The first week with a new puppy can feel exciting and a little unpredictable. Your puppy may seem sleepy one moment, hyper the next, and then suddenly shy or clingy. This is all part of adjusting to a new home, and it is often more normal than it feels.
The goal for the first week is not perfection. It is to help your puppy feel safe, rested, fed, and gradually comfortable with the routine. For a fuller introduction to the first days, see What to Do on Your Puppy's First Day at Home and How to Help a Puppy Adjust to a New Home.
Many puppies sleep much more than expected during the first week. They may nap often, seem tired after short play sessions, or sleep through the night and then nap again during the day. This is usually a sign that your puppy is processing a lot of change and needs extra rest.
If your puppy is sleeping more than usual, it is important not to panic. Rest is part of adjustment. If you want to understand more about sleep patterns, read Should Puppies Nap During the Day? and Signs Your Puppy Is Not Getting Enough Sleep.
House training will not be perfect in the first week. Puppies are learning where to go, when to go, and how to communicate their needs. Accidents are very normal and should be treated as part of the learning process rather than a failure.
Stay patient and consistent with potty breaks and cleanup. A puppy who feels supported is more likely to improve quickly. For more on this, see How to Help Your Puppy Sleep Through the Night and How to Establish a Healthy Daily Routine for Your Puppy.
Some puppies eat well right away, while others seem less interested in food during the first few days. Stress, change, and unfamiliar surroundings can all affect appetite. As long as your puppy is drinking water and seems otherwise alert, mild appetite changes are usually temporary.
Watch for signs of extreme lethargy or refusal to eat for long periods, and contact your vet if that happens. For general nutrition guidance, see How Much Should I Feed My Puppy? and Puppy Feeding Schedule by Age.
It is common for puppies to alternate between wanting closeness and wanting space. One minute they may follow you everywhere, and the next they may hide or seem hesitant. This is often part of the adjustment process rather than a sign that something is wrong.
Give your puppy time to warm up, and keep your interactions gentle and calm. A puppy that feels secure is more likely to become confident over time. If you want more on building confidence, see How Routine Helps Your Puppy Feel Safe and Confident.
A consistent routine can make a huge difference in the first week. Feeding at roughly the same times, taking your puppy out regularly, giving naps a clear place in the day, and keeping bedtime predictable all help your puppy feel settled.
Even a simple routine can reduce confusion and make the first week easier for both of you. If you need a guide to creating one, read How to Establish a Healthy Daily Routine for Your Puppy.
If you notice serious symptoms, contact your veterinarian. Most first-week behavior changes are normal, but health concerns should always be checked when they seem severe or persistent.
Normal behavior includes tiredness, clinginess, accidents, appetite changes, crying, and a gradual adjustment to routine.
Puppies often sleep a lot during the first week, sometimes for most of the day, as they recover and adjust to their new environment.
Yes, accidents are common during the first week as your puppy learns house rules and routines.