The First Two Weeks With A New Puppy: A Realistic Plan

New puppies do not need a curriculum. They need a predictable rhythm, a safe place to sleep, and an adult who is not exhausted by day four.

Pick three anchors and hold them: when your puppy eats, where they sleep, and where they go to the bathroom. Everything else — sit, down, shake, fetching the newspaper — can wait until those three are boring and automatic.

Crate time is not punishment, it is a nap schedule. Overtired puppies bite hands, shred cushions, and scream in the crate at 2am. Most of the behavior families call "aggression" in week one is simply a puppy who has been awake for five hours straight.

Socialization means quality, not quantity. One calm, friendly adult dog is worth more than a chaotic dog park. One quiet trip to the hardware store beats a birthday party full of grabbing hands.

Finally: write down what worries you. When we meet for a home visit, that list is the fastest route to a plan that fits your actual household — not a generic one.