Bringing a puppy home: the first week

The first week sets the pattern for the next year. Keep it quiet, keep it consistent, and do not try to do everything at once.

Days one and two

Let them explore one room, then the house. A crate or a bed in a corner gives them somewhere to retreat to. Expect broken sleep; it settles.

Food

Stay on whatever the breeder or rescue was feeding for at least a week, then change gradually over another week if you want to. Sudden changes cause upset stomachs.

The first vet visit

Book it for the first few days. We check the heart, eyes, ears and teeth, weigh them, sort out worming and flea treatment and talk through the vaccination course. It is also a chance for them to meet us when nothing hurts.

Leave until later

Puppy classes, long walks and busy places can wait until a week after the second vaccination. Toilet training, and gently handling their paws and mouth, can start straight away.