but be careful with vaccinations. It is important to have your puppy vaccinated before it comes into contact with other dogs. Some dogs may carry infectious diseases, such as parvo or distemper, which can be dangerous for an unvaccinated puppy. Therefore, ensure your puppy has received the correct vaccinations before meeting other dogs. Get your puppy used to everyday noises such as household activities or traffic if you live in a busy neighbourhood. Be sure to teach your puppy when to pay attention to you. You can get your puppy’s attention by saying its name, ensuring it comes to you and then making it sit; always reward it when it does this correctly.

What is the most important thing to teach your puppy in the first few days?

The best thing to start with when you’re at home with your puppy for the first few days is toilet training. Be consistent with this and reward your puppy’s good behaviour. Potty training your puppy takes time and patience. Try to stop your puppy from biting, but be aware that they will do this automatically and instinctively. Their teeth are coming through, and that will be a bit irritating. You need to teach them what is and isn’t allowed.

Exercise during the first few days with your puppy

Play plenty with your puppy. They have lots of energy and need somewhere to burn it off. Daily play and exercise are recommended. Do bear in mind, however, not to overdo it, as this can be harmful because their bones, joints and muscles are still developing. Excessive exertion, such as long walks, climbing stairs or intense play sessions, can lead to growth problems, joint problems and muscle strain. For every month your puppy is old, they can walk for 10 minutes. So, for example, if your puppy is 3 months old, you can go for a 30-minute walk.

The first night with your puppy

It’s best not to leave your puppy completely alone for the first few nights. The puppy has only just left the litter, so he may suffer from separation anxiety. Bring him into your bedroom for the first few nights, or you can lie in the room with your puppy yourself. Place a dog crate or a large basket there as a place to sleep.

Why does a puppy sleep so much in the first few days?

For the first few months, your puppy will still sleep a great deal, as this is necessary for growth and development. Sleep helps develop your puppy’s muscles, bones and organs. They grow incredibly fast, after all. When your puppy sleeps, its brain processes all the new impressions and experiences it has gained during the day. This is a major factor in their training and socialisation. Your puppy also sleeps to better defend itself against illness. Sleep helps to strengthen your puppy’s immune system.

How much sleep does a puppy need?

From 0 to 2 months, your puppy will need around 19 hours of sleep a day. From 2 to 6 months, that’s 17 hours a day. And from 6 to 12 months, it’s about 15 hours a day. So don’t worry if your puppy sleeps a lot – that’s normal. Also bear in mind that the amount of sleep puppies need depends on the breed. So be sure to ask your breeder for advice on the recommended number of hours of sleep for your puppy.

What should you absolutely not do with a puppy?

A puppy won’t do anything to be naughty in the first few days. So don’t punish him for something he sees as play. Don’t use forceful actions if you want to make something clear to your puppy; do it calmly. By using forceful actions, your puppy might stop trusting you before you’ve even built a real bond.

How long should you stay home from work for your puppy?

It’s best to stay at home for the first week with your puppy. The first few weeks are crucial for integrating a healthy, well-behaved dog into your family.

How long can a puppy be left home alone?

Most experts say that puppies shouldn’t be left alone for more than two to three hours. This is because they are still small and vulnerable and need a lot of attention, such as nutrition, toilet training and social interaction. In addition, the breed and the puppy’s personality also play a role. Some breeds cope better with being alone than others, and some puppies are naturally more independent or, conversely, more affectionate.

Conclusion: the first few days with your puppy

The first few days with your puppy are incredibly important for a good start. By creating a calm environment, allowing your puppy to settle in gradually and teaching them the basic rules, you’ll lay a strong foundation for a happy and well-balanced dog. Don’t forget to be patient and consistent, and above all, to enjoy this special time together. With the right care, love and training, your puppy will soon feel at home and grow into a wonderful best friend.