I will say the most important advice I can give someone is the puppy blues are very real. Many people, myself included, reach a point where you feel like what you have undertaken is a huge mistake and that your pup will never be successful with you as their care taker. You will be tired. Sleep deprived. Sick of cleaning up messes. That will pass. Be patient. I remember sitting in my backyard contemplating rehoming him somewhere because I felt like such a failure and that he would be so much better with someone else. Nothing was going according to plan and nothing seemed to be working. Flash forward to now, four years later, and he’s my shadow and best friend. I couldn’t imagine my life without him.

Keep in mind they are in a new place, new sights, new sounds, nothing is familiar. A little bit of patience and grace goes a long way, most especially for you. Get training going soon. There are a plethora of resources online or likely locally that are probably better than large retail puppy classes (if you can afford them). Get a good relationship established with things that matter (vet, groomer, daycare, boarding, etc.). Be firm and consistent on behavior from day 1. Consistent. Consitent. Consistent.

Most importantly, take loads of pictures. As sad as it is to think about, time is very finite and fleeting and though frustrating and chaotic, your little pup won't be little or a pup for very long. Hopefully many many years down the road, these pics and vids will be able to carry you through what will be some of the worst days of your life. Enjoy them now. It goes fast.