Your first week with a new puppy, day by day

Find out what to expect in your first week with a new puppy, day by day, from settling in and toilet training to naps and the first vet check.

Last checked 17 October 2026 · Sources at the end

The first week with a new puppy is exciting, and tiring. Everything is new for your puppy: the people, the smells, the sounds. Keep life small, calm and the same each day. Here is what the first seven days often look like.

Day 1: Coming home

Keep the welcome calm and quiet. Let your puppy explore one room at a time.
Put their crate or bed next to your bed for the night. Expect some crying. It’s normal, and it’s OK to comfort them.
Set an alarm for quiet toilet trips in the night.

Day 2: Keep it small

No visitors yet. Give your puppy a few days to adjust first.
Keep them in one or two rooms. A whole new house is a lot to take in.
Keep feeding the same food, at the same times, as before. Don’t change it yet.
Expect lots of naps. Some young puppies sleep 18 to 20 hours a day.

Day 3: A quiet day

Some puppies seem quiet or a little clingy as all the changes catch up with them. Extra sleep is normal.
Ring your vet if your puppy won’t eat, is vomiting, has diarrhoea (runny poo) that isn’t settling, or seems flat and unwell.

Day 4: Their personality shows

Start short play sessions of 2 to 3 minutes.
Say your puppy’s name, then give a treat. Do this about 5 times a day.
Accidents inside will happen. Just clean up calmly. Never shout or punish.

Day 5: Finding a rhythm

A pattern starts to form: wake, toilet, eat, play, sleep.
Take your puppy outside after every sleep, every meal and every play.
Choose one toilet word, like “go wee”, and say it every time they go.
Reward every wee or poo outside straight away with praise and a treat.

Day 6: Small wins

Make the crate a happy place. Toss treats inside and leave the door open.
If your puppy seems confident, one or two calm visitors are fine.
Take a photo today. You’ll love it later.

Day 7: One week in

Your puppy should have had a first vet check by now. Vets suggest a new puppy sees a vet as soon as possible. If you haven’t been yet, book it today.
Weigh your puppy. Step on the scales holding them, then weigh yourself alone, and take one number from the other.
Start gentle handling. Touch their paws, ears and mouth for a few seconds, give a treat, and stop.

How long does settling in take?

Every puppy is different. Some settle in a few days, and others take a few weeks. Keep the routine the same and be patient. Your bond grows a little every day.

Feeling tired, teary or overwhelmed this week is very common. Many new owners call it the “puppy blues”. It passes. Rest when your puppy rests, and talk to a friend who has raised a puppy. If the low feeling doesn’t lift, talk to your doctor.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your puppy, ring your vet.