Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but the first week can feel a little overwhelming. Puppies are adjusting to a completely new environment, and your family is learning their little habits and personality. Knowing what to expect makes the week go much smoother—and keeps everyone happy.

Expect Some Adjustment Time
The first few days are all about settling in. Your puppy has just left their littermates and may feel nervous or confused. It’s normal if they whine, pace, or explore carefully at first. Patience is key. Give them quiet space and gentle attention while they start to feel safe in their new home.

Establish a Routine Early
Puppies thrive on consistency. Try to stick to regular times for feeding, potty breaks, and naps. A predictable schedule helps them understand what’s expected and builds confidence. Even small routines—like the same spot for potty or the same crate for bedtime—make a big difference. This Sample Daily Schedule may help get things started

Potty Training Starts Now
Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Praise them immediately when they go in the right spot. Accidents happen—stay calm, clean thoroughly, and reinforce good behavior. Early consistency sets the stage for fast potty training. Check out this Potty Training post created to help our puppies transition to their new homes.

When you bring home a puppy from Goldendoodle Lovely, we will include a Potty Tracking Sheet to make potty training feel easy.

Introduce Gentle Boundaries
The first week is a perfect time to start teaching rules. Encourage calm greetings, gentle handling, and respectful play. If you have children, explain simple rules like letting the puppy rest, approaching slowly, and avoiding rough play. Clear boundaries help your puppy feel secure.

Short Training Sessions
Even in the first week, you can begin basic training. Short, positive sessions are best. Focus on name recognition, gentle leash introduction, and simple commands like “sit” or “come.” Keep it fun—your puppy is learning that training is a positive experience.

Socialization Begins Carefully
Introduce your puppy to new environments and situations. Taking them on short outings where they can hear, smell and see the world you live in. Remember safety and don’t place your puppy on the ground or surfaces where unknown dogs may pee/poo. Short walks while holding your puppy or trips to Home Depot or similar pet friendly stores can be fantastic. Keep your outings to under 30 minutes.

Rest is Important
Puppies sleep a lot, sometimes 16–20 hours a day. Make sure they have a quiet, comfortable place to nap. Overstimulation can lead to fussiness or anxiety, so respect their rest times. A crate is a good idea when oversimulation or fussiness shows up. Check out this Crate Training Post we created to assist our puppy families.

Enjoy the Moments
The first week is filled with small milestones—exploring a new room, meeting family members, or playing with their first toys. Take photos, enjoy cuddles, and soak in the little victories. Every day your puppy becomes more comfortable and confident.

With patience, consistency, and gentle guidance, the first week sets the tone for a happy, well-adjusted puppy. Families who prepare ahead of time often see smoother transitions, faster training, and more enjoyable days together.

Thank you for following along with our New Puppy Starter Series. If you’re ready to meet a puppy, see which Goldendoodles are ready for their forever homes I’m available to answer any questions or assist in any way. Please call or text 602-628-0301 – Jill

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Here’s a quick roadmap of the series so far:

1. Thinking About Getting a Puppy – Why families choose to bring a puppy home.
2. Choosing the Right Breed – How to pick a dog that fits your lifestyle and family.
3. Choosing a Responsible Breeder – Finding a breeder who supports your family and raises healthy puppies.
4. New Puppy Checklist – All the supplies and preparation you need before your puppy arrives.
5. The First Week With Your Puppy – How to navigate those first days and set your puppy up for success.

Each post links naturally to the next, so you can move through the series in order—or jump to the topic that matters most to you.

If you’re ready to see your puppy thrive, start at the beginning with Thinking About Getting a Puppy, and follow along for guidance every step of the way.