Bringing a new dog home is an exciting milestone! Whether you're welcoming a puppy or an adult dog, the first few days are crucial for building trust and establishing routines. This guide will help you prepare your home and make your new companion feel safe and loved.
Looking for a comprehensive checklist? Visit our detailed
new dog owner checklist for a complete list of everything you'll need before bringing your dog home.
Before Your Dog Arrives
Dog-Proof Your Home
- Secure hazardous items: Lock away cleaning products, medications, and chemicals
- Remove toxic plants: Many houseplants are poisonous to dogs
- Hide electrical cords: Use cord protectors or tuck them behind furniture
- Block off restricted areas: Use baby gates to limit access
- Secure bins: Get lids that lock or keep bins in cupboards
- Pick up small objects: Remove anything that could be a choking hazard
Create a Safe Space
Every dog needs a quiet corner where they can retreat and feel secure. This is especially important during the first few weeks as they adjust to their new home.
- Choose a quiet location: Away from high-traffic areas and loud noises
- Provide comfortable bedding: A soft bed or blanket they can call their own
- Include familiar items: If possible, bring something with their scent from their previous home
- Keep it consistent: Don't move their space around during the adjustment period
Consider Crate Training
A dog crate can be an invaluable tool when bringing a new dog home. When introduced properly, it becomes a safe haven for your dog.
Benefits of Crate Training:
- Provides a secure den-like space
- Aids in house training
- Prevents destructive behaviour when unsupervised
- Makes travel safer and easier
- Helps with separation anxiety
Choosing the Right Crate:
- Large enough to stand, turn, and lie down
- Not so large they can toilet in one corner
- Consider an adjustable crate for puppies
- Wire crates offer good ventilation
- Plastic crates provide more privacy
Important: Never use a crate as punishment. It should always be a positive, comfortable space for your dog.
The First 24 Hours
Arrival
- Keep things calm and quiet
- Allow them to explore at their own pace
- Show them their water bowl and safe space
- Take them outside for toilet breaks frequently
First Meal
- Stick to their previous diet initially
- Feed in a quiet area
- Don't worry if they don't eat immediately
- Maintain consistent feeding times
Bedtime
- Keep them near you if possible
- Use a crate or bed in your bedroom initially
- Expect some whining or restlessness
- Take puppies out for toilet breaks during the night
Building Trust & Bonding
Do:
- Speak in calm, gentle tones
- Move slowly and predictably
- Establish routines quickly
- Use positive reinforcement
- Give them space when needed
- Be patient with accidents
Don't:
- Overwhelm with too many visitors
- Force interactions or cuddles
- Change rules or routines suddenly
- Punish accidents or mistakes
- Leave them alone for long periods initially
- Introduce too many new experiences at once
The 3-3-3 Rule
Many dogs follow the "3-3-3 Rule" when adjusting to a new home:
Understanding the Adjustment Timeline:
First 3 Days
May feel overwhelmed, scared, or shut down. Not eating, hiding, or having accidents is normal.
First 3 Weeks
Starting to settle in, learning routines, showing more personality, testing boundaries.
First 3 Months
Finally feeling at home, showing true personality, fully understanding household rules.
Health & Safety First Week
- Vet visit: Schedule within the first few days for a health check
- Update microchip: Ensure your details are registered
- Get ID tags: Include your phone number and address
- Continue vaccinations: Follow the schedule from previous owner/shelter
- Parasite prevention: Discuss flea and worm treatment with your vet
Early Training Tips
Training takes time and patience with a young puppy, but it's important to be consistent and persistent. Here are the basics to start with:
- Start house training immediately: Take them out frequently and reward success
- Name recognition: Use their name positively and often
- Basic commands: Begin with "sit" and "come" using treats
- Leash training: Practice in the garden before venturing out
- Socialisation: Gradually introduce new experiences once settled
Want to learn more? Visit our comprehensive
dog training and behaviour guide for detailed training techniques, solving common behavioural issues, and advanced commands. Remember, consistency is key - everyone in the household should use the same commands and rules.
Looking for a Puppy?
If you're still searching for the perfect puppy to bring home, visit Puppies.ie - Ireland's dedicated marketplace for finding puppies for sale from responsible breeders across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with very short periods (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase. Most adult dogs can handle 4-6 hours once settled, but puppies need more frequent breaks. During the first week, try not to leave them alone for more than an hour or two. Build up slowly over several weeks to prevent separation anxiety.
This is a personal choice, but it's often better to start with their own bed or crate in your bedroom. This helps establish boundaries while still providing comfort. You can always change arrangements later once they're settled. If you do allow bed sharing, ensure they can get on and off safely and that everyone in the bed is comfortable with the arrangement.
It's very common for dogs not to eat for the first 24-48 hours due to stress. Ensure fresh water is always available. Try offering their
familiar food at regular times, removing it after 20 minutes if uneaten. Hand feeding or adding a small amount of warm water can help. If they haven't eaten after 48 hours or show other signs of illness, contact your vet.
Wait at least 3-7 days before introducing other pets. Start with scent swapping (rubbing a towel on each pet). Then allow visual contact through a gate. First face-to-face meetings should be short, supervised, and in neutral territory. Never force interactions. Some dogs need weeks to accept other pets. Always supervise until you're confident they're safe together.
Crying is normal, especially for puppies missing their littermates. Keep them close to you in a crate or bed. A ticking clock, warm water bottle (wrapped in towels), or soft toy can provide comfort. Take puppies out if they need the toilet, but keep interactions minimal. Avoid bringing them into bed just to stop crying as this can create habits. Most dogs settle within a few nights.
No, wait at least a week before introducing visitors. Your dog needs time to bond with immediate family and feel secure in their new home first. When you do have visitors, keep meetings calm and short. Ask guests to let the dog approach them rather than forcing interaction. Too many new people too quickly can be overwhelming and set back their adjustment.
Basic training can start immediately at home with simple commands and house training. For formal classes, wait 1-2 weeks until your dog has settled in and bonded with you. Puppy socialisation classes can begin as soon as they've had their second vaccination. Adult dogs can join training classes once they're comfortable with you and basic handling.
Accidents are completely normal during adjustment. Never punish - simply clean up with an enzyme cleaner to remove odours. Take them out more frequently (every 2 hours for adults, every 30-60 minutes for puppies). Reward successful outdoor toileting immediately. Watch for sniffing or circling as signs they need to go. Consistent routine and patience will solve most house training issues within a few weeks.
