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New Puppy Checklist for the First Week

The first week sets the tone. A little preparation and a calm, predictable start help your puppy settle in and make house-training easier from day one.

What to buy before they arrive

  • Food and water bowls, plus the same food your puppy has been eating so far
  • A crate or pen sized for a puppy, with soft bedding
  • A well-fitted collar or harness, an ID tag, and a lead
  • An enzyme cleaner for accidents
  • Safe chew toys for teething
  • Treats for training and a few minutes of positive reinforcement

Puppy-proof your home

Puppies explore with their mouths, so get down to their level and look for hazards:

  • Tuck away cables, cords, and phone chargers
  • Move houseplants, cleaning products, and medicines out of reach
  • Block stairs and rooms you want to keep off-limits at first
  • Pick up small objects and shoes that could be chewed or swallowed
Keep the world small at first. A puppy given the run of the whole house tends to have more accidents and gets overwhelmed. Start with one or two rooms and expand as they settle.

The first day

Bring your puppy straight to the potty spot when you get home, then let them explore their small area quietly. Keep visitors and excitement to a minimum. Show them where their bed, water, and crate are, and start the potty routine immediately: out first thing, after meals, after naps, and after play.

The first night

The first few nights are often the hardest. Many puppies settle better with the crate near your bed so they are not alone. Expect at least one overnight potty trip for a young puppy. Keep it quiet and boring: out to the spot, a calm reward, and back to bed with no play.

The first week

  • Book a first vet visit and ask about the vaccination and worming schedule
  • Keep meals, potty breaks, and bedtime at consistent times
  • Introduce the crate as a calm, good place with treats and short sessions
  • Start gentle handling of paws, ears, and mouth so grooming and vet visits are easier later
  • Let sleep happen. Young puppies need a lot of rest, often sixteen to eighteen hours a day

What to expect

Some accidents, some crying, and a lot of napping are all normal. Progress is rarely a straight line. Consistency in the first week pays off for months, so keep the routine steady and the rewards generous.

Start the routine on day one

Potty Pal makes it easy for everyone at home to log meals, potty breaks, and walks, so nothing slips through the cracks in a busy first week.

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about vaccinations, diet, and anything specific to your puppy's breed and health.