Bringing a new puppy home is a monumental occasion filled with joy, cuddles, and, yes, a bit of apprehension. The first night is especially significant as it sets the tone for your relationship with your new furry family member. This comprehensive guide dives into critical aspects that will help make your first night—and many more to come—a resounding success.

First 48 Hours With a New Puppy: The Ultimate Guide

The first 48 hours with your new pup are crucial. They can make or break your future together. And let me tell you, folks, most people aren’t ready for the real deal.

Don’t get me wrong; a new puppy is a bundle of joy. But it’s also a massive commitment and a whole lot of work. You must be prepared, or you’ll be in for a rough ride. Lucky for you, I’ve got your back, and I’m here to drop some truth bombs and invaluable tips to get you through those first hours like a pro.

Many folks dive into this puppy business without a clue.

They don’t know how to control a dog, let alone train it!

They think it’s all cuddles and playtime. But let me tell you, it’s more like potty training, chewed-up furniture, and sleepless nights.

But that’s why you’re here! Because if you learn the basics and get yourself the right tools… you can give yourself a much easier go of owning a puppy. Ready? Let’s go!

Preparing Your Home & Puppy Proofing

Before bringing the new puppy home it’d be helpful to know what kind of dog you’ll be getting so that you can have some things on hand for them. Of course this isn’t always the case, when we adopted our pup from the shelter we had no idea what we were getting…it was a roll of the dice, and we went into it with an open mind and heart and happened to find our pup the first time we showed up. 

Hands down, the best thing we had on hand was this book: Respect Training for Puppies. We wanted to start off on the right foot and teach ourselves and our pup the best way to do it all. This book is fantastic because it has a plethora of information on everything from eating, sleeping, playing, you name it — it has an index in the back and you can look up almost anything puppy related in an instant. 

We referenced it constantly because even though I’ve had a dog my entire life, I wanted to go into this with the best information possible because I wanted a friendly, happy companion that fit into our lives. We did not want a dog that takes over our lives!

Respect Training for Puppies

Some other great resources to have on hands during the first 48 hours…

1. Puppy Behavior Training – Prevent Bad Habits And Behaviors Early.
2. House Train Any Dog – Potty Train Your New Puppy In a Week.
3. My Ollie Dog Food – Healthy All-Natural Food For a Vibrant Puppy.
4. Delivered Toys – Monthly Toys For Puppies That Chew Through a Lot!
5. Super Chewer – Toys For Doggies That Are Super Chewers That Need Extra Durability

Big Things To Keep In Mind

• It’s important to make your space safe and comfortable for them.
• You need to structure a routine for potty breaks and food. It is the best way to stave off accidents. 
• Puppy-proof your home to remove any potential hazards that could harm your curious little friend. Secure loose wires, hide household chemicals, and ensure that small objects are out of reach.

They will try to chew on A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G they can…

• Additionally, create a cozy and secure puppy area where your pup can rest and feel safe. Either a crate or a soft bed with their toys nearby.
• Finally, gather all the essential supplies your puppy will need, such as food and water bowls, toys, a leash and collar, puppy pads or outdoor potty supplies, and grooming tools. Download our guide which has some of the best products on the market.

Rules and Regulations

Establish house rules from day one. Whether it’s no climbing on furniture or specific zones where the puppy is not allowed, make these rules clear to everyone in the household. It’s easy to get caught up thinking a behavior is cute, and to let it slide, but dogs think in black and white terms. Yes and no. The rules cannot be wishy-washy, you need to decide and make the decision stick if you want a dog that behaves well!

What To Have on Hand

As a new dog owner, these initial moments are crucial for establishing a strong bond and setting the stage for a loving and harmonious relationship with your furry friend.

Essential Supplies: More Than Just a Shopping List

Before your puppy even sets a paw in your home, preparation is key. A well-stocked home will make the transition easier for both of you. Essentials include:

• Crate: Useful for crate training and providing a safe space for the pup to sleep. We like this playpen-style crate.
• Newspapers: We recommend newspapers for the first 48 hours with the new puppy in order for them to get a chance to start potty training while leaving room for them to have an accident in the crate. It is what they are used to doing, so mind as well not put a bed in…yet!
• Bed: You don’t need this on day one, but it is something to have on hand once you believe the pup won’t have an accident.
• Toys: Chew toys help keep your puppy entertained and can be a great training aid. We love Bark! and Kong toys because they are nearly indestructible.
• Blanket: A blanket is a nice thing to introduce, but again we recommend waiting a few days until the puppy has a chance to start potty training to avoid an accident on the blanket.

A Note on First Toys

During the first 48 hours with your pup its going to be a lot of playing, sleeping, and potty breaks. One of the best things in your arsenal is going to be interesting toys that either tire the pup out mentally and physically, or something that just keeps them really busy! 

I swear by the Kong toys because they’re really durable and the pieces don’t break off and get eaten. This is a major issue with most dog toys on the market, especially ones made from any kind of cloth.

Kong Puppy Teether:

Great toy to start with, it’s a great shape and super durable. Also comes in a large size and a jumbo depending on the dog. Has a hole in the bottom which is great for squeezing treats in or using their Easy Treat paste that comes in a bunch of flavors. Our dog goes bananas for it and it’s great for occasional snacks when you need the puppy to calm down. Did you know that their licking is a self-soothing practice? The act of licking releases endorphins, which are hormones that act as natural mood lifters. They help to relieve stress and generate feelings of contentment!

Bark Turkey Day Drumstick

The First Ride Home

The car ride home is where the adventure begins with your new fur baby. Now, I know it’s tempting to snuggle that tiny bundle of joy in your arms, but safety first, my friends. Pop that pup in a cozy crate, swaddle it with blankets or pick up a dog seat belt tether for an extra layer of protection.

And hey, if possible, bring a buddy along for the ride so they can sit with the pup. A little extra help can go a long way in easing that puppy into its new home.

Now, here’s a pro tip for ya – short potty breaks during the ride can save the day. And whatever you do, resist the urge to feed that pup during the journey. Trust me, it’s for the best.

Once you’ve got that little furball in your arms, head straight home – no pit stops, no detours. We don’t want to overwhelm the little guy any more than necessary. Put yourself in the shoes of your new doggie, there are a million new smells, sights, and sounds — and they have no idea what to make of it.

Welcoming Your New Puppy: The First Day

The day has finally arrived! It’s time to welcome your new furry family member into your home. Create a calm and positive environment for their arrival.

Keep the atmosphere relaxed and stress-free. Introduce your puppy to each family member one at a time, allowing them to approach gently and shower your pup with love and affection.

Allow your puppy to settle in, and if it wants to sleep, LET THEM!

Give The Pup a Place To Sleep

Remember that your puppy might’ve just gotten off a long car or plane ride from another country in some cases, and they will probably be quite tired from the stress of a lot of changes.

It’s good to get them set up with their crate and start introducing them to it. Puppies are generally kept in a crate for the majority of their days, it is where they eat, sleep, drink, play, and observe the world.

This means they also pee and poop in there, so we don’t recommend giving your puppy a bed just yet. While it would be nice, they’re going to ruin it in about T-minus 1 hour ;-). 

The First Walk

Once they’ve settled in some, then take them on their first walk.

Anytime your pup has had down time GET THEM OUTSIDE! There is a good chance they need to pee or poop, and it’s good to start them off with good habits!

Housebreaking and Toilet Training

Housebreaking your puppy requires patience and consistency. 

A lot of doggie books recommend crate training, this way the dog has a designated “wolf den” where they can sleep, groom, and hangout when they want to be alone. Typically you’d put a cozy bed in the crate, but for the first 48 hours we don’t recommend it because they will pee or poop on it! 

Instead we recommend putting down newspapers inside their new crate, and start by getting them outside to their new pee spot often so that they cannot fail. Establishing a potty routine by taking your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime is crucial!

When we got our new puppy, we spent a good two hours circling the neighborhood to try to get her to poop. It was not fun! It was dark, chilly, and we needed to goto bed! But it was important that we did that because we were able to establish a routine that night that has mostly held up since. 

We got her to go outside, and the next day, first thing in the morning she was out again until she went. After that… we can count on one hand the amount of accidents she’s had indoors. It takes a lot of patience, but it works if you’re paying attention! 

House Tour

Next give them a guided tour of their new living space. Show them where they will eat, sleep, and play. This will help them familiarize themselves with their surroundings and feel more comfortable in their new home.

48 Hour Basic Potty Routine

First thing in the morning: She goes out when she first wakes up.

Late morning / Early afternoon: A few hours after breakfast she needs a walk to pee.

Late afternoon: This is usually a ‘bonus’ walk to burn energy.

Night: A night walk around the neighborhood to pee and poop before bed.

Once your doggie has an accident, their scent will be present, and they will make in the same place over and over again.

While there are some amazing cleaners out there that can break down the urine and feces… nobody wants to have to use that. 

We do not recommend pee pads because they too teach bad habits. If you want your pup to go outside, you need to take them outside to learn!

When your puppy successfully eliminates in the right spot, praise them enthusiastically and offer a small treat as positive reinforcement. Over time, they will associate the designated area with going potty.

Health and Safety Essentials

Your puppy’s health and safety are of utmost importance. Find a reputable veterinarian in your area and depending on what shots they still need — schedule an appointment for your puppy’s first check-up. They will guide you on vaccinations, dates, preventive care, and should be able to answer any questions you may have.

Vaccinations are crucial to protect your pup from diseases, so make sure to stay on top of their vaccination schedule. Not only that, but if you want to ever bring your pup to doggie day care or for grooming, they will ask for their vaccination paperwork so you might want to snap a picture of it for easy access.

Feeding and Nutrition

When you pickup your pup find out what food their currently eating and find out if they’re reacting well to the diet. If you’re getting your dog from a shelter they sometimes have sponsored food providers and they will typically give you a small bag to take home with you so they can be weaned off onto something else. 

We recommend finding a good food that is grain free. A lot of the cheaper brands use grains and preservatives to make up the contents of their kibble, but they don’t provide a lot of nutrition and will even leave your puppy feeling hungry soon after eating. This is why finding a dog food that is high in protein is essential, and meat should be the first two ingredients listed on the food. Avoid foods with wheat, corn, and soy.

When you’re buying your first doggie food in the store, we recommend looking at the puppy formula offered by Blue Buffalo because the first ingredient is literally deboned chicken. Read the label and see for yourself. It’s available at most retailers.

We also like Ollie, which is a subscription based food service that uses human-grade food in their meals. It’s about $1 a meal to start, and they have flexible plans that can work with your budget. For example, they have a half fresh plan where you’d serve this with a regular kibble of some kind.

Dogs like routines, so feed your new pup at dinner time and give them 10-15 minutes to eat. If they don’t eat, take the food away when they aren’t near it and try again in 30-1 hour.

In the morning, I recommend getting them out first thing to avoid an accident, feed them, then about 20-45 minutes later get them out again to see if they’ll go. 

Bonding and Socialization

Building a strong bond with your new puppy is essential for a lifetime of companionship. Spend quality time with your pup, engaging in gentle play, cuddles, and grooming sessions. This is a great time to get them used to you handling them gently! Touch their paws, ears, rub their belly, and give them affection! This will help strengthen the emotional connection between you and your puppy.

Introduce your puppy to new experiences, people, and other animals in a controlled environment when they are calm.

If you live in the neighborhood that is good for walks (and they’ve had their rabies vaccine) get them out and socializing! Expose them to as many environments, sounds, and smells as you can. This cannot be understated! People wonder why their dog is afraid of lighting, loud noises…. etc — it’s not because it’s actually scary, it’s because they weren’t around it at a young age long enough to know that it’s not an actual threat to them. And a big thing with this is not coddling them in those situations, it only confirms their suspicions to be apprehensive to these things. This will help them develop confidence and adaptability, making them more comfortable in various situations as they grow.

Not only that, but it will ensure your pup is sociable and able to see other doggies without trying to eat them alive. Keep in mind that if you keep your pup indoors and within a yard, that they will quickly learn to fear the unknown. They will bark when they see people, other dogs, and will usually become skittish and afraid of the outside world. It is ESSENTIAL to socialize your pup early and often.

This lesson extends to almost everything in their lives. If you want them to be comfortable with a specific thing, you must expose them to it in a safe manner, but without coddling them and telling them “it’s okay”. Coddling only reinforces their fears, and can actually make the situation worse. If you want to get a better understanding of this and a GREAT reference book to boot — make sure you pick up Respect Training for Puppies. It’s such a great resource for those first 48 hours with your new puppy!

Basic Training and Obedience

Start with teaching your puppy basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” While your new puppy won’t learn these commands over night, it is essential you start getting them into the right routine right away. Dogs love routine. If you get up at 5am every day, you can bet they’ll be up at 5am on a Saturday, rearing to go! 

Use positive reinforcement with things like treats and praise, to reward your puppy when they successfully follow a command. We picked up these small bacon treats because they’re tiny and they break up easily to give them little bits of. Either that, or just use their kibble if you don’t want them to become fat!

Keep training sessions short, fun, and consistent. Remember, puppies have short attention spans, so patience and repetition are key to their learning process.

Playtime and Exercise

Keep this in mind for the first year… “a tired dog is a good dog” 

Never could those words be more true. 

Playtime and exercise are vital for your puppy’s physical and mental well-being. If you want them to sleep, you need to get them to burn their energy. If you want them to be good, you need to keep them occupied.

We recommend grabbing a Kong toy. There are SO MANY toys out there but they cannot hold up for a puppy for more than a few minutes sometimes. Our dog, who is relatively small, can shred a toy in about 10 minutes flat. 

Kong makes great toys that actually hold up, so if you want something that’ll last… get this. It also doubles as a nifty way to hide a snack inside which will further keep them busy. 

Use interactive toys, such as puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys, to keep their minds active.

If you have a fenced in yard of some kind that you’re certain they can’t escape from, take them out for a monitored run session where they can run wild for a bit. This is going to be the best way to get them to tire out, and you’ll see how they light up with joy when they’re able to run.

Get them a Chuck It and let them chew on the ball. The Chuck It balls are superior to a tennis ball because there is no fuzz they can ingest, and it’s better than a handball because it is way more durable. Also the handle is great because you can throw the ball for hours without wearing yourself thin!

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

As a new dog owner, you may encounter some common challenges during the first 48 hours and beyond. Chewing, barking, and separation anxiety are just a few examples. When faced with these challenges, remember to redirect unwanted behaviors and use positive reinforcement when they do something good. Provide appropriate outlets for their natural instincts, such as chew toys for teething, and pickup a good reference book along the way.

I’ve had dogs my entire life but there was a lot I didn’t know throughout the years. I didn’t understand why my dog behaved in ways that I didn’t like, I didn’t know what to do when they got the zoomies and started barking and running full clip inside the house and wouldn’t calm down. 

It’s all in this book! And lots of watching Cesar Milan 😀 

If the challenges persist or become overwhelming, don’t let it slide. Puppies will push their boundaries to the point that they’re the ones running the house. Don’t let that happen! Either read up on good training or seek professional help who can provide training and support.

We put together a free puppy checklist which is a fantastic resource for those first few days with your new puppy. If you’ve already got yours, or waiting for the call to come get them… take a look at our freebie checklist to make sure you’ve got it all covered!

Surviving Beyond 48 Hours With Your Puppy

Welcome to AskDoggie.com, your go-to resource for all things related to new dog ownership! Bringing a puppy into your life can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but also comes with its fair share of challenges. As a new dog owner, it’s important to have access to good information and advice to ensure you’re providing the best possible care for your furry friend.

At AskDoggie.com, we understand the unique needs of new dog owners and strive to provide you with the tools and resources you need to navigate the world of dog ownership with confidence. Whether you’re looking for information on training, nutrition, health and wellness, or simply want to connect with other dog owners, we’ve got you covered.

Our team of experienced dog owners and experts are dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on all aspects of dog ownership. From choosing the right breed for your lifestyle to crate training your new puppy, our articles and resources are designed to help you make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your furry companion.

Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pro, we invite you to explore the wide range of resources available on AskDoggie.com. With our expert guidance and support, you’ll be well on your way to creating a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life with your new furry friend.