The first week with your golden retriever puppy is like having a toddler with fur, no language skills, and a bladder the size of a teaspoon.
It’s emotional.
It’s messy.
It’s magic.
But if you’re like I was—scrolling puppy forums at midnight while your new pup whines in the crate—you probably don’t need another checklist. You need real-talk advice. From someone who’s lived through the nips, the crying, the poop-on-the-wall moments.
This is everything I wish someone had told me before bringing my golden retriever home.
🏡 Step 1: Set the Stage Before the Puppy Arrives (Not After Chaos Starts)
Your puppy doesn’t need a Pinterest-perfect space.
They need predictability and comfort.
What you really need:
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Crate with a soft blanket (big enough to turn around, but not pace)
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One playpen or small blocked-off space
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One chew toy, one soft toy, one tug toy — that’s it for now
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Food & water bowls away from crate
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Puppy pads as backup, not as a plan
📦 Pro tip: Tape a note on the crate that says:
"Whining is normal. Don’t cave. You’re not a monster."
🤝 Step 2: The First Hour — Don’t Show Them the Whole House
It’s tempting to give a tour like they’re your in-laws.
Don’t.
Instead:
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Take them outside immediately for a potty break.
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Bring them straight into their safe zone.
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Let them explore that small area only.
They just lost their mom, littermates, and everything familiar. They’re not ready for your kitchen island or your six-year-old’s trampoline yet.
Let them sniff. Let them rest. Let them observe you quietly.
⏰ Step 3: Day 1–3 – Forget Obedience, Focus on Safety & Bonding
This is not the time to teach “sit” or “paw.” This is the time to become their anchor.
Here’s what to prioritize:
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Name recognition: say it like music, not a command
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Hand feeding a few pieces of kibble to build trust
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Soft background sound at night — classical music works wonders
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Scheduled potty trips every 1–2 hours, even if they “just went”
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Crate = calm: toss treats in, never shove them inside
📉 Lower your expectations. They will cry. They will pee.
You are not failing.
🐕 Step 4: Introductions to People and Pets — Slowly, Intentionally
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One new human at a time.
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Avoid grabbing, squealing, or over-handling.
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Introduce new spaces like a video game: unlock the next room only when they master the current one.
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If you have other pets, use gates first. Let them sniff through. Don’t rush physical interaction.
🚫 Biggest mistake: Letting a toddler chase your puppy around the house.
It creates fear. Not play.
😴 Step 5: The First Night – You Will Sleep Like Crap (It’s Normal)
Expect:
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Whining
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Restless crate movement
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Sudden poop at 2:14 a.m.
Here’s what helped me survive it:
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Placing the crate in your bedroom for the first 3–5 nights
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Covering the crate with a blanket (like a cave)
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A plush toy warmed in the microwave for 15 seconds (mock “littermate”)
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Calm, brief reassurance but no midnight snuggles
✨ Night two will be better.
✨ By night five, you’ll sleep again.
✨ By week three, they’ll choose their crate.
🍽️ Step 6: First Vet Visit + Feeding Schedule
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Schedule vet within 72 hours
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Bring stool sample (yep, literally in a bag)
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Ask about vaccination timelines, deworming, flea prevention
Your puppy should eat:
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3 times a day
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The same food as the breeder initially (you can switch later)
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No free-feeding. Structure builds trust.
💛 Final Thoughts: You’re Building a Relationship, Not Just Raising a Dog
Your puppy isn’t learning commands this week. They’re learning you.
They’re figuring out if the world is scary or safe. If you’re reliable or random.
And you, in turn, are learning that unconditional love sometimes comes with sharp puppy teeth.
So breathe. Forgive yourself. Take photos. Laugh when they fall into their water bowl.
And most of all — just be there.
Because to your golden retriever, from day one…
You’re already home.
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