Bringing home a puppy is exciting—and a little chaotic. The first 30 days set the tone for your dog’s behaviour, health, and comfort in your home. If you focus on a few basics early on, everything that follows becomes easier.
Week 1: Settling In
Your puppy has just left its mother and littermates. Expect confusion, crying at night, and a lot of following you around.
What to do:
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Create a small, safe space
A crate or a corner with a bed works well. Don’t give full access to the house yet. -
Keep the first few days calm
Avoid visitors, loud noise, and too much handling. Let your puppy adjust. -
Start a feeding routine
3–4 meals a day at fixed times. Stick to the food the breeder was giving for a few days before changing anything. If you adopted a puppy then give them puppy safe homemade food -
Toilet training begins immediately
Take your puppy to the same spot: -
After waking up
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After meals
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After play
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Praise when they get it right. Accidents will happen—don’t punish.
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Night routine
Keep the bed near you for the first few nights. It helps reduce anxiety. 
Week 2: Building Routine
By now, your puppy will start recognising your home and schedule.
Focus on consistency:
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Same feeding times
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Same toilet spot
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Same sleep routine
This is also when biting and chewing start.
What to do:
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Redirect, don’t scold
If your puppy bites hands or furniture, offer a chew instead. -
Introduce simple commands
Start with: -
Name recognition
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“Come”
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“Sit”
Keep sessions short—2 to 5 minutes.
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Gentle handling
Touch paws, ears, and mouth so grooming becomes easier later.
Week 3: Teething, Energy & Small Wins
Your puppy will get more active and more mischievous.
Common issues:
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Biting everything
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Sudden bursts of energy
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Ignoring commands
This is normal.
What helps:
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Safe chewing options
Puppies need to chew. It helps with teething and prevents destructive habits. Long-lasting chews like yak chews are useful because they keep your puppy occupied without adding unnecessary ingredients. -
Short play sessions
10–15 minutes, a few times a day is enough. -
Reward good behaviour
Use small, healthy treats during training. Keep portions tiny to avoid overfeeding.
Week 4: Getting Into a Rhythm
By the end of the first month, your puppy should:
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Recognise their name
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Follow a basic routine
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Be more comfortable being alone for short periods
Now you can start:
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Slightly longer alone time
Step out for short durations to prevent separation anxiety. -
Leash introduction (indoors first)
Let your puppy get used to wearing a collar and leash inside the house. -
Basic grooming routine
Brushing, wiping paws, and occasional baths with a mild dog shampoo.
Feeding Basics (For Indian Homes)
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Stick to measured portions, not guesswork
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Avoid feeding from your plate (especially spicy, oily food)
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Fresh water should always be available
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Treats should not exceed 10% of daily intake
If you’re giving treats during training, reduce meal quantity slightly to balance it.
Health & Vet Visits
Within the first month:
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Schedule your first vet visit
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Follow the vaccination schedule
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Ask about deworming and flea control
Avoid taking your puppy to parks or letting them interact with unknown dogs until vaccinations are complete.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Giving too much freedom too soon
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Inconsistent routines
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Punishing accidents
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Overfeeding treats
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Using harsh products for grooming
A Note on Chewing & Treats
Many new dog parents struggle with biting and boredom. This is where the right chew makes a difference.
Choose options that are:
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Long-lasting
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Easy to digest
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Free from artificial additives
Simple, natural chews like yak chews can keep your puppy engaged while also supporting dental health. For training, stick to small, clean-ingredient treats so you’re not compromising on nutrition.
If you’re a new dog parent, take it one day at a time. Routine, patience, and the right basics will do most of the work.
