(Hint: It’s not about teaching sit right away!)
Bringing your puppy home is exciting, overwhelming, emotional, and… honestly? A bit like moving in with a tiny, fluffy drunk roommate who doesn’t speak your language and pees in the kitchen.
So first things first—you’re doing great.
Whether you’ve had your pup home for 10 minutes or 10 days, here are my Top 3 tips to help make those early days calmer, kinder, and more successful for both of you.
💤 1. Prioritise rest and routine
Puppies need a LOT of sleep—like, 18–20 hours a day. Without enough rest, you’ll likely see:
Nipping
Zoomies
Tantrums (yes, really)
Overwhelm (and toilet accidents)
Help your pup settle by:
Creating a safe, quiet rest space (crate, pen, or cosy bed)
Using a consistent daily routine for meals, naps, and toilet trips
Encouraging short play sessions followed by wind-down time
Think of your pup like a toddler on espresso—if they’re biting or wild, they’re probably just overtired.
🐾 2. Focus on connection, not commands
There’s no rush to teach “sit” or “stay” on day one. Your biggest priority right now?
Building trust and helping your puppy feel safe.
Try these instead:
Name recognition games (say their name, feed a treat—even if they’re not looking yet!)
Hand feeding their meals to build a positive bond
Gentle handling during cuddles or brushing, always respecting their signals
The stronger your relationship, the easier all that future training will be.
🧼 3. Toilet training = opportunity, not punishment
The golden rule? Prevent accidents by managing opportunities.
Tips that actually work:
Take your pup out every 20–30 mins, after eating, waking, or playing
Reward them with a treat within 2 seconds of toileting outside
Supervise like a hawk indoors—or use a pen when you can’t
What not to do?
🚫 Don’t punish accidents—your pup won’t connect the dots
🚫 Don’t rub their nose in it (yes, people still try this—please don’t!)
🚫 Don’t expect perfection. Puppies are learning biology and geography.
Final thoughts from a dog trainer (and dog mum)
Those first few days and weeks are messy, magical and a little bit mad. Be kind to yourself. Celebrate small wins. And remember: it’s okay to ask for help.
At The Clever Canine Ayrshire, I work with families all over Kilwinning, Irvine and Ayrshire to support real-life puppy parenting. Whether you’re knee-deep in toilet paper or feeling unsure where to start, I’ve got your back.
Want to join a puppy class, book a 1:1, or just chat about your pup?
Let’s talk.
Real Dogs. Real Life. Really Kind Training.