Bringing Your Puppy Home
The first 48 hours with your new standard poodle puppy are exciting — and a little overwhelming. Here's what to expect and how to set everyone up for success.
Before Pickup Day
Get these ready before your puppy arrives:
- Crate — Wire or plastic, large enough for an adult standard poodle (42" recommended). Use a divider panel so the crate grows with your puppy.
- Bedding — A washable crate pad or old towels. Skip anything too plush until they're past the chewing stage.
- Food & water bowls — Stainless steel or ceramic. Elevated feeders can help with posture.
- The same food they've been eating — We'll send you home with a bag. Transition gradually over 7–10 days to avoid stomach upset.
- Enzymatic cleaner — Accidents happen. Nature's Miracle or similar works great.
- A few chew toys — Kong, Nylabone, or rope toys.
The Car Ride Home
Keep the crate in the back seat, secured with a seatbelt through the handle. Bring towels and paper towels for any motion sickness. A calm, quiet car ride is ideal — save the excited introductions for when you're home.
The First Night
This is usually the hardest part. Your puppy has just left their littermates for the first time.
- Place the crate in your bedroom — Hearing and smelling you nearby reduces anxiety dramatically.
- Take them out right before bed — Wait for them to go, then straight into the crate.
- Expect some whining — This is normal. Resist the urge to let them out (unless they need to potty). A ticking clock or warm water bottle wrapped in a towel can mimic littermate warmth.
- Set an alarm for one middle-of-the-night potty break — Puppies at 8 weeks can hold it about 3–4 hours.
Day Two
By day two, you'll start to see their personality emerge. Keep things calm and predictable:
- Same feeding times — Morning and evening at the same time each day.
- Frequent potty breaks — After eating, after napping, after playing. Praise heavily when they go outside.
- Short play sessions — 15–20 minutes of gentle play, followed by nap time in the crate.
- Let them explore at their own pace — Don't force introductions to other pets or visitors yet. Keep the world small and safe for now.
Common First-Week Mistakes
- Too much freedom too soon — Keep them in one room or area at first. Baby gates are your friend.
- Skipping crate time — Even when you're home, short crate sessions build comfort and prevent separation anxiety.
- Overwhelming them with visitors — Give your puppy a few days to bond with your family before the welcome committee arrives.
What We Send You Home With
Every Purdy Poodles puppy goes home with:
- A bag of the food they've been eating
- Their vaccination records and health certificate
- A blanket with their littermates' scent
- A puppy care guide with our recommended schedule
- Lifetime breeder support — call or text us anytime
The first 48 hours are just the beginning. Take it slow, be patient, and enjoy watching your puppy settle into their forever home.