A little preparation goes a long way. Setting up your home before your puppy arrives helps them feel secure, build confidence, and make the transition smoother for everyone.

HOME SET UP

Create a safe and puppy friendly space

PUPPY ZONE OVERVIEW

A dedicated space for a successful start

Creating a designated puppy zone helps your puppy adjust to their new home by giving them a safe, consistent, and comfortable space. This area should include their crate, a potty area, water, a few toys, and be free from household hazards.

Your pup's home base

PLAYPEN SET UP

Choose the right size playpen for your space

Keep it in a low-traffic, supervised area

Solid panels prevent climbing and escaping. 30-32 in is usually a great height

Add a soft, absorbent, washable mat base layer

Include their water bowl and a few toys

A potty tray can be added in the early weeks if you wish.

Feeding in this space allows for undisturbed meals and assures their puppy food remains secure from young kids or other dogs

Consider adding the crate for continued exposure. If you only have one crate, just move it from the puppy zone to their sleep space if it's not the same area

Rotate toys to keep it interesting

CRATE SET UP (for night time)

A cozy den for rest and security

Choose the right size crate for their adult size

Use a crate divider to provide only enough space for your puppy to lay down so they don't feel inclined to potty in their space

Add a soft, washable pad or bed. Puppies can run warm, so choose between the two based on their comfort level

Use a crate cover to provide a den-like dark cozy space for them to settle into

Crate location is a combination of personal preference and your puppy's comfort level. Some families have their puppy sleep next to their bed, others prefer them in a separate room.

Continue introducing the crate positively.

Create a routine of providing a Kong toy stuffed with frozen kibble (kibble + water then freeze. Can top with greek yogurt or Buddy Butter) during every crate session. Keep several in the freezer for a convenient grab and go option.

Set them up for success

POTTY 101

A potty tray with absorbent pellets can be used early on or in the winter for convenience, but some find it easier to not reinforce associating pottying inside.

Take them outside to the same potty spot frequently

Have them follow you out the same door to their potty spot. Keep it very consistent. You can carry them if it's urgent, but having them recognize where to go to signal that they need to use the restroom is key

Use a slip lead to give them a radius boundary while pottying outside to keep them focused on the task at hand

Praise immediately

Be patient and consistent