Your puppy's first week at home

Sleep, toilet training and doing less than you think.

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The first week sets the tone. Aim for calm and predictable, not exciting.

Sleep

Puppies need 18 to 20 hours a day. Most puppy problems in week one are overtiredness. Build in enforced naps in a pen or crate.

Toilet training

Take them out on waking, after eating, after play and every 45 minutes. Reward outside, ignore accidents, clean with an enzymatic cleaner.

Nights

Sleep near them at first, then move away gradually. A puppy left alone to cry all night learns that being alone is frightening.

Visitors

Keep them few and calm. Your puppy does not need to meet twenty people in week one.

Vet

Book a health check and plan vaccinations, microchipping and parasite treatment.

#puppy#new pet

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