The first week with a French Bulldog puppy is a mix of excitement and “Are we doing this right?” moments. The good news: most early issues are routine-related—sleep, potty timing, and a puppy who’s still learning what your home is.
Day 1: keep it small
Plan a quiet first day. Limit visitors. Let your puppy explore one or two rooms, then expand gradually. A calmer first day usually means better sleep and fewer accidents.
Set up two “safe spots”
- Crate or playpen near where you spend time (so your puppy doesn’t feel alone)
- Bed or mat in a low-traffic corner for naps
A simple first-week routine
A routine reduces stress for puppies (and for you). Here’s a straightforward rhythm that works well for most Frenchies:
- Potty right after waking up
- Breakfast, then potty again
- Short play + calm time
- Nap (puppies need a lot of sleep)
- Repeat: eat → potty → play → nap
Tip: If you’re seeing accidents, don’t assume “stubborn.” It’s almost always timing. Take your puppy out more often for a few days, then slowly stretch the intervals.
Feeding and water
Keep meals consistent for the first week—same food, same schedule. If you’re switching foods, do it slowly over 7–10 days. A sudden switch can cause loose stool.
Need a simple schedule? See our feeding schedule guide.
Sleep: what’s normal
Night crying is common the first few nights. Try a steady routine: last potty break, quiet crate time, lights low. A small towel that smells like home can help. Avoid big “play sessions” right before bed.
When to call the vet
Some things are normal during a transition (a skipped meal, mild nerves). But call your vet if you see persistent vomiting, diarrhea that continues, extreme lethargy, or anything that worries you.
We also recommend a vet check within 72 hours after pickup or delivery.
Next steps
If you’re planning ahead for training, our potty + crate guide is a good next read.