Bringing Home a New Puppy Guide, Checklist, First Night & First Week

Welcome home, little paws! Our Posh Poos puppy guide walks you through the essentials—from setting up a beautiful, calming den to nailing that first night and settling into a routine. It’s written for small/toy breeds and new puppy owners who love stylish, practical kit that actually works.

Quick Links to Essentials (Posh Poos)

• New Puppy Collection (all essentials in one place)
• Puppy Harness, Puppy Carriers, Puppy Coat.
• Puppy Toys Collection
• Puppy Poos Probiotics

 

The Complete New Puppy Checklist

Crate & Bedding (create your puppies calming space)

 

• 24 inch, 30 inch  or 36 inch crate (size depends on breed/expected adult size)

 

• Crate mattress (fits snugly; supportive, easy-clean)

• Crate cover with roll-down doors to manage light and create a secure bedtime routine

• Luxury blanket for added warmth and scent transfer.

 

 

Crate Sizing Quick Guide

What Size Crate Is Best For My New Puppy?

 •24 inch Crate (Toy breeds): Ideal for Toy Maltipoo puppies, Toy Cavapoo puppies, toy cavapoochon puppies,  Pomeranian puppies, Yorkshire Terrier puppies, Chihuahua puppies, Maltese puppies,  Toy Poodle puppies and Miniature Dachshound puppies. Usually suitable right through to adulthood.

•30 inch  Crate (Small/Miniature breeds): Best for Miniature Cavapoo puppies, Cockapoo Cavapoochon Puppies,, Cockapoo Puppies , French Bulldog Puppies, Shih Tzu Puppies, Miniature Poodle Puppies, Boston Terrier Puppies, Miniature Schnauzer Puppies, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies. Gives growing pups comfortable room to stand, turn, and stretch.

•36 inch Crate (Medium breeds): Best for Medium Cockapoo, Standard Cavapoo/Cavapoochon, Springer Spaniel, Border Collie, Whippet, Beagle, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and similar-sized breeds. Provides plenty of space for larger puppies and medium-sized adult dogs to stand, turn around, stretch, and relax comfortably.

How do you crate train a puppy?

Crate training a puppy works best when you introduce the crate gradually and let your puppy build a positive association with it at their own pace — never use it as punishment, and never leave a young puppy confined for long stretches. Done well, the crate becomes somewhere your puppy genuinely wants to be.

Here's a simple, reward-based process to get started:

1. Introduce the crate before bedtime. Place it in a quiet corner of a room your puppy will sleep in. Leave the door open and let them sniff around freely.
2. Make it inviting. Pop a comfortable crate mattress and a soft blanket inside. A piece of clothing with your scent, or a cloth from the breeder, can help your puppy feel settled.
3. Encourage exploration with treats. Toss small, high-value treats just inside the entrance — no pressure to go all the way in. Let your puppy choose.
4. Feed meals near or inside the crate. Once your puppy is comfortable approaching, move their food bowl gradually closer to the entrance, then just inside, then further in over a few sessions.
5. Close the door briefly. Once your puppy is eating calmly inside, gently close the door for a minute or two, then open it before they become anxious. Build up the time slowly over several days.
6. Build duration gradually. Practise short crate sessions during the day — a few minutes at first, then longer — always ending on a calm, positive note.

If you'd like to set up a beautiful, practical den from day one, our complete puppy crate sets include everything you need — crate, cover, mattress and blanket — all coordinated and ready to go. The Luxury Boucle Crate Set and the Ivory Monochrome Crate Set are two of our most popular choices.

When should I start crate training my puppy?

You can begin positive crate training from the very first day your puppy comes home — in fact, the earlier you start, the easier it tends to be. Young puppies adapt quickly to new routines, and introducing the crate gently from the outset means it becomes a familiar, reassuring space rather than something new and unfamiliar later on.

How long does it take to crate train a puppy?

Most puppies become comfortable with their crate within one to three weeks, though some settle in a matter of days and others take a little longer. The pace depends on your puppy's temperament, how consistently you practise, and how positive the experience feels to them. Rushing the process tends to set things back — steady, calm repetition is what works.

What is a good puppy crate-training schedule?

A consistent daily rhythm makes crate training much easier. Here's a simple framework to adapt to your puppy's age and routine:

• Morning: Toilet break immediately on waking, then breakfast, then a short play session followed by a crate nap (30–60 minutes).
• Midday: Toilet break, a little activity or training, then another crate rest.
• Afternoon: Toilet break, calm play or gentle socialisation, then a crate nap before the evening.
• Evening: Dinner, toilet break, quiet wind-down time, then settle into the crate for the night.

Young puppies sleep a lot — up to 16–18 hours a day — so regular crate naps are genuinely good for them, not just convenient for you.

How long can a puppy stay in a crate?

As a general guide, puppies can manage roughly one hour per month of age — so a two-month-old puppy might manage around two hours, and a four-month-old around four hours, though individual puppies vary. Overnight is different: most puppies can sleep through a longer stretch once they're settled, provided they've had a toilet break just before bed.

The key principle is that the crate should never be used for excessive confinement. Puppies need regular toilet breaks, social interaction, play and exercise. If your puppy needs to be left for longer periods, make sure they have had a good run of activity beforehand and arrange for someone to check in on them.

What size crate does my puppy need?

Your puppy's crate should be large enough for them to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably — but not so large that they treat one end as a toilet area. For most small and toy breeds, this means choosing based on their expected adult size rather than their current puppy size.

Use the sizing guide above to find the right fit, or shop our 24", 30" and 36" crates here. If you're unsure, it's worth checking with your breeder — they'll know your puppy's expected adult weight and frame.

What should I put in my puppy's crate?

Keep it simple and comfortable. A well-fitted crate mattress provides a supportive, washable base, and a soft blanket adds warmth and something cosy to snuggle into. A piece of clothing with your scent, or a cloth from the breeder, can be reassuring in the early days.

Avoid anything that could be chewed into pieces and swallowed, and don't add a water bowl for overnight use — it tends to cause spills and unnecessary toilet breaks. A chew or a Kong filled with a little food can help a puppy settle during daytime crate sessions.

Should I cover my puppy's crate at night?

Yes — most puppies settle more quickly and sleep more soundly when their crate is covered. It reduces visual stimulation, creates a den-like atmosphere and helps signal that it's time to rest. A purpose-made crate cover with roll-down doors gives you the most control: lower the panels at bedtime and roll them up during the day for a lighter, airier feel.

Always make sure there's good ventilation — the cover should reduce light and draught, not block airflow. Leave at least one panel partially open, particularly in warmer weather.

Our crate covers are available in Boucle Cream, Boucle Stone, Heritage Stripe Taupe and Heritage Stripe Grey — all designed to sit beautifully in your home while doing a genuinely useful job.

Where should I put my puppy's crate at night?

For the first few weeks, most puppies settle best when their crate is in or near your bedroom. Being able to hear you breathe is genuinely reassuring for a young puppy who has just left their mother and littermates. It also means you can respond quickly if they need a night-time toilet break.

Once your puppy is sleeping through reliably and feeling confident, you can gradually move the crate to wherever you'd like it to live long-term — a quiet corner of the kitchen or living room works well for most families.

How do you crate train a puppy at night?

The approach for crate training at night is the same as during the day — calm, consistent and positive — but with a few extra steps to help your puppy wind down and sleep through.

• Give your puppy a toilet break immediately before settling them for the night.
• Keep the last hour before bed calm and low-key — avoid exciting play that ramps up their energy.
• Settle them into their crate with a familiar blanket and, if it helps, a warm (not hot) heat pad or a ticking clock nearby.
• Lower the crate cover panels to reduce light and create a den-like feel, keeping ventilation open.
• If your puppy cries, wait a moment before responding — sometimes they settle on their own. If they don't, calmly take them for a toilet break without making it a social event, then quietly return them to the crate.

Most puppies begin sleeping through the night by around 12–16 weeks, though some manage it earlier. Consistency is the key — the more predictable the routine, the faster they learn.

What should I do if my puppy cries in the crate?

It's completely normal for puppies to cry or whine in the crate, especially in the first few nights. Before responding, take a moment to consider why they might be unsettled — they may need a toilet break, they may be too warm or cold, or they may simply not yet feel confident in their new space.

If your puppy is crying because they need the toilet, calmly take them out, let them go, and return them to the crate without fuss. If they seem genuinely distressed rather than just grumbling, offer quiet reassurance — a calm voice or a hand resting near the crate — without making it a big event.

What you want to avoid is inadvertently rewarding persistent crying by letting your puppy out to play or bringing them into your bed every time they make a noise. That said, if your puppy is very young or clearly frightened, responding with calm reassurance is always the right call — you can work on building independence gradually once they feel more settled.

If crying continues beyond the first week or two, it's worth revisiting whether the crate introduction has been gradual enough, whether the crate is comfortable and the right size, and whether your puppy is getting enough daytime activity and mental stimulation.

Can crate training help with toilet training?

Yes — the two go hand in hand. Puppies instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a correctly sized crate encourages them to hold on until they're taken outside. This makes it much easier to predict when your puppy needs to go and to reward them in the right place.

The routine is simple: take your puppy straight from the crate to their toilet spot every time you let them out — first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps and before bed. Reward them immediately when they go in the right place. Over time, this builds a clear and reliable habit.

It's worth noting that the crate only supports toilet training if it's the right size. If it's too large, your puppy may use one end as a toilet area. If you have a larger crate, use a divider panel to reduce the space until your puppy is reliably clean.

Do I need a crate for my new puppy?

A crate isn't compulsory, but it is one of the most useful things to include in a new puppy checklist. When introduced gradually and positively, it gives your puppy a safe, cosy place to sleep and settle, supports house training and a consistent bedtime routine, and provides secure downtime when you can't supervise closely.

A crate cover with roll-down doors helps you adjust light and visual stimulation — leave it partly open for daytime naps, then lower it further when it's time to wind down at night. Add a supportive crate mattress and soft blanket to create a comfortable, calming den that also looks beautiful in your home.

What are the benefits of crate training a puppy?

• Supports house training by creating a clear sleeping area
• Helps establish predictable nap and bedtime routines
• Provides a secure resting place when close supervision isn't possible
• Gives your puppy a familiar space for travel and overnight visits

Always introduce the crate positively. It should feel like a comfortable retreat and should never be used as punishment or for long periods of confinement.

What do I need to create a cosy puppy den?

SHOP OUR 24, 30 & 36 INCH CRATES

Crate Cover:

A crate cover makes a real difference to how quickly a puppy settles. Puppies instinctively seek a den-like space to feel safe — covering the crate creates that calm, enclosed feeling without blocking airflow. With roll-up and roll-down panels, you can set a clear bedtime routine at night and a lighter nap environment during the day. Our Boucle Crate Covers in Cream and Stone are a practical and beautiful addition to any home.

Crate Mattress:

Complete your puppy's den with a coordinating crate mattress designed to fit snugly inside the crate. Supportive yet soft, it gives your puppy a comfortable base that encourages them to relax and rest. Each mattress is machine washable — useful in those early weeks — and coordinates with our crate covers for a neat, finished look.

Cosy Blanket:

A soft blanket is the finishing touch for your puppy's den — something to snuggle into and, in the early days, a useful way to transfer familiar scents. Our Boucle Dog Blanket has a warm fleece reverse and coordinates with the rest of the crate set.

If you'd like everything in one place, our complete puppy crate sets bundle the crate, cover, mattress and blanket together at a saving. The Luxury Boucle Crate Set and the Ivory Monochrome Crate Set are both popular choices for new puppy owners.

SHOP THE WHOLE CRATE BEDDING COLLECTION HERE

What Size Harness Do I Need For My New Puppy?

 

 

 

Tiny Puppy Harness Set

 

•Puppy Sling, to get out and about before the second vaccine

Shop the 'WALKIES' range for all your puppy walking essentials

Eating & Drinking

•Puppy food (small-breed kibble; consistent with breeder’s diet to avoid tummy upsets)

•Probiotics support gut health, digestion, immunity; may reduce tear staining in small breeds)

•Treats (soft, high-value, tiny pieces for training)

•Slow-feed or shallow bowls for small muzzles

SHOP SUPERFOOD SMALL BREED FOOD AND TREATS

Training & Enrichment

• Treat pouch
• Chews & puzzle toys (rotate to prevent boredom)
• Puppy pads (as a stepping-stone; aim for outdoor toilet training from day 1)

Grooming & Care

• Soft wire brush & comb
• Puppy-safe shampoo & microfibre towels
• Pet-safe wipes (faces, paws)
• Nail file/clipper (or plan for groomer)
• Toothbrush & enzymatic paste (start early, go slow) 

Do I need a crate for my new puppy?

A crate isn’t compulsory, but it is one of the most useful things to include in a new puppy checklist. When introduced gradually and positively, it gives your puppy a safe, cosy place to sleep and settle, supports house training and a consistent bedtime routine, and provides secure downtime when you cannot supervise closely.

A crate cover with roll-down doors helps you adjust light and visual stimulation—leave it partly open for daytime naps, then lower it further when it is time to wind down at night. Add a supportive crate mattress and soft blanket to create a comfortable, calming den that also looks beautiful in your home.

What are the benefits of crate training a puppy?

• Supports house training by creating a clear sleeping area
• Helps establish predictable nap and bedtime routines
• Provides a secure resting place when close supervision isn’t possible
• Gives your puppy a familiar space for travel and overnight visits

Always introduce the crate positively. It should feel like a comfortable retreat and should never be used as punishment or for long periods of confinement.

What do I need to create a cosy puppy den?

SHOP OUR 24, 30 & 36 INCH CRATES 

 

Crate Cover:

Why a Crate Cover is a Game-Changer ? A crate cover transforms crate training!  Puppies instinctively seek a den-like space to feel safe and relaxed — covering the crate creates that calm sanctuary. With roll-up and roll-down panels, you set a clear bedtime routine at night and a cozy nap nook by day. This helps puppies settle faster, learn quicker, and feel secure. Our Boucle Crate covers in either Cream Or Stone are a perfect addition to any home.

 

Crate Mattress:

Complete your puppy’s den with a coordinating crate mattress, designed to fit perfectly inside the crate for maximum comfort. Supportive yet soft, it creates a snug base that encourages your puppy to relax and rest in their new safe space.

Practical as well as stylish, each mattress is machine washable — making clean-up simple in case of accidents or muddy paws. Paired with your crate cover, it transforms the crate into a cozy retreat that’s both functional and beautiful in your home.  Available in our Heritage Stripe fabrics to coordinate seamlessly with your cover, the mattress is the finishing touch that makes your crate setup complete.

 

Cosy Blanket:

Don't forget a luxurious, cosy blanket, the fishing touch for your pups reassuring, den. Perfectly coordinated with your pups crate cover and mattress, our beautiful quality Boucle dog blanket has a oatmeal fleece reverse for softness for your puppy to cuddle up to whilst still looking chic in your interior.

SHOP THE WHOLE CRATE BEDDING COLLECTION HERE

 

What should I do with my puppy on their first night home?

Keep your puppy’s first evening calm, quiet and predictable. Let them explore gradually, follow the feeding routine they already know, offer regular toilet breaks and give them plenty of time to rest. Young puppies tire quickly, so even short periods of play should be followed by a nap.

Your puppy’s first-night plan

1. Arrival: Take your puppy to their toilet area first, then let them explore one small area of the home at a time.
2. Quiet time: Keep excitement and visitors to a minimum. Encourage children to give the puppy space when they are sleeping.
3. Familiar scent: Place a blanket or cloth carrying the scent of their breeder, mother or littermates in their sleeping area.
4. Wind-down: Lower the lights, offer a calm cuddle and take your puppy for one final toilet break before settling them into their crate or bed. If using a crate cover, lower the roll-down doors partway while maintaining good airflow.
5. Night waking: If your puppy wakes, calmly take them to the toilet without playing, then quietly settle them back to bed. Offer gentle reassurance if they are frightened or distressed.
6. Morning: Keep wake-up time consistent, go straight to the toilet area and then offer breakfast according to their usual feeding routine.

Consistency will help your puppy settle, but don’t expect the first night to be perfect. Keep meals familiar and follow the schedule recommended by the breeder rather than introducing a strict new evening feeding rule.

 

What should I do with my puppy during their first week at home?

During your puppy’s first week at home, focus on a calm routine, frequent toilet breaks, plenty of sleep, gentle bonding and short, positive introductions to everyday life. Keep their world small at first and build their confidence gradually.

Days 1–2: Establish a simple routine

• Take your puppy to their toilet area after waking, eating, drinking, playing and napping, as well as before bed.
• If it is safe to do so, begin outdoor toilet training in the same private, secure spot from day one. Ask your vet if you are unsure because your puppy may not yet be fully vaccinated.
• Encourage frequent naps in a comfortable crate or bed. If using a crate cover, introduce it gradually and maintain good airflow.
• Practise name recognition and very short recall exercises indoors, rewarding your puppy with tiny treats or pieces of their usual food.

Days 3–5: Gently build confidence

• Introduce very short periods of alone time while you remain nearby, increasing the time gradually while your puppy stays relaxed.
• If your puppy appears settled, introduce one or two calm visitors and keep the interaction short and positive.
• Practise gentle handling of their ears, paws and mouth, rewarding calm behaviour after each brief touch.

Days 6–7: Gradually expand their world

• Try a short, positive car journey with your puppy safely secured in an appropriate carrier, crate or car restraint.
• Let your puppy practise wearing a correctly fitted harness and lead indoors before using them outside.
• Practise recall in a secure, low-distraction garden and reward your puppy each time they return to you.

Every puppy settles at a different pace. If yours seems tired or overwhelmed, reduce the stimulation and return to an earlier step.

How do I toilet train my new puppy?

The most effective way to toilet train a puppy is to take them to the same suitable toilet area frequently, supervise them closely indoors and reward them immediately after they toilet in the correct place. There is no guaranteed fast-track method—consistency, patience and preventing avoidable accidents are what help puppies learn more quickly.

• Follow a routine: Offer a toilet break after waking, eating, drinking, playing and napping, as well as before bedtime.
• Choose one spot: Guide your puppy to the same appropriate area and use a calm cue such as “toilet.”
• Reward immediately: Offer gentle praise and a small treat as soon as they finish.
• Watch closely: Sniffing, circling, wandering away or becoming restless can mean your puppy needs to go.

Handle accidents calmly: Never punish your puppy. Clean the area thoroughly and offer more frequent toilet opportunities.

 

House-Training: Fast-Track Method

• Schedule: Out on a timer + after every trigger (wake, eat, play, excitement)
• Outdoors: Always outdoors from day 1.
• Spot: Guide to the same outdoor area; calm wait; quiet “toilet” cue
• Patience: Putting in just a couple of days of time will have your pup trained fast.
• Reward: The instant they finish—quiet praise + treat
• Accidents: Clean with enzyme spray; no scolding (it teaches hiding, not learning)

Socialisation (the right way)

• Quality over quantity: 1–2 new experiences/day (sounds, textures, people with hats, umbrellas)
• Control distance: Keep below the “startle” threshold—curious is good, fearful is not.
  

Nutrition for Small Breeds

• Choose a small-breed-appropriate food (kibble size, balanced macros for growth).
• Introduce Puppy Poos Probiotics to support digestion, immunity, and potentially reduce tear staining in small breeds.
• Keep meals consistent; any change should be gradual over 5–7 days, using the food that the puppy has been weaned onto supplied by the breeder (breeder should always send a puppy home with a supply of there regular food). 
• Keep treats to a minimum, only high quality treats with no artificial colours or preservatives, or small pieces of cooked chicken.

Helpful links:

• Puppy Poos Probiotics
• Posh Poos Superfood & Treats for small breeds
• New Puppy Collection (food, bowls, treats, more)

 

First Outings

•A cosy puppy sling is a great option for puppy parents that want to take there tiny pup out, there tiny paws don't need to touch the ground and they get to start there socialisation right away. Cafes and shops won't always allow pups on a lead but will always allow a gorgeous pup in a bag.

•Keep pup off of high traffic areas before the second vaccine.  Carrying your puppy is the safest option when they are tiny and not fully vaccinated, a bag will keep them feeling safe and secure. 

•Keep a puppy pad in your bag in case of toilet breaks, it provides clean area for your pup to use if caught short.

Warm, Knitted Puppy Jumper:

,  A tiny cosy knitted jumper is perfect for tiny, delicate pups to keep them warm inside and outdoors.  Worn alone, or can be layered underneath our Plaid Puppy Harness for coordinated, warm look.

Harness, Collar & Lead

A well-fitting harness is one of the most important pieces of kit for first outings. Our Posh Poos Harness, Collar & Lead Set is designed for toy and small breeds so early walks are safe, stylish, and stress-free.

Gentle control: Harness distributes pressure across the chest (kinder than a collar on delicate puppy necks).

Adjustable fit: Multiple adjustment points to grow with your pup and keep the fit secure.

Complete set: Matching lead, collar, and poo bag holder—everything you need from day one.

Teacup: Ideal for Toy Maltipoos, Toy Cavapoos/Cavapoochons, Pomeranians, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Toy Poodles and other Toy breed puppies.

Petite: Ideal for Miniature breed puppies such as Mini Cavapoochons, Mini Cavapoo, Cockapoo, Mini Dachshund, Mini Poodle, Cavalier King Charles, Cocker Spaniel, Pug and other small breed puppies,

Tip: Start with short indoor lead sessions, then practise calm “front-door sits” before stepping outside. Consistent sizing checks each week keep the harness comfy as your puppy grows.

Shop All Posh Poos Walking Accessories 

 

Grooming from Day One

• Brush 2–3 mins after calm time; treat each acceptance (ear, paw, teeth).
• Book groomer intro visit (gentle tidy) once vaccines allow, to normalise the salon environment.

Health & Vet Timeline (UK)

Puppies legally MUST have at least the first vaccine and microchip before leaving the breeder, we strongly advise against taking a puppy home before the first vaccine is given. The second vaccine is given 2-4 weeks after the first one, it is usually the new owners responsibility to arrange this.  If your puppy is a particularly tiny breed, we recommend waiting 3-4 weeks after the first vaccine to give the second booster, due to tiny puppies being effected more than larger breed puppies (the dose is the same size for all breed puppies).  Please note you only have UPTO 4 weeks to give the second vaccine after the first has been given, if you go past this window then your vet will insist that the course is restarted and your puppy may end up having more than two vaccines. 

• Register with a vet in week one, schedule second vaccine. 
• Vaccinations & flea/worming per vet schedule (follow breeder’s plan to avoid overlap). The second vaccine can be given 2-4 weeks after the first dose.
• Insurance: set up asap; small breeds can be mischievous and vet bills add up quickly.  

Quick Q&A:Vet Visits & Vaccines

When should I take my puppy to the vet?

• Your puppies first visit to the vet should be for his/her second vaccine 2-4 weeks after the first vaccine, the breeder should tell you what date the first one was given, or it will be recorded on the puppies health card.  The vet will also do a thorough health check at this time, to ensure the puppy is healthy.
• If your puppy suddenly seems lethargic, more sleepy than usual or has been vomitting, you should contact your vet right away. 
  

Troubleshooting

• Crying at night: Re-set with a strict wind-down; cover mostly down; white-noise helps.
• Mouthiness: Offer a chew before play; swap hands for toys; end play if teeth touch skin.
• Separation: Practise micro-absences daily; return when pup is calm, not crying.

At-a-Glance Mini Checklist

• Crate (24"/30") + mattress + cover + blanket
• XS harness set + ID tag + lead + poo bags
• Small-breed puppy food + measuring scoop + probiotics
• Treats + toys + chews + enrichment
• Grooming kit (brush, wipes, shampoo)
  
• Carrier/car restraint + first-aid basics

Handy Product Links (Recap)

• All Essentials: New Puppy Collection
• Harness, Collar, Lead & Poo Bag Set (XS)
• Puppy Toys Collection
• Puppy Poos Probiotics