Caring for Your New Puppy: A First-Time Owner’s Guide for Toy & Miniature Poodles
Bringing home a new Toy or Miniature Poodle puppy is an exciting milestone filled with joy, curiosity, and love. But it can also bring a few nerves — especially for first-time puppy parents.
At Cedar House Heritage Poodles, we believe that proper preparation and calm, consistent care are the keys to a smooth transition for both you and your puppy. This guide will help you set up your home, establish early routines, and care for your puppy during the crucial first days and weeks.
🏡 How to Prepare Your Home for a New Puppy
Before your puppy arrives, it’s important to create a safe and nurturing environment that supports their adjustment.
✅ Puppy-Proof Your Space:
Remove exposed cords, small items, and plants that could be chewed or swallowed.
Block access to stairs or rooms you don’t want your puppy exploring.
Set up a safe, enclosed area like an exercise pen or gated room.
✅ Set Up Their Comfort Zone:
Create a cozy crate or soft bed in a quiet, low-traffic area.
Include a snuggle toy or heartbeat stuffed animal to ease loneliness.
Keep water nearby and avoid slippery floors.
🐶 First Day Home: Do’s & Don’ts
The first day home can shape your puppy’s sense of safety and trust. Keep things peaceful and predictable.
✅ Do:
Keep visitors to a minimum.
Let your puppy explore their space slowly.
Offer food and water in their designated spot.
Take them outside frequently to encourage potty success.
Let them nap — they’ll sleep a lot!
❌ Don’t:
Overwhelm them with loud voices, busy rooms, or too many people.
Force them to interact or be held constantly.
Introduce too many new experiences too soon.
Let them roam freely — supervision is key!
🧰 Must-Have Puppy Products & Supplies
Having the right tools on hand makes all the difference in those early weeks.
🛒 Puppy Essentials Checklist:
Crate (appropriately sized for Toy/Miniature Poodles)
Food and water bowls (preferably stainless steel)
High-quality puppy food (follow breeder’s current diet)
Puppy training treats
Potty pads (for housebreaking assistance)
Enzyme-based cleaner (for accidents)
Puppy-safe chew toys
Soft blanket or snuggle buddy
Adjustable harness and leash
Slicker brush and metal comb
💊 Helpful Health Supplements (Check with Your Vet):
Nutri-Cal: High-calorie supplement for small breeds prone to hypoglycemia
Probiotics (like FortiFlora): Support digestive health during transition
Puppy multivitamins We strongly recommend giving NuVet Plus® K-9 Wafers (sample pack included when your puppy goes home)
Benadryl (diphenhydramine): Can be used under vet guidance for minor allergic reactions — dose according to weight
🚽 Potty Training Basics
Poodles are incredibly smart and eager to please, making them relatively easy to potty train with consistency.
Tips for Success:
Take outside every 1–2 hours, especially after meals, naps, or playtime.
Use the same spot in the yard and pair it with a phrase like “Go potty.”
Reward immediately after success with praise or a small treat.
Limit free roaming — use crates or pens to prevent accidents.
Expect accidents — it’s normal! Stay calm and consistent.
🍽️ Feeding Schedule for Toy & Miniature Poodle Puppies
Toy and Miniature Poodles have small tummies and high metabolisms, so regular meals are important.
Feeding Tips:
Feed 3–4 small meals per day until around 12–16 weeks old.
Always use the same food and gradually transition if changing brands.
Avoid free-feeding — stick to scheduled mealtimes to help with potty training and digestion.
Keep an eye out for signs of low blood sugar (lethargy, shakiness) in Toy Poodles.
💡 Ask us for a copy of your puppy’s current feeding schedule and favorite foods before pickup!
🌙 Bedtime Routine for a Calm Night
The first few nights can be tough — your puppy is adjusting to being away from their first home, and their littermates.
Create a Soothing Routine:
Wind down with quiet play or cuddles.
Take them out for one last potty break.
Place them in their crate with a soft blanket and comfort item.
Use white noise or soft music if experiencing nighttime anxiety.
Expect a little whining — avoid taking them out unless it’s a potty need and take them outside only. Don’t reward whining with more cuddles, or expect whining all the time.
🧡 Tip: Don’t let them sleep in your bed right away unless you're sure it's a long-term plan — habits start fast!
💕 Final Thoughts
Bringing home a new puppy is a big (and beautiful) life event. The love and care you provide in these early days will shape your puppy into a well-adjusted, confident companion. At Cedar House Heritage Poodles, we’re here for every step of your journey — from pick-up day to their first birthday and beyond!