First Week With Your Toy Poodle or Goldendoodle Puppy: Day-by-Day Guide
- Kara
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Bringing home a toy poodle or goldendoodle puppy is an exciting experience filled with joy and new responsibilities. The first week sets the foundation for your puppy’s health, behavior, and comfort in their new environment. This guide breaks down the essential tasks and tips for each day, helping you build a strong bond and ensure your puppy’s smooth transition.
Bringing home a Toy Poodle or Goldendoodle puppy is exciting… and a little overwhelming. They’re tiny, smart, sensitive, and they bond FAST. The first week is all about helping your puppy feel safe, calm, and confident while you start building routines that make life easier long-term.
This day-by-day guide is designed for Toy Poodles and Goldendoodles, who often do best with structure, gentleness, and consistency.
Before Your Puppy Comes Home: Quick Setup Checklist
Have these ready before pickup day:
Small crate (or travel carrier for tiny pups)
Playpen or gated puppy-safe area
Washable Puppy pads
Food + treats (stay consistent at first)
Water bowl (small + shallow)
Snuggle puppy and soft blanket
Enzyme cleaner (for accidents)
Collar, harness + lightweight leash
Chew toys (soft + small)
Day 1: The “Decompression Day”
Your puppy just left everything they know. Today is NOT about training hard.
Focus on: ✅ Safety and calm ✅ Routine and comfort ✅ Short potty breaks + gentle bonding
What to do:
Keep the house quiet (no big visitors)
Show them: potty area → water → bed area
Start using their name softly
Take them out to potty every 30–60 minutes
Expect a few accidents (normal!)
Tonight: Puppies can cry the first night. Place the crate near your bed. A warm blanket helps.
Day 2: Start Your Routine (Gently)
Today your puppy starts learning, “this is home.”
Your goals:
Same feeding times
Potty schedule begins
Short crate sessions
Simple schedule idea:
Potty immediately after waking
Potty after eating
Potty after play
Potty every 45–60 minutes
Pro tip: Reward potty wins like it’s the best thing ever. Tiny pups learn FAST with praise + consistency.
Day 3: Crate Training Begins (Short + Positive)
Crate training is the best tool for:
potty training
sleep success
safety
Keep it positive:
Feed meals near the crate
Toss treats inside
5–10 minute crate breaks while you’re home
If your puppy cries: Wait for a quiet second, then reward calm. (You’re teaching “quiet = attention.”)
Day 4: Confidence Building Day
Toy Poodles can be sensitive, so confidence building matters.
Practice:
Touch paws gently (1–2 seconds)
Soft brushing for 20–30 seconds
Let puppy explore ONE new area of the home
Keep exposure small: One new thing per day is plenty.
Day 5: Start Micro-Training Sessions
Toy Poodles are smart. Start now—short and sweet.
3 easy commands:
Name recognition (“Puppy!” + reward eye contact)
“Come” (tiny distance)
“Sit” (lure with treat)
Training rule: 1–3 minutes at a time, 2–3 times daily.
Day 6: Household Rhythm + Calm Play
You’ll notice your puppy settling in.
Now focus on:
Calm play breaks (short bursts)
Nap time boundaries (very important!)
Continue potty consistency
Overtired puppies bite more. Encourage naps.
Day 7: You’re Building a Best Friend
By the end of week 1, your puppy will start showing:
stronger bonding
more confidence
quicker potty patterns
Celebrate progress! Week one is about building trust—not perfection.
First Week Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Too many visitors too soon
🚫 Too much freedom in the house
🚫 Switching food immediately
🚫 Expecting “perfect potty training” in 7 days
🚫 Punishing accidents (it slows learning)
FAQ: First Week With a Toy Poodle or Goldendoodle Puppy
When should my puppy sleep through the night? Some do quickly, but many need 1–3 weeks to fully settle.
Should I let my puppy roam the house? Not yet. Freedom is earned—start with a small safe area.
What if my Toy Poodle puppy seems scared? Keep things quiet and predictable. Confidence grows with gentle routine.
Want a Healthy, Confident Red Toy Poodle or Goldendoodle Puppy?
At Teddy Doods, we raise our puppies with structure, love, and early routines that help them transition smoothly into family life.
👉 Contact us to join our waitlist or ask about upcoming litters.