What to Expect When You’re Expecting… a New Puppy
By Aubrey Whitten, CBCC-KA | Founder, Beezy’s Pack
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and meaningful decision that comes with joy and responsibility. At Beezy’s Pack, we specialize in helping families prepare for and navigate the early stages of canine development using evidence-based, humane training practices. As a certified canine behavior consultant, I often work with clients eager to do things right from the start but aren’t always sure where to begin.
This post is designed to help you understand what to expect and how to prepare when you’re welcoming a new puppy into your home. If you’ve already selected a dog that fits your lifestyle well, this guide will walk you through the next critical steps—before your puppy even sets foot through the door.
Step One: Prepare the Environment
Before bringing your puppy home, creating a safe and structured environment that supports calm behavior and learning is essential. Puppies are highly impressionable; the first few days and weeks are foundational for long-term success.
Create a Designated Puppy Zone
Set up a designated area in your home that allows your puppy to rest, explore safely, and begin to learn boundaries. This might include a crate, an exercise pen, or a gated-off section of a room. The space should be free from hazards and overstimulation and offer opportunities for rest and low-pressure exploration.
Puppy-Proof Your Space
Secure loose cords, move toxic plants and cleaning supplies out of reach, and remove any small items a curious puppy might chew or swallow. Consider this the canine version of baby-proofing.
Stock Up on the Right Tools
There are a number of products that can help support healthy behavior and reduce stress during this transition period. I’ve compiled a list of recommended items—training tools, enrichment toys, crate setups, teething solutions, and more—on our Amazon affiliate list, which you can access here:
View the Amazon Puppy Prep List
These are all tools I’ve personally used or recommended to clients as part of a well-rounded behavior plan.
Step Two: Set Realistic Expectations
One of the most common mistakes new puppy parents make is assuming that a puppy will quickly settle into the home without confusion or distress. In reality, even the most well-matched puppy will experience a period of adjustment.
Adjustment Takes Time
It’s common for puppies to experience fear, overexcitement, or difficulty settling during the first few days. House training is a process. So is crate training. So is sleeping through the night. Progress is rarely linear—and that’s okay.
Sleep is Critical
Puppies need 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day. Overexposure to stimuli, too much activity, or unpredictable routines can lead to cranky, overstimulated puppies more prone to biting, barking, and stress-related behaviors.
Training Should Be Developmentally Appropriate
Early training is not about strict obedience—it’s about gentle exposure, play-based learning, building positive associations, and beginning to communicate clearly. Avoid punishment or dominance-based methods, which can increase fear and damage your relationship.
Step Three: Establish a Routine
Predictability helps puppies feel secure. While your schedule doesn’t need to be rigid, having a consistent daily rhythm will reduce stress for you and your puppy. A solid routine includes:
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Scheduled feeding times
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Regular potty breaks (every 1–2 hours for young puppies)
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Short, structured training sessions
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Age-appropriate enrichment and play
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Frequent rest periods throughout the day
Step Four: Build Your Support System
No matter how prepared you are, raising a puppy can feel overwhelming at times. Access to accurate, evidence-based support makes a significant difference.
At Beezy’s Pack, we offer:
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Private puppy training consultations (in-person and virtual)
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Guidance on crate and house training
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Support for common puppy behaviors like nipping, jumping, and chewing
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Custom enrichment plans
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Ongoing behavior support as your puppy grows
We also offer a free downloadable Puppy Starter Guide and regularly share training videos and resources via our website and Instagram account.
Final Thoughts
Raising a puppy isn’t about perfection—it’s about building a thoughtful foundation and responding to your dog’s needs with clarity, compassion, and consistency. If you prepare intentionally, avoid rushing the process, and focus on creating a calm, predictable environment, you’ll be well on your way to raising a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.
If you’re preparing to bring home a new puppy and want professional guidance, visit www.beezyspack.com to learn more about our training programs and behavior services.
Your puppy’s success starts with how you show up for them from day one.
