First Week Home: What to Expect with Your New Puppy
Bringing home a new golden retriever puppy is an exciting milestone filled with joy, cuddles, and a whole lot of puppy play. However, that first week can also be a bit overwhelming as both you and your puppy adjust to new routines and surroundings. To help make the transition smoother, here’s what you can expect during your puppy’s first week home—and how to set your new furry friend up for success.
1. Adjusting to a New Environment
Your puppy is leaving the comfort of their littermates and familiar surroundings, so expect a little bit of adjustment during the first few days. It’s normal for puppies to feel a bit anxious or overwhelmed in their new environment.
What to Expect:
Your puppy might cry or whine, especially during their first few nights away from their litter. Be patient and give them time to settle in.
How to Help:
Create a cozy, quiet space for your puppy where they can feel safe. A crate with soft bedding can provide comfort. Place the crate in a central area of the house where they can see and hear you, helping them feel less isolated.
2. Establishing a Routine
Puppies thrive on routine, so it’s important to start creating one from the moment they arrive. A consistent schedule for meals, potty breaks, playtime, and naps will help your puppy adjust faster.
What to Expect:
Puppies will need to go outside frequently—especially after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up from naps. They also need a lot of sleep (up to 18-20 hours a day), so don’t be surprised if they take frequent naps between bursts of energy.
How to Help:
Set regular times for meals, potty breaks, and play sessions. This structure helps your puppy feel secure and quickly adjust to life in their new home.
3. Crate Training and Sleeping Arrangements
Crate training is one of the most effective ways to house-train your puppy while giving them a safe space of their own. It also helps with nighttime sleeping arrangements.
What to Expect:
Your puppy might cry or whine when placed in their crate, especially during the first few nights. This is normal as they get used to their new surroundings and separation from their littermates.
How to Help:
Start crate training by introducing the crate as a positive space—place treats, toys, and bedding inside. At night, place the crate near your bed so your puppy can feel close to you, helping them settle down. If they cry, avoid immediately taking them out unless they need a bathroom break.
4. Potty Training Basics
Potty training is one of the most important tasks during your puppy’s first week. The key to successful potty training is consistency and patience.
What to Expect:
Accidents will happen, but puppies are quick learners. With regular bathroom breaks and positive reinforcement, your puppy will begin to understand where they should go potty.
How to Help:
Take your puppy outside every 1-2 hours during the day, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Use a designated potty spot and reward them with praise or a treat every time they go outside. Avoid punishment for accidents; instead, focus on rewarding the behavior you want.
5. Socialization and Interaction
Your puppy will be curious about their new surroundings and eager to interact with you and their new family. Socialization is key to helping your puppy grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.
What to Expect:
Your puppy might be shy or hesitant at first, but they’ll quickly start exploring and interacting with their new environment. They’ll want to be around you as much as possible and might follow you from room to room.
How to Help:
Gradually introduce your puppy to different sounds, sights, and people in their new home. Keep interactions positive and gentle. Avoid overwhelming them with too many new experiences at once, and always supervise interactions with children or other pets.
6. Teething and Chewing
Like babies, puppies go through a teething phase where they’ll chew on just about anything to soothe their gums. This phase usually starts around 3 months but can begin earlier.
What to Expect:
Your puppy may start nibbling on furniture, shoes, or anything else they can get their paws on.
How to Help:
Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys to satisfy their teething needs. Redirect any unwanted chewing behavior to their toys, and be consistent with the message that only toys are for chewing. Puppy-proof your home by keeping tempting items out of reach.
7. Feeding and Nutrition
Your golden retriever puppy’s diet is crucial during their growth stage. Make sure they’re receiving the right nutrients to support their development.
What to Expect:
Puppies need multiple small meals throughout the day, usually 3-4 times. Be prepared for enthusiastic eaters—goldens are known for their healthy appetites!
How to Help:
Stick to the feeding schedule provided by the breeder, and gradually transition them to any new food if necessary. Always ensure they have access to fresh water, and monitor their weight to make sure they’re growing at a healthy pace.
8. Vet Visits and Health Care
Within the first week, you’ll want to schedule a visit to your veterinarian for a general health check and to continue the vaccination schedule.
What to Expect:
Your vet will check your puppy’s overall health, ensure they’re up-to-date on vaccinations, and discuss flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
How to Help:
Bring any medical records you received from the breeder, and be prepared with questions about your puppy’s health, diet, and care. Regular vet checkups are key to keeping your golden retriever puppy happy and healthy.
Final Thoughts: Patience and Positivity
The first week home with your golden retriever puppy will be full of discovery, adjustment, and lots of cuddles. Remember to be patient as your puppy adjusts to their new environment and routine. With love, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement, your puppy will settle into their new home in no time—and the bond you build during these early days will last a lifetime.
Thinking of bringing a golden retriever puppy into your home? Contact Turner Family Goldens today to learn about our available puppies and adoption process!
