What to Do in the First 24 Hours with a New Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting moments in any dog owner’s life! But those first 24 hours can be overwhelming. Where should your puppy sleep? How do you introduce them to their new home? What should you feed them? This guide will walk you through everything UK puppy owners need to know to ensure a smooth, stress-free first day with their new furry friend.

Before Your Puppy Arrives

Bringing a puppy home is exciting, but preparation is key to making their first day stress-free. Setting up their space and having the right essentials ready will help them feel safe and comfortable.

Preparation is key! Before your puppy sets a paw inside your home, make sure you have the essentials ready:

A comfortable bed & crate (ideal for settling your puppy in)
High-quality puppy food (stick with what the breeder/shelter was feeding initially)
Food & water bowls (stainless steel is best for hygiene)
Collar, ID tag & lead (required by UK law for public walks)
Puppy training pads (to help with toilet training)
Chew toys & comfort toys (to help ease stress and teething)
A puppy-safe space (a pen or gated area to limit access to certain parts of the house)

Quick Tip

Set up your puppy’s sleeping area in advance, so they have a dedicated, quiet space from day one.

Bringing Your Puppy Home

The car journey is your puppy’s first experience outside their previous home. A smooth, stress-free trip will help them settle more quickly when they arrive.

The car journey home is the beginning of your puppy’s transition into a new environment. Keep the experience as stress-free as possible:

Use a secure pet carrier or puppy car seat to keep them safe.
Have a blanket or towel with the scent of their mother/littermates to provide comfort.
Avoid overstimulation – keep the radio low and minimise sudden movements.
Limit car sickness by avoiding food a few hours before travel.

Quick Tip

Many puppies will whine or cry in the car. A reassuring voice and calm presence will help keep them relaxed.

First Few Hours: Exploring & Settling In

Your puppy’s first steps in your home are important. This is their first chance to explore, get familiar with new surroundings, and start bonding with you.

Once you arrive home:

Take your puppy straight to their designated toilet area and let them sniff around.
Give them a chance to explore one or two rooms rather than the entire house at once.
Introduce family members calmly—avoid overwhelming them with too much attention.
Allow them to rest if they seem tired or overstimulated.

Quick Tip

Puppies need time to adjust. Keep their first few hours low-key to prevent anxiety.

Feeding Your Puppy

Proper nutrition and a feeding routine will help your puppy settle into their new home while ensuring healthy growth. Sticking to a structured feeding plan reduces stress and digestive upset.

Stick to their familiar food for the first few days to avoid stomach upset:

Feed them in a quiet area to reduce distractions.
Use a shallow bowl to make eating easy.
Follow their feeding schedule (typically 3-4 small meals per day for young puppies).

Quick Tip

Changing food too quickly can cause digestive issues. If switching brands, do so gradually over 7-10 days.

First Night: Where Should They Sleep?

The first night is often the toughest for both puppies and owners. Understanding how to create a comforting sleep environment will make the transition easier for everyone.

Nighttime can be the hardest part of the first 24 hours:

Use a crate or puppy pen near your bedroom for reassurance.
Provide a soft blanket or cuddly toy to mimic their litter.
Expect some crying or whining—it’s normal.
Take them for a toilet break before bedtime and again every few hours during the night.

Quick Tip

A ticking clock or white noise machine can help soothe puppies who miss their littermates.

Toilet Training from Day One

Establishing good toilet habits from the start will make training easier in the long run. Consistency and patience are key to preventing accidents and reinforcing good behaviour.

Establishing good habits early will make training easier:

Take your puppy outside every 1-2 hours during the day.
Reward them immediately when they go in the right spot.
Supervise them closely indoors to avoid accidents.

Quick Tip

Most puppies need the toilet 15 minutes after eating or waking up—be proactive!

First 24 Hours: Do’s & Don’ts

✅ Do:

Keep things calm and predictable.
Let your puppy set the pace when exploring.
Establish a routine for feeding, sleep, and toilet breaks.

❌ Don’t:

Overwhelm them with too many visitors.
Force interactions with children or other pets.
Let them have free roam of the house straight away.

FAQ: Common First-Day Questions

New puppy owners often have many concerns during the first 24 hours. Here are answers to the most common questions to help ease your worries.

They miss their litter! Comfort them, but don’t reward excessive crying with attention.

It’s a personal choice, but crate training early can prevent future separation anxiety.

No more than 5-10 minutes at a time on the first day. Gradually build up their independence.

Right away! Simple commands like “sit” and “come” can be introduced from day one.

Final Thoughts

The first 24 hours with your puppy set the stage for a happy, well-adjusted dog. Stay patient, be consistent, and enjoy the journey of welcoming your new best friend!