What to Do in the First 24 Hours of Getting Your Puppy Home

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting experience, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Puppies are full of energy and curiosity, and adjusting to a brand-new environment can be just as daunting for them as it is for you. The first 24 hours are important because they set the foundation for your puppy’s comfort, confidence, and future learning.

Whether this is your first dog or you’ve been through this before, these initial hours are filled with opportunities to build trust and help your puppy feel welcome. Every interaction matters. From how you greet them to where they sleep that night, these early moments help your new companion understand that they’re safe, cared for, and part of the family.

Staying calm and organised will make a huge difference during this transition. Taking simple steps like preparing a quiet space, using consistent routines, and offering gentle guidance will give your puppy the best possible start.

Creating a Safe Space

One of the first things to sort out is where your puppy will relax and sleep. They need a secure and cosy area where they feel safe. This could be a crate or a soft dog bed placed in a quiet corner of your home. Avoid putting it in high-traffic areas so they aren't disturbed while resting.

Here are a few tips to set it up properly:

1. Choose a spot that’s warm, quiet, and free from strong drafts.

2. Use comfy bedding that’s soft but machine-washable.

3. Add something that smells like their previous home to make the space familiar.

Once their area is set, take a few extra steps to puppy-proof your house. Take a walk around from their eye level. Are there wires to chew on? Loose objects they can swallow? Shoes that might look like fun toys? Tuck away anything unsafe or fragile.

Creating a safe space early helps them feel more in control in their new surroundings. It’s also important for boundary-setting, making it easier to encourage good habits as they grow.

Feeding and Hydration

Your puppy has just experienced a big change, so it’s best to keep some parts of their day familiar to them. Food is a good place to start. Offer them the same food they were used to eating at their last home to keep their stomachs settled.

Keep these tips in mind:

- Offer a small portion of food shortly after arrival.

- Monitor how much they eat without pressuring them.

- Don't switch foods right away unless advised by a vet.

Fresh water should be available at all times. Pick a sturdy water bowl that won't tip easily, and make sure it's in the same general area each day. Consistency helps your puppy learn where their essentials are located.

Try to keep their feeding schedule steady. Puppies thrive on structure. Create a routine where meals and drinks happen at roughly the same times each day. This not only aids digestion, it also teaches them what to expect next.

Introducing Cues and Routine

You don’t need full training on day one, but now is the perfect time to start teaching some early cues. Start simple. Use light-hearted tones and basic words like "sit" and “come”. These are easier for puppies to understand, especially if you follow them up with a smile, pet, or small treat.

Here’s what early teaching might look like:

- Wait for your puppy to settle naturally, then say "sit" and reward.

- Keep sessions short, no more than 2-3 minutes.

- Always use the same cue for the same action.

Routines help puppies understand a sequence of events. A daily structure provides comfort and predictability.  Using a routine early helps puppies understand when to rest, eat, and play. Over time, this becomes part of their natural rhythm.

Socialising and Bonding

The first day is all about making your puppy feel secure, not overwhelmed. Socialising doesn't mean heading to the dog park right away. Keep it low-key. Let them meet a few household members and hear normal household sounds like the kettle or TV.

Gentle interactions build their confidence. Get down to their level and let them approach you. Talk softly, smile, and offer treats for calm behaviour.

Play is another great way to build your relationship. Use age-appropriate toys, and stop before they get overtired. If they seem hesitant, don’t force it. Let your puppy explore and come to you when ready.

Every positive moment counts. Being patient and attentive teaches your puppy that you're someone they can depend on. Over time, these small steps create the bond you’ll both depend on.

Settling in for the Night

As the day draws to a close, it's time to help your puppy wind down. Just like children, puppies benefit from a gentle routine before bed. Maybe that’s a bit of quiet play, a short walk, or calm cuddles while sitting on the floor.

When bedtime arrives, lead them over to their sleeping space. Don't be surprised if they whimper or seem unsettled, this is all new to them. Leaving a nightlight or a soft clock that ticks near their bed could help provide comfort.

Keep the house calm and quiet. Avoid late-night excitement or sudden noises that could disrupt their sleep. If your puppy wakes up and cries, check briefly to ensure they are safe, then calmly return them to bed.

Consistency is key. The sooner your puppy accepts their bedtime routine, the easier future nights will be. In time, they’ll begin to see their sleeping area as a secure spot where rest comes easily.

Setting the Stage for a Happy Life Together

That very first day at home sets up more than just the next 24 hours. It marks the start of a relationship built on safety, trust, and understanding. By offering structure, patience, and clear guidance from the beginning, you're giving your puppy the confidence they need to explore their new world.

There will be accidents. There will be barking. But the time and effort you put in during day one will shape the days that follow. Take small wins where you find them. A calm nap. A successful trip outside. A tail wag after learning to sit.

Puppies grow up quickly. These early hours are moments you won’t get back, so tune in, slow down, and enjoy them. You're doing more than training a pet, you’re welcoming a new member into your life. And that kind of connection starts one pawstep at a time.

Whether you’re just starting on your puppy adventure or want to refine their early learning, structured guidance makes all the difference. Discover how puppy training at Paws Academy Dog Training can support your puppy's development with expert advice and tailored routines. With our help, your puppy will grow into a well-behaved and happy companion.