Are you the proud new owner of a brand-new puppy? Congratulations! Bringing home your first furry friend is an exciting experience but can also be a bit overwhelming. So what should you expect in the first 48 hours after getting your puppy home? How can you prepare for those crucial first days and weeks? Keep reading to find out.
Before you scroll down to this guide, “First 48 Hours With a New Puppy,” check out: Regret Getting a Puppy – What Should I Do? (2023) and My Puppy’s Tooth Broke – What Should I Do? (2023).
How Do You Survive the First 48 Hours With a New Puppy?
The first 48 hours with a new puppy are crucial for both of you. It’s a time for them to bond with you and start adjusting to their new home. It’s also a time for you to learn your puppy’s behaviors and establish rules and routines.
Here are some tips to help you survive those first 48 hours:
- Get everything you need before your puppy comes home. Puppies need a lot of supplies, from food and water bowls to a collar and leash. If you’re not prepared, you’ll run to the store every five minutes.
- Set up a safe space for your puppy. Puppies are curious creatures who want to explore every nook and cranny of your home. To prevent them from getting into trouble, set up a safe space with their food, water, bed, and toys.
- Start establishing rules and routines right away. It’s important to start setting rules and rituals from the very beginning. This will help your puppy know what to expect and make the transition to their new home much easier.
- Get to know your puppy’s behaviors. In the first 48 hours, you’ll learn your puppy’s behaviors. For example, pay attention to how they act when they’re tired, hungry, or thirsty. This will help you better understand your puppy and its needs.
How Do You Get Through the First Few Nights?
You’ve researched, met with the breeder, and brought your puppy home. Now what? The first few nights can be challenging, but there are some things you can do to make the transition easier.
First, don’t expect your puppy to sleep through the night at first. Puppies need to eat frequently and will likely need to potty several times during the night. Be prepared for some early morning wake-ups!
To help you and your puppy get through the night, set up a safe space to sleep, a crate, or a dog bed in your bedroom. Put a blanket or towel in the space for your puppy to snuggle with, and make sure there are no toys or other objects that could pose a choking hazard.
How Long Does It Take for a Puppy To Settle in a New Home?
It usually takes a puppy about two weeks to settle into a new home. During this time, your puppy may be timid and scared. Therefore, it’s essential to give them time to adjust and not force them into situations they’re not ready for.
One of the best things you can do for your new puppy is to create a schedule — set times for meals, potty breaks, and playtime. A routine will help them feel more comfortable in their new home.
It’s also important to socialize with your puppy during this time. Introduce them to new people, places, and experiences gradually. This socialization will help them learn to cope with new situations and will make them less fearful in the long run.
How Do You Survive the First Few Days?
For the first few days, it’s essential to create a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This schedule will help your puppy learn the rules of the house and start to feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
You first need to set up a comfortable space for your puppy to sleep and eat, which will be their “den.” Puppies feel more secure in small, enclosed spaces, so a crate or playpen is ideal. Put a soft bed or blanket inside and place their food and water bowls nearby.
Next, it’s time to start house training. Puppies need to go potty frequently, so take them outside often — at least every two to three hours. When they do their business, be sure to shower them with praise.
Where Should a Puppy Sleep the First Night?
For the first several nights, it’s best if your puppy sleeps in your room, which will help them feel more secure in their new surroundings.
If you have a crate, you can put it in your room and let your puppy sleep inside. If you don’t have a crate, you can set up a small dog bed or blanket. Either way, make sure their food and water bowls are nearby.
Should I Ignore My Puppy Crying at Night?
It’s normal for puppies to cry at night, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. If your puppy is crying, it’s likely because they’re scared, hungry, or thirsty.
The best thing you can do is to go to your puppy and reassure them that everything is okay. Give them a few minutes to calm down, and then take them outside to potty. If they’re still crying after that, you can try giving them a small amount of food or water.
If your puppy continues to cry for long periods, you may need to consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to help you figure out the root of the problem. In the meantime, stay calm and patient — they will settle down eventually.
Is the First Week With a Puppy the Hardest?
The first week is often the hardest, but it doesn’t have to be. You’ll be fine if you’re prepared for early wake-ups and potty accidents.
The key is to create a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This schedule will help your puppy learn the rules of the house and start to feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
Be sure to socialize with your puppy during this time. Introduce them to new people, places, and experiences gradually, which will help them learn to cope with new situations and make them less fearful in the long run.
Additionally, it’s essential to give your puppy plenty of exercise. Puppies have a lot of energy, so regular walks, runs, or play sessions are necessary.
With a bit of patience and effort, the first week with your new puppy can be a fun and rewarding experience.
What to Do in the First Few Days of Having a Puppy?
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time. There are so many things to do and think about. It’s important to remember that puppies are just like babies. They need plenty of care, attention, and love. Here are a few things to remember during those first few days.
The first few days with your new dog are crucial. This is when they are getting used to their new home and family. You can do a few things to make the transition go as smoothly as possible.
The most important thing is to be patient and understanding. Puppies are not born knowing how to behave. They will need time to learn what is expected of them. Therefore, it is essential to be consistent with your rules and expectations. Puppies learn best through positive reinforcement, rewarding them when they do something you like and ignoring them when they do something you don’t.
Creating a routine for your puppy is also essential, which will help them know what to expect and when. For example, feeding, potty breaks, walks, and playtime should all be their daily routine. In addition, puppies need a lot of sleep, so ensure they have a comfortable place to sleep away from drafts and noise.
It is also important to start socializing your puppy in those first few days by exposing them to as many different people, places, and things as possible to help them become well-rounded adult dogs.
Lastly, have fun! Watching your dog learn and grow is a fantastic experience. Enjoy every moment.
What Can I Expect From My Puppy’s First Night?
The first night can be overwhelming. There are so many things to think about. Will they cry? Will they sleep through the night? Here are a few things to expect from your puppy’s first night.
Your puppy will likely be scared or at least overwhelmed, which is normal. However, it is in a new place with new people. Give it time to adjust and be patient.
Your puppy will probably cry at some point during the night, which is also expected. They are used to sleeping with their littermates and may feel lonely. Try to ignore the crying and put them in their crate or designated sleeping area. They will eventually settle down.
Your dog will likely need to potty several times during the night because they have a small bladder and are not used to holding it for long periods. So be prepared to take them out frequently.
Your puppy may not sleep through the night, which is normal and nothing to worry about. However, puppies need a lot of sleep and will likely take several naps during the day.
The first night with your new puppy can be a lot, but it will improve. Be patient, understanding, and prepared for a few bumps in the road. With a bit of time and effort, you will be off to a great start.
How Long Does a Puppy Take to Get Used to a New Home?
The first 48 hours with a new puppy are crucial in setting the tone for the rest of your time together. With some preparation and understanding of what to expect, you can ensure that you and your puppy have a great start to your life together.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s ideal to crate-train your puppy early, and then allow them into your bed later if you want.
Try to ignore the crying and put them in their crate or sleeping area. They will eventually settle down.
At eight to ten weeks, a puppy is ready to bond with you as their new owner. So while it will miss its mom and littermates, and will quickly acclimate to its new surroundings.
Conclusion for “First 48 Hours With a New Puppy”
Bringing a new puppy into your home is exciting but can also be overwhelming. Understanding what to expect in the first 48 hours and taking some simple precautions can help ensure that this period goes smoothly for both of you. Congratulations on your new addition — we wish you all the best.
If you enjoyed this guide, “First 48 Hours With a New Puppy,” check out these other questions:
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Learn more by watching “Everything you Need to be Prepared for your New Puppy!” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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