The first week with a puppy goes wrong in predictable ways: a chewed cord, a crate so big the puppy treats one corner as a bathroom, accidents with no enzyme cleaner in the house. Almost all of it is avoidable by setting up before the puppy comes home rather than after.
Those first weeks are shaped by decisions you make once. Size the crate to the adult dog with a divider you move as the puppy grows, so it stays just big enough to sleep in, which is what makes house-training work. Book the first vet visit before or right after pickup and let the vet set the vaccination and parasite schedule for your specific puppy rather than a generic one. Then puppy-proof at the puppy's eye level, houseplants included, since some are toxic to dogs and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control list is where to check before assuming one is safe.
Get an ID tag on the collar and the microchip registered on day one. The first week, before a new dog knows where home is, is exactly when one slips out an open door.
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Sleep & Crate
Size the crate to the grown dog and use a divider to keep the usable space small as the puppy grows. A crate that is too big invites accidents in the far corner and undoes house-training.
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Wire or Plastic Crate (right size)
Buy for the adult size and use a divider to shrink the space while the puppy is small. Just big enough to stand, turn, and lie down is what house-training needs.
Puppies need food formulated for growth, not adult maintenance. Ask your vet or breeder what the puppy is currently eating and change it gradually to avoid stomach upset.
Book the first visit early and let your vet set the schedule for your specific puppy. Vaccination, deworming, and parasite-prevention timing depend on the dog, so a vet's plan beats a generic printout.
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Schedule First Vet Visit
Book it before or right after pickup; the first exam sets up the vaccination and prevention plan and catches anything early.
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Vaccination Schedule Printed
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Flea, Tick & Heartworm Prevention
Start on your vet's schedule for your region and the puppy's age and weight. Timing and product depend on the dog, so follow the vet, not a generic chart.
Get down to the puppy's level and look for what a curious mouth can reach: cords, low cabinets, trash, and plants. Confirm any houseplant is non-toxic before you trust it.
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Puppy-Proof Cords & Outlets
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Secure Trash Cans & Cabinets
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Remove Toxic Plants
Several common houseplants are toxic to dogs. Check the ASPCA Animal Poison Control list before assuming one is safe, and move anything questionable out of reach.
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Set House Rules with Family
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Update ID Tag & Microchip
An ID tag and a registered microchip are how a lost puppy gets home; do both on day one, since the first week is the likeliest time for a new dog to bolt.
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Tips
1Take the puppy out on a fixed rhythm — after every meal, nap, and play session — rather than waiting for a signal; house-training is mostly about frequency and timing.
2Put a worn, unwashed t-shirt in the crate for the first nights; your scent helps a new puppy settle and cuts down on crying.
3Handle paws, ears, and mouth gently a little every day from the start, so nail trims, tooth brushing, and vet exams aren't a fight later.
4Start short crate and alone-time sessions in the first week, before problems form; a few minutes at a time teaches a puppy that being alone is normal.
Common questions
What do I need before bringing a puppy home?
The setup that prevents first-week problems: a correctly sized crate with a divider, puppy food, food and water bowls, an ID tag and microchip plan, an enzyme cleaner for accidents, safe chew toys, and a puppy-proofed space. Booking the first vet visit before or just after pickup rounds it out.
What size crate should I get for a puppy?
Buy for the dog's expected adult size and use a divider panel to keep the usable area small while the puppy is young. The crate should be just big enough to stand up, turn around, and lie down in. Too much room lets a puppy sleep at one end and use the other as a bathroom, which works against house-training.
When should a puppy first see a vet?
Book the first appointment before or shortly after you bring the puppy home. That visit sets up the vaccination, deworming, and parasite-prevention schedule tailored to your specific puppy, and catches any early health issues. Follow your vet's plan rather than a generic schedule, since timing depends on the dog.