A Guide to Puppy’s First Week in Your Home

There is nothing quite like the moment you bring a new four-legged family member through your front door. That first day is filled with sweet snuggles and the excitement of a beautiful new chapter. However, it’s also very normal for the "honeymoon phase" to feel a little shorter than expected as you adjust to the tiny, energetic life now in your care.

At The Bond Between, we believe the first week is all about building "trust". Rather than worrying about perfect obedience, this is the time to show your puppy that their new world is safe, predictable, and full of love.

Based on soulful insights from Lori Chamberland, here is how you can nourish that new bond during your first seven days together.

Creating a Sanctuary of Trust

The most important lesson your puppy can learn this week is that they can trust you to keep them safe.

• Choose Kindness Over Correction: Avoid verbal or physical reprimands. If your pup gets into something they shouldn't, simply interrupt and redirect them to a toy.

• The "Toy Bomb" Method: Fill your home with a variety of textures—fleece, rubber, and squeaky toys. Having a redirection tool within arm's reach makes it easy for your puppy to succeed and hard for them to fail.

• A "Pacifier" for Pups: Puppies have a biological need to chew. Providing long-lasting food toys, like a stuffed Kong or a bully stick, can help soothe them and prevent nipping during cuddle time.

The Joy of Learning

Training is a beautiful way to communicate, but remember to keep it light and fun. In the first week, focus on these "low-hanging fruit" behaviors that build confidence:

• Touch a Target: Teaching your pup to touch their nose to your hand is a simple way for them to earn quick "cookies in the bank".

• The Default "Sit": Capturing a sit gives your puppy a polite way to ask for attention instead of jumping up.

• Positive Potty Parties: Make your puppy feel like the smartest creature on earth with treats and praise every single time they go potty outside.

Making the Crate a Happy Home

A crate isn't just a tool for safety; it should be your puppy's favorite retreat.

• The "Cheating" Method: Feed all meals inside the crate to create an immediate positive association with the space.

• Sweet Dreams: For the first few nights, keep the crate right next to your bed or sleep nearby on a mattress. Hearing you breathe helps your puppy feel secure as they drift off.

• Comfort is Key: Pay attention to how your pup likes to sleep—some prefer soft bedding, while others love a cool, hard floor.

Patience for the Journey

If you can, we highly recommend taking the week off from work to settle into a routine. There will be accidents, and there might be a few chewed-up shoes, but remember to pick your battles. If they are digging a hole in a safe spot in the yard, let them explore that instinct—Digging is a completely normal and instinctive dog behavior.

By focusing on rewards and nourishment, you aren't just training a pet; you are starting a lifelong conversation based on mutual respect and deep affection.

Chamberland, L. (2017, November 2). New Puppy? What to Focus on First!.

Sample Schedule for your First week

With the experience of dealing with numerous puppies, we at The Bond Between believe that the first week is all about building trust and learning by observing their behaviour. Setting up a routine can help both of you to understand and trust each other fully. This sample routine focuses on the three most important goals: building trust, mastering the crate, and throwing a "potty party".

Time of Day	Activity	Key Focus
Early Morning	Immediate Potty Trip	Take the pup out the second she wakes up; if she eliminates, throw a massive "potty party" with treats and praise.
Breakfast	Crate Feeding	Hand-feed her meal in the crate (door open at first) to classically condition the association that crate = happiest place on earth.
Mid-Morning	Training Session	Spend 5–10 minutes practicing "Touch a Target" or "Sit" to get in a lot of easy clicks and treats early on.
Nap Time	The Crate Transfer	When the pup is "out cold," gently place her in the crate with her preferred bedding.
Afternoon	Play & Redirection	Use your "toy bomb"—if she nips your hands, immediately interrupt and redirect her to a squeaky or fleecy toy.
Evening	Chew Time	Let the pup chew on a "pacifier" like a stuffed Kong or bully stick in your lap to prevent furniture chewing and nipping.
Bedtime	Nighttime Setup	Place the crate right next to your bed or sleep on an air mattress nearby so she can hear you breathing and feel safe.

Looking to bring a Puppy home? You can say YES to a rescue Puppy by either Adopting or Fostering at The Bond Between and bring the Puppy magic to your home!