Bringing Your New Puppy Home: The First 48 Hours

The first 48 hours set the tone for everything. Before pickup, prepare a quiet space with a crate, water, and the food your puppy is already eating. Keep the first day low-key: limited visitors, short potty trips every couple of hours, and plenty of rest. Puppies sleep 18+ hours a day. Stick to a routine for meals and bathroom breaks, and start crate training from night one with the crate near your bed. Patience in these first days builds a confident, secure dog.