The First 48 Hours: Charlie’s Homecoming
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The First 48 Hours: Charlie’s Homecoming
Bringing a new puppy home is one of the most exciting days of your life, but as a professional breeder and trainer, I can tell you it’s also the most critical window for setting the tone of your relationship. When I brought my Mini Goldendoodle, Charlie, home at 8 weeks, I didn’t just let him roam free and hope for the best. I went into "Trainer Mode" immediately to ensure his transition was as stress-free as possible.
The first 48 hours are about two things: Safety and Routine. Here is exactly how I handled Charlie’s first two days and how you can do the same to prevent the dreaded "puppy blues."
Before you even pull into the driveway with your new pup, make sure you’ve followed my Professional Puppy Proofing Guide to keep them out of trouble.
Setting the Environment: The "Puppy Zone"
The biggest mistake I see new owners make is giving their puppy too much freedom too fast. For Charlie, I established a "Puppy Zone" immediately. This was a small, gated area in my kitchen where I kept his crate and his water bowl.
The Crate: This is his "den." I use a specific wire crate with a divider that I’ve listed on my Gear Page It’s durable and grows with them.
The Floors: I cleared everything. No rugs he could pee on, no shoes he could chew.
By limiting his space, I limited his ability to make mistakes. If he wasn't in my arms or on a leash, he was in his Puppy Zone.
The First Night: Surviving the Crying
Let’s be real: your puppy is going to cry. Charlie had spent every night of his life piled up with his littermates, and suddenly he was alone. It’s heartbreaking, but how you react determines his future confidence.
I put Charlie’s crate right next to my bed so he could hear me breathing and feel my presence. When he whined, I didn't rush to let him out to play. Instead, I’d place a hand against the crate door to let him know I was there. If the crying persisted, I followed a strict "Boring Potty Break" rule: The hardest part of the homecoming is the first night of sleep; see exactly how I handled Charlie’s Crate Training Without the Crying.
Pick him up (no talking, no playing).
Take him outside to his spot.
Give the "Go Potty" command.
If he goes, a quiet "Good boy."
Immediately back into the crate.
This teaches them that crying gets them a bathroom break, not a 2:00 AM party. For a deeper dive into the specific sleep schedule I used for Charlie, I actually walk you through the entire night-by-night process in the Puppy Foundations module of my Goldendoodle Academy. It's the best $45 you'll spend to get your sleep back.
Establishing the "Bathroom Business"
Potty training starts the second your puppy's paws hit your grass. When we arrived home, the very first place Charlie went was his designated "potty spot" in the yard. I didn't take him inside to see the house until he had successfully eliminated outside.
In those first 48 hours, I took Charlie out:
Immediately after he woke up.
15 minutes after eating or drinking.
After every single play session.
Every 2 hours, regardless of what was happening.
Building Trust Through Routine
Charlie was a bit overwhelmed by all the new smells and sounds. Instead of passing him around to every neighbor and friend, I kept the first 48 hours strictly about us. We focused on calm bonding and learning that I am the source of all good things (food, toys, and praise).
I kept his meals on the exact schedule the breeder provided. Consistency is king for a Goldendoodle’s sensitive stomach. I’ve linked the specific high-quality puppy food and slow-feeder bowl I use for him on my Gear Page if you’re looking for breeder-approved options.
Final Thoughts for Your First Weekend
The first 48 hours are a marathon, not a sprint. You will be tired, and you might even question if you’re ready for this. Just remember that every "No" you enforce now—no biting the rug, no sleeping in the bed (unless that's your long-term plan), no free-roaming—is a "Yes" to a well-behaved adult dog later.
If you want to make sure you're doing everything right from day one, come join us in the Goldendoodle Academy. I built the Puppy Foundations course specifically for this "homecoming" phase so you don't have to guess what Charlie is thinking.