A Guide to a Smooth Transition

There’s something magical about bringing a puppy home. The tiny paws stepping across your floor for the first time, the way they look up at you with trust in their eyes, the warmth they bring into your family. It’s a moment you’ll never forget.

But just like bringing home a newborn baby, those first few days, weeks and even months are full of transitions. Your new puppy is stepping into a world that is completely new, and with a little thoughtfulness and preparation, you can create a space that feels safe, comforting, and full of love.

Here’s how to welcome your puppy home in a way that nurtures both their heart and yours.

1. Preparing Your Home for Your New Puppy

Before your puppy arrives, set up a safe, puppy-proofed space where they can feel secure. Choose a quiet corner where they can retreat to when they need rest.

A Crate & Bed – A cozy crate gives your puppy a safe place to rest and helps with potty training.
Food & Water Bowls – Choose sturdy, non-slip bowls for easy mealtime.
High-Quality Puppy Food – Stick with the food we recommend to avoid tummy troubles.
Chew Toys & Puppy-Safe Toys – Puppies explore with their mouths, so give them appropriate things to chew
Potty Training Supplies – Puppy pads, a designated potty area, and cleaning products for accidents.
Collar, Leash & ID Tag – Even if you’re not taking them on big walks yet, these are essential from day one.

2. The First Day Home: What to Expect

Your puppy just left the only home they’ve ever know. Everything is new-the smells, sounds, and people. let them explore at their own pace. Guide them with patience.

Avoid too much handling on day one. Puppies need time to process their new environment

Take them outside immediately. First potty break + first step in training

Keep Their World Small. Start with one or two rooms instead of letting them roam the entire house.

Give Them Time to Explore – Let them sniff around at their own pace without overwhelming them.

Introduce Family Members Slowly and Calmly – Too much excitement all at once can be stressful.

Keep Things Calm & Quiet – Avoid big gatherings or loud noises in the first 24-48 hours.

Show Them Their Crate – Encourage them to check it out with a treat or toy but don’t force them inside.

3. The first Night

The first night can feel a little bit like bringing home a newborn. You may hear some cries, a few restless whimpers as your puppy adjusts to sleeping alone for the first time.

You don’t need to rush in. at every sound, but you also don’t need to let them feel lost. Expect some whining it’s completely normal.

Creating a consistent nighttime routine helps with predictability.

Take puppy on a final potty break. Keeping things quiet

Place their crate near your bed so they feel safe.

Avoid picking them up every time they cry. Offer reassurance when truly needed, but resist the urge to respond to every whimper, as this can create unnecessary dependence. Puppies are capable of self-soothing and learning to settle on their own, which helps build confidence and independence.

Pro Tip: We send each puppy home with a soft blanket carrying their littermate’s scent to provide comfort during the transition. A Snuggle Puppy can also be a wonderful tool to help them feel secure. We offer these for purchase when your puppy goes home.

4. Days 2-4

Setting a Routine from Day One

Puppies feel secure when they have a predictable routine. A consistent daily rhythm will support potty training, crate training, and building a strong bond. Keep training sessions brief and enjoyable. Start with just a few minutes at a time and gradually increase as they grow. This rhythm isn't about strict schedules- it’s about creating predictability in a world that for your puppy has completely changed overnight.

Crate Time - Keep a crate in the common area to allow puppy to freely go in and out. Feed meals in the crate.

Mealtimes – Feeding in the crate creates a positive association. Same time each day to help regulate their digestion.

Potty Breaks – Take them out every 1-2 hours, especially after eating, sleeping, and playing.

Nap Times – Puppies need 16-18 hours of sleep a day—give them quiet time to rest.

Training & Play – Short play and training sessions help them learn while bonding with you.

Sample Daily Schedule for Your 8-Week-Old Labradoodle Puppy

A simple, structured routine to help your puppy settle into their new home.

Morning (7:00 - 9:00 AM)

Wake up & potty break
Breakfast, (we feed in crate to encourage a positive association to the crate) followed by another potty break
Short playtime & basic training (sit, come, name recognition)
Another potty break
Nap time in the crate
Midday (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
Wake up & potty break
Lunch &n Training- Instead of feeding from a bowl, use kibble as a reward for a short training session. This helps build four and engagement while the puppy is hungry.
gentle socialization & exploration
Nap time in the crate

Afternoon (3:30 - 6:00 PM)

Wake up & potty break
Playtime
Dinner, followed by another potty break
Calm playtime, short walk, or leash practice
Wind-down nap before the evening routine

Evening (7:00 - 10:00 PM)

Potty break & quiet bonding time (cuddles, brushing, or interactive toys)
Last potty break before bed
Crate for the night—keep lights low and use a soothing voice

Overnight

• Some puppies may need a quick potty break; keep interactions calm and quiet

Tips for Success

• Stick to a routine but stay flexible

• Reward good behavior with gentle praise

• Keep nighttime calm and predictable

A confident, well adjusted puppy isn’t made in a day. It’s built through small thoughtful, introductions that help them feel safe and assured.

4. Introducing Your Puppy to Other Pets

If you have other pets, introductions should be slow and supervised:

Dogs – Let them meet in a neutral space first (like outside) before bringing them into the house together.

Cats – Keep your puppy on a leash at first and let the cat observe from a distance.

Monitor All Interactions – Never leave your puppy alone with other pets until you’re confident they get along.

5. First Vet Visit & Health Care

Schedule your puppy’s first vet visit within a few days of bringing them home. Your vet will:
Do a general health check-up
Go over vaccinations and deworming schedules
Discuss flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Answer any health or care-related questions you have

Pro Tip: Bring treats and keep the experience positive so your puppy learns to enjoy vet visits!

6. Bonding & Socialization

The first few weeks are essential for building your puppy’s trust and confidence. Introduce new experiences gradually, allowing them to explore the world at their own pace:

Introduce New Sounds & Textures – Let them walk on different surfaces and hear common household noises.
Meet Friendly People – Allow them to meet new people one at a time so they don’t get overwhelmed.
Short Car Rides – Get them used to the car with short, positive trips.
Basic Commands – Start with sit, come, and name recognition using positive reinforcement.

Pro Tip: Puppies go through a “fear period” around 8-10 weeks, so keep new experiences positive and low-stress.

7. Enjoy the Journey!

Bringing home a new puppy is a big transition, but it’s also a deeply rewarding experience. At Ohio Valley Labradoodles, we begin socialization early to help make this adjustment easier for both you and your puppy. With patience, consistency, and plenty of love, your new Labradoodle will quickly settle in and become a cherished part of your family.

Bringing Your Puppy Home