
Welcoming a new puppy into your family is an exciting and joyful experience, but it also comes with many questions. From vaccinations to grooming, socialization, and care routines, it’s important to know what to expect. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the early stages of bringing your puppy home and setting them up for a happy, healthy life.
WILL THE PUPPY HAVE VACCINATIONS AND DEWORMING BEFORE COMING HOME?
Yes, your puppy will receive their first set of vaccinations and have a full wellness exam by our veterinarian when they are 7 weeks old. We follow our veterinarian’s guidance for deworming to ensure each puppy is healthy and ready for their new home. Keeping up with vaccinations is essential, so we recommend scheduling your first vet appointment within 48-72 hours of bringing your puppy home to get them on a regular health care schedule.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I FIRST BRING MY PUPPY HOME?
The first 24-48 hours are all about helping your puppy settle into their new environment. Start by introducing them to a safe, quiet space where they can feel comfortable. Avoid overwhelming them with too many new faces and activities right away. Instead, allow them time to explore their new surroundings at their own pace. Be patient, as it’s normal for puppies to feel a little anxious in a new environment.
One key tip: Make sure to puppy-proof your home! Move any dangerous objects, small items they could chew on, and ensure that any household plants, chemicals, or electric cords are out of reach. This will help prevent accidents and keep your puppy safe as they get familiar with their new space.
CAN I TAKE MY PUPPY TO PUBLIC PLACES WHEN I FIRST GET THEM?
Puppies are in a critical period for socialization from 8 to 16 weeks old, but it’s also a vulnerable time as they haven’t yet completed all of their vaccinations. While it’s important for puppies to meet new people and experience new environments, you should avoid high-risk areas like dog parks, pet stores, and sidewalks until their vaccinations are complete. Germs like Parvo can easily be picked up in public places where many dogs congregate.
A safe compromise is introducing your puppy to trusted friends and family members, as well as their healthy, vaccinated pets. This allows your puppy to start building social skills in a controlled and safe environment. You can also introduce them to new sounds, textures, and experiences at home, like car rides, household noises, and different surfaces to walk on.
When visiting the vet, be cautious by holding your puppy off the ground and keeping them away from potentially contaminated areas. This will minimize the risk of exposure to diseases.
HOW OFTEN DOES MY PUPPY NEED TO BE GROOMED?
For breeds like Maltipoo Bichon, regular grooming is important to keep their coat clean, healthy, and free of mats. We recommend grooming your puppy every 6-8 weeks, depending on how long you prefer to keep their coat. Starting early with short, gentle grooming sessions will also help them get used to the process and prevent future anxiety about grooming.
In between grooming sessions, be sure to brush your puppy’s coat regularly to prevent tangles and mats, especially around the ears and under the legs where mats can form easily.

HOW DOES CRATE TRAINING HELP WITH POTTY TRAINING?
Crate training is a powerful tool for housebreaking your puppy. Dogs naturally avoid going to the bathroom in their sleeping area, so using a crate encourages them to hold their bladder until they’re let outside. By using the crate at night and during times when you’re busy around the house, you can help your puppy develop a routine for bathroom breaks.
Start by having short, positive periods of time in the crate, gradually increasing the duration as your puppy gets more comfortable. It’s important that the crate is never used as a punishment; instead, it should be a safe space for your puppy to rest and relax.
WHEN SHOULD I START TAKING MY PUPPY ON WALKS?
While you’ll want to wait until your puppy has completed their full set of vaccinations before taking them on walks in public areas, you can start introducing them to a harness and leash in your yard. Let them explore the yard on the leash to help them get used to the feeling of wearing a harness, which will make future walks easier.
Once they’re fully vaccinated, short, positive walks are a great way to give your puppy some exercise and mental stimulation. Keep walks short at first, as young puppies tire quickly. Over time, you can gradually increase the length of your walks as your puppy grows.
WHAT ABOUT CRATE TRAINING AT NIGHT?
Crate training at night can help your puppy sleep longer stretches without needing to go outside. We recommend picking up food and water by 8:00 PM and taking your puppy outside just before bedtime to help them hold it overnight. If your puppy does wake up in the middle of the night, take them outside quickly and calmly, but don’t make a big event out of it—this will teach them that nighttime is for sleeping, not for playtime.
It’s common for young puppies to wake up once or twice during the night at first, but as they grow, they’ll be able to hold it longer and eventually sleep through the night.
HOW MANY HOURS DO PUPPIES SLEEP AT NIGHT?
Puppies typically sleep in 5-6 hour stretches during the night when they’re young, but this can vary depending on the puppy. It’s normal for them to wake up more frequently during the first few nights as they adjust to their new home. Over time, with proper crate training and routine, most puppies will begin to sleep longer stretches.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TAKE MY PUPPY OUT TO POTTY?
Puppies have small bladders and will need to go outside frequently, especially during the early weeks. We recommend taking your puppy outside to potty every 1-2 hours, as well as after meals, naps, and playtime.
For every 10-15 minutes of active play, your puppy will likely need a nap that lasts 1-2 hours. It’s important to establish a regular potty routine to help your puppy learn where and when they should go.
HOW CAN I SOCIALIZE MY PUPPY SAFELY?
Socialization is key to helping your puppy grow into a well-adjusted, confident adult dog. However, you’ll want to balance this with the need to protect them from infectious diseases until they’re fully vaccinated.
During the first few weeks at home, you can safely socialize your puppy by inviting healthy, vaccinated dogs to visit, letting your puppy meet new people, and introducing them to new experiences like car rides, different sounds, and safe textures. As always, avoid high-risk areas where unvaccinated dogs may be present until your puppy has had all their shots.
CONCLUSION
Bringing home a new puppy is full of exciting firsts! From creating a solid routine to understanding their health and socialization needs, these early weeks are crucial to shaping your puppy’s future. By following these tips and ensuring regular vet visits, you’ll give your puppy the best possible start in their new home. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to us!
Comments