Bringing a new puppy home is one of the most exciting and chaotic things you can do. There's the unbearable cuteness, the immediate puddle on the floor, the 3am crying that nobody warned you about, and the simultaneous joy and mild panic of realising this small creature is entirely your responsibility. Here's what to actually do in the first 30 days - in order.
Before you bring them home: puppy-proof your space. Get down on your hands and knees and look at the world from puppy height. Cables, shoes, baseboards, houseplants, and anything reachable under furniture are all fair game. Remove or secure everything chewable within 18 inches of the ground.
Your Week-by-Week Timeline
What You Actually Need (And What You Don't)
The pet industry will try to sell you a lot of things you don't need. Here's the genuine essentials list - everything required for a healthy, happy first month.
The One Thing Most New Puppy Owners Miss
Pet insurance. Specifically: enrolling before the first comprehensive vet visit. Once your puppy has their first full exam and anything is noted in the record - even something minor like a skin tag or loose stool - that note can become a pre-existing condition exclusion on any future insurance policy. The cleanest possible time to enroll is before anything has been documented. A puppy enrolled at 8 weeks with a blank medical record has zero exclusions. A puppy enrolled at 6 months has six months of potential exclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do in the first week with a new puppy?
Focus on a safe space, a consistent routine, and gentle introductions. Set up a crate or pen, establish feeding and potty schedules, begin house training, and let your puppy adjust calmly. Book a first vet visit and start gentle socialization.
When should a new puppy go to the vet?
Schedule a first vet visit within the first few days to a week of bringing your puppy home, to confirm overall health, set up a vaccination schedule, and discuss parasite prevention. This is also the ideal time to set up pet insurance before any condition is documented.
How do I house train a new puppy?
Take your puppy out frequently, especially after eating, sleeping, and playing, and reward them immediately for going outside. Maintain a consistent schedule, supervise closely indoors, and clean accidents thoroughly. Consistency and patience are key in the first month.
Should I get pet insurance for a new puppy?
Yes, the first 30 days are the ideal time. A young puppy has no pre-existing conditions, so everything is coverable, and you lock in the lowest lifetime rates. Insuring before the first vet visit documents anything gives you the cleanest possible start.
How much sleep does a new puppy need?
Puppies need a lot of sleep, often 18 to 20 hours a day, even though it may not seem like it during their energetic bursts. Adequate rest is essential for healthy growth and development, so provide a quiet, comfortable space and resist the urge to wake or overstimulate a sleeping puppy. Overtired puppies often become nippy and hyperactive, so enforcing nap time genuinely helps.
What will insuring your new puppy actually cost?
Puppy premiums are the lowest they'll ever be - and this is the most important time to have coverage. See your estimate in 30 seconds.
Try the Free Calculator →