Your first week with a puppy
The first days set the tone. Keep things calm and consistent: a quiet space to settle, the same food they ate at the breeder/shelter (switch gradually), frequent potty trips, and lots of gentle naps — puppies sleep 18–20 hours a day. Start the routine you want to keep, because puppies learn fast.
Don't skip these health steps
- First vet visit within a few days — see our puppy vaccination schedule.
- Deworming & flea/tick prevention — ask your vet for the plan (and our parasite schedule).
- Microchip — the best way to get a lost puppy home.
- Pet insurance — cheapest and most useful bought while young and healthy.
- Right food, right amount — use our puppy feeding calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new puppy cost to set up?
Initial supplies plus the first vet visits often total $500–$1,500. See the full breakdown in our cost of owning a dog.
When can my puppy go outside / meet other dogs?
Safe socialisation can start at home right away; wait until your vet confirms vaccinations are far enough along before busy public areas. Puppy classes use vaccinated, supervised pups.
How do I stop puppy biting and accidents?
Redirect biting to a chew toy, reward calm behaviour, and take them out often (after sleep, food, and play). Consistency and patience win — never punish accidents.
Next: puppy vaccination schedule · puppy feeding calculator · getting a kitten instead?