Vet’s Checklist: What to Do in Your Puppy’s First Week at Home🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

The first week with your new puppy sets the tone for the months (and years) to come. From sleep schedules and toilet training to socialization and your first vet visit, there’s a lot to cover—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston. This is your ultimate firstweek checklist, designed to help your puppy adjust calmly, confidently, and with minimal mess.

📆 DaybyDay Puppy First Week Plan

Day 1: Welcome Home 🛏️ Set up a safe puppy space (crate or pen) 🚽 Begin toilet training immediately 🍽️ Feed small meals on a schedule 🧸 Limit visitors, sounds, and stimulation Day 2: Establish Routine 🕐 Set feeding, toilet, nap, and playtime schedules 💧 Introduce water after exercise and sleep 🎓 Practice 1–2 short training sessions (e.g. “sit”, name) Day 3: Gentle Exploration 🐾 Let your puppy explore 1–2 new rooms 🎶 Play sound desensitization (thunder, traffic, etc.) 🧘 Encourage 2+ naps (ideally in crate) Day 4: Handling Practice 👂 Touch ears, paws, mouth while feeding 🧠 Begin brief crate training with chews/toys 🐶 Short leash practice indoors or in yard Day 5: Socialization Begins 🤝 Meet a calm friend or adult vaccinated dog 🧺 Introduce car or carrier rides 💬 Begin “leave it,” “come,” or “touch” cues Day 6: Confidence Building 🎾 Try an interactive toy (snuffle mat or puzzle feeder) 🧩 Create short, positive alonetime experiences 🧼 Brush or wipe down with soft cloth Day 7: Prep for First Vet Visit 🧾 Check vaccination and deworming records 🧸 Practice calm car trip + handling 🐕 Reward crate entry and car calmness

🎯 Key Habits to Build in Week 1

• ✅ Toilet training every 1–2 hours
• ✅ Crate used for short naps and sleep
• ✅ Reinforce calm—not hyper—behavior
• ✅ Touch conditioning for vet visits and grooming
• ✅ Short separation periods to prevent anxiety

📋 The Puppy First Week Checklist

• 🛒 Food, bowls, bedding, crate, and toys
• 🦴 Training treats 
• 🚗 Schedule first vet appointment (if not already)
• 📆 Create a simple daily routine and write it down
• 💤 Prioritize naps—avoid overstimulation

🚫 Common First Week Mistakes

• ❌ Freeroaming the whole house too soon
• ❌ Waiting to start toilet or crate training
• ❌ Letting biting escalate without redirection
• ❌ Too many visitors, loud noises, or travel

🧠 FirstWeek Training Goals

• 🎯 Name recognition
• 🪑 Sit on cue
• 🧃 Tolerate handling (ears, mouth, paws)
• 🧸 Nap and sleep calmly in crate
• 🚽 Go toilet outside or on designated pad

🎁 Essentials for the First Week

• Explorer Harness – For safe early leash walks and vet trips
• Bungee Lead – Prevents leash shock for curious pullers
• Dual Pocket Dispenser – Always have treats and bags ready

💬 What Puppy Parents Say

“That first week checklist saved our sanity. Our puppy adjusted beautifully and sleeps through the night now.” – Hayley & Benny

“I had no idea the first 7 days were so important—Woopf made it simple and stressfree.” – Sean & Coco

👩⚕️ Want a Custom First Week Plan?

Send your puppy’s breed, home environment, and schedule to Ask A Vet for a tailored 7day action plan with stepbystep instructions from a vet.

Final Thoughts

The first week is where habits begin. Stay calm, structured, and consistent. You’re not just surviving the first 7 days—you’re shaping a lifetime of behavior, trust, and companionship.