Puppy Prep 4- Arrival day

Bringing Your New Puppy Home: A Calm, Positive Start

Whether it’s your first dog or you're adding to your pack, their first day sets the tone for your relationship and helps your puppy start to feel safe, loved, and secure in their new environment. Here’s how to settle your puppy in gently and positively—without overwhelming them.

First Things First: The Toilet Trip

As soon as you get home, the very first thing you should do is take your puppy straight out into the garden. Puppies don’t yet understand where the toilet is, and starting with a clear routine from the get-go helps avoid confusion (and carpets in need of deep cleaning!).

Pick a quiet spot outside and stay calm but encouraging. Use your chosen toilet cue—something like “go toilet” or, in the case of one of my client dogs, “piss time!”—and wait patiently. When they do go, immediately say your marker word then give them lots of praise and a tasty treat. This helps them to make a positive connection between the right location, the cue, and the reward. The sooner this habit is built, the fewer accidents you’ll have indoors. When I’m toilet training a dog I keep a jam jar full of treats on the garden table so that I never have to run back inside and scramble to find the treat pouch- the sooner they get rewarded, the easier it is for them to understand what earned the treat.

Let Them Set the Pace

Once that first outdoor trip is done, your puppy may be curious and want to explore the house, or they may be tired and in need of a nap. Either way, let them take the lead. Don’t rush introductions with family members or other pets just yet—let them explore at their own pace.

It’s incredibly important not to chase, corner, or overwhelm your puppy, even if they retreat or seem unsure. This can be tough when the whole family is excited to meet the new arrival, but giving them space and time to approach people when they’re ready is key to building trust and a positive bond.

Building Trust From Day One

A confident puppy is one that knows they can move away when they’re unsure and approach when they feel ready. Allowing them this choice builds a foundation of trust and comfort. Over time, they’ll become more confident, friendly, and ready to engage with everyone in the home—but it starts with patience and respect for their boundaries.

Need Help with Puppy Training?

If you’re looking for more support as your puppy grows and learns, contact me using the link above to reserve your place on my next puppy class course. We’ll cover all the key skills they’ll need to become your perfect pooch- including loose lead walking and recall- in a fun, supportive environment. They’ll even get a paw-ty bag when they graduate!