First Night at Home with Your New Puppy
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting — but it can also be a little overwhelming for both you and your newest family member.
The key to a happy first night is keeping things calm, comfortable, and consistent.
1. Keep it calm
Avoid too much excitement on the first day. Over-stimulation makes it harder for your puppy to relax and settle at night.
2. Feed in moderation
Even if your puppy seems hungry, don’t overfeed.
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Small puppies: a few tablespoons of puppy food per meal.
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Larger puppies: about ½ a cup of biscuits per meal.
Little tummies do best with small, frequent meals throughout the day.
3. Toilet before bedtime
Before putting your puppy to bed:
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Take them outside for a quiet walk.
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Avoid playing until they’ve toileted.
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Once they’ve gone, give gentle praise or a little playtime.
This prevents the common “inside accident” as soon as you get back indoors.
4. Create a cosy sleeping space
A soft bed in a warm, quiet spot is ideal. Many puppies also feel secure sleeping in a covered crate or box where the space is smaller and enclosed.
Once your puppy is settled, quietly leave them to rest.
5. Night-time toilet breaks
If your puppy wakes:
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Take them straight outside to the grass.
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Keep it calm — no games or cuddles.
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If they toilet, give quiet praise or a small treat, then return them to bed.
💡 Routine is everything
Just like babies, puppies thrive on routine. A calm, consistent bedtime will help them feel safe and secure — and help you get some sleep too.
Your Next Step
Book your free puppy health check at Pittwater Animal Hospital.
We’ll check your pup from nose to tail, give personalised advice on diet, training, preventative care, and help you set up for a happy, healthy start.
With over 60 years of experience caring for pets on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, our team can give you the best advice for your newest family member.
Make an Appointment with the Vet →
Call us on 9913 7979
Or message us through the website or email reception@pittvets.au
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