The First 7 Days with Your New Puppy in Australia

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but the first week in Australia comes with a few important to-dos. From your first vet visit to setting up a routine, here’s how to give your puppy a confident, safe start.

Day 1: Arrival and settling in

Let your puppy explore one or two quiet rooms first. In Australia, many breeders allow collection from around 8–10 weeks, so your pup may be tired and overwhelmed. Provide a bed, water, and a toilet area (e.g. pads or a spot outside). Avoid too many visitors or loud noises. Use the same food and feeding schedule the breeder gave you to avoid tummy upsets.

Day 2–3: First vet check and microchipping

Book a health check with a local vet in the first few days. The vet will check for parasites, heart murmurs, and general health. In Australia, microchipping is required for dogs in all states and territories before sale or transfer. If the breeder hasn’t already done it, your vet can implant the chip and register it on a national database so your details are linked to the dog for life.

Day 4–5: Diet and routine

Stick to the same diet for at least the first week. If you plan to change food, do it gradually over 7–10 days to avoid diarrhoea. Feed at set times (e.g. morning and evening) and take your puppy outside or to the toilet area after meals, play, and naps. Establish a simple routine: meals, toilet breaks, short play, and rest. Puppies need a lot of sleep, so give them a quiet place to nap.

Day 6–7: Socialisation and safety

Socialisation doesn’t mean greeting every person and dog. Let your puppy see and hear the world from a safe distance: traffic, people, other dogs on lead, and different surfaces. In Australia, wait until after the first vaccination course before taking your puppy to high-risk areas (e.g. dog parks), as advised by your vet. At home, continue gentle handling, short training sessions, and positive experiences with household sounds and family members.

Australian essentials

- Council registration: In most Australian states and territories, dogs must be registered with your local council; fees and rules vary by area. - Parasite control: Discuss a flea, tick, and intestinal worm program with your vet; products and schedules can differ by region. - Heat: In summer, avoid hot pavements and never leave your puppy in a car. Provide shade, water, and limit intense exercise in the heat.

The first week sets the tone for your puppy’s confidence and behaviour. Take it slowly, prioritise vet care and microchipping, keep the diet consistent, and build a clear routine. For more on choosing a breeder and bringing your puppy home safely, see our guide on buying a puppy safely in Australia.