Potty breaks, sleep & crate comfort
Small wins, kind rewards, and a routine your puppy can learn.
General care guidance. Needs vary by species, age and health. Your veterinarian can tailor a plan for your pet.
Offer plenty of toilet chances
Take your puppy to their toilet spot after waking, after meals, after play and before bed. Watch for sniffing, circling or restlessness.
Reward them right after they finish in the right place. Supervise indoors and clean accidents calmly. Do not punish accidents.
Make rest feel safe
Introduce a crate with short, pleasant sessions and rewards. Leave time for your puppy to get comfortable; never use it as punishment.
Increase time slowly. A crate does not replace exercise, company or toilet breaks. Young puppies need help during the night.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked October 21, 2026. These are original starter summaries; read the full guidance below.
Puppy Basics, one short lesson a day.
Potty training, the crate, the first vet visit, feeding and socializing, in plain words. See the lessons
First 30 Days with your puppy.
A week-by-week checklist, a shopping list and a feeding schedule. Print it and stick it on the fridge.
Join the Gotcha Day club.
Tell us your pet’s name and the day they came home. Every year we send a happy Gotcha Day note.