← All posts
Puppies

The first two weeks with a new puppy

puppies — article photo

The first two weeks set the tone for everything that follows. A new puppy is tired, a little overwhelmed and learning what the world is like, so the goal early on is calm, routine and safety rather than a packed schedule.

Sleep comes first. Puppies need far more rest than owners expect, and an overtired puppy is a bitey, cranky puppy. Give them a quiet, defined space to settle and resist the urge to handle them every waking minute.

Start toilet training from day one with patience, not punishment. Take them out after every sleep, meal and play session, and reward the moment they go in the right place. Accidents are part of learning, not something to scold.

Two things are time-sensitive. Talk to your vet promptly about the vaccination schedule, and make the most of the early socialisation window — gentle, positive exposure to new sounds, surfaces and calm, healthy dogs. Done well and safely, these early weeks are the best investment you will ever make in an easy adult dog.