---
title: "The first week home with your puppy"
description: "What to set up before the car ride, and what to expect from the first seven nights."
url: https://evapup.com/journal/bringing-home/first-week-home-checklist
category: "Bringing Puppy Home"
author: "Olivia Marsh"
published: 2026-09-01
updated: 2026-09-13
---

# The first week home with your puppy

What to set up before the car ride, and what to expect from the first seven nights.

The first week sets the pattern for everything after it. You do not need much gear, but you need the right gear in the right place before the puppy walks in.

## Before the puppy arrives

Set the crate up where the family spends its evenings, not in a spare room. Put the water bowl where it will live. Pick the potty spot outside and walk to it once yourself so the route is automatic.

> **Vaccines and the ground.** Until the vaccine series is complete, carry your puppy in public places and keep to your own yard for potty breaks. Ask your vet when it is safe to walk on shared ground.

## The first three nights

Expect crying. Put the crate beside your bed for the first nights and move it a little each night. Take the puppy out once in the night for the first week, then stretch the interval.

### Gear that earns its place

A crate with a divider, a bed that fits inside it, a harness sized for growth, enzyme cleaner, and one slow feeder. Everything else can wait until you know your dog.

### First week starter list

The five things to have in place before the puppy walks in. Everything else can wait until you know your dog.



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