Bringing Your Pup Home

Welcoming Your Royal Frenchel Puppy: The Ultimate Care Guide

We’re beyond excited that you’re bringing a Royal Frenchel puppy into your life! Your pup has been nurtured with love and consistency here at Royal Frenchel, and this guide will help you continue that care as your new best friend settles into their forever home.

2 Bowls: One for water, one for food
3 Cozy dog beds: Because carrying them around is overrated
4 Soft blankets: For maximum snuggles
First Aid Kit: Easy to find online (Chewy.com is a great place)
Car kit: Bottle of water, paper towels, and a gallon-sized plastic bag (just in case!)
Chew treats: Bully sticks and hooves to keep those puppy teeth happy
PawTree dog food & treats: Arturo will help tailor the perfect nutrition plan
Sweater or coat: For those chilly days and nights
Crates: Ideal for bedrooms and family rooms—your pup’s personal den

The First Week: A Crucial Time for Calm and Connection

Bringing your puppy home is one of life’s happiest moments—but it’s also a big adjustment for your new furry family member. The first week is crucial for setting the tone of your relationship and helping your pup feel safe, secure, and loved. During these early days, it’s important to avoid overwhelming your puppy with loud noises, too many visitors, busy schedules, or excessive handling. These common mistakes can cause stress and slow down your pup’s adjustment to their new environment and actually lower their immune system. Instead, focus on creating a calm, peaceful atmosphere for the first three days. Let your puppy explore their new home at their own pace, both indoors and outdoors. Allow them time to adjust to new food and water, new smells, and new routines. Go outside with them and allow them to explore feeling safe with your presence nearby. This gentle approach helps their immune system bounce back from travel stress and begins shifting their focus from uncertainty to joy. After the initial quiet period, you can gradually introduce visitors—but please don’t let anyone carry your puppy around. Carrying a tiny pup can be risky, and a fall from even a small height could cause injury or death if they hit their head. Instead, invite guests to sit down on a couch or the floor for short, gentle play sessions that help your puppy build safe, positive social experiences. By the end of the week, your puppy will likely be ready for a short car ride—a sweet opportunity to bond and introduce them to the wider world outside your home. Keep these outings brief and comforting, always maintaining consistent schedules for eating, resting, play, and potty breaks. Successfully navigating this first week helps your puppy develop the confidence to meet new people, places, and experiences without fear—setting the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted companion.

Consistency: The Heartbeat of a Happy, Confident Puppy

Consistency is one of the most powerful ways you communicate with your puppy. When you provide a steady, predictable environment—regular feeding times, consistent rest periods, and structured play—it tells your puppy, “You are important. You are safe.” Just like people, puppies thrive when their daily needs are met reliably. Imagine how you feel when you skip meals or have an unpredictable schedule—maybe irritable, tired, or distracted. Puppies feel the same way. When their routine is steady and dependable, they have the energy and peace of mind to listen, learn, and form strong, loving bonds with you. Your puppy won’t waste time worrying about when they’ll eat or if you’ll come home on time. Instead, they’ll focus on the joy of exploring, playing, and growing alongside you. Consistency helps your pup build trust and confidence, allowing their unique personality to blossom. Taking your puppy home is just the beginning of this ongoing commitment. Your discipline in maintaining a reliable routine provides the foundation for a happy, healthy life—and returns to you in the form of unwavering love, playful humor, and deep friendship. Think of someone in your life who’s always been dependable. How much do you cherish that person? Dogs feel the same way about their humans.

Handling Big Changes: Patience and Kindness

Remember, your puppy is navigating a huge life change—new people, new places, new routines, new water, and even new sleeping spots. Give yourselves grace to settle in. Gentle patience and quiet reassurance go a long way toward easing the shock of transition. Be kind and reach out to your pup to help them feel wanted and loved.

The 1000 Times Rule: Teaching Your Puppy to Come When Called

Having your puppy come to you reliably when called is one of the most important skills you can teach—for both everyday ease and your pup’s safety. Imagine if your puppy slips out the door or gets loose: calling them back quickly could save them from injury, traffic, or getting lost. Beyond safety, dogs that respond consistently to their name tend to have stronger, happier relationships with their people. It’s a win-win that just feels good for everyone involved. The 1000 Times Rule is a simple, powerful method to train your dog to come to you reliably for life—way more effective than most obedience classes! The idea is straightforward: from the very start of your relationship, you get your puppy to come to you successfully 1,000 times. It might sound like a lot, but you’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up. How It Works Begin with easy, positive calls your puppy will want to respond to: calling them for dinner, outside for potty breaks, for treats, or playtime. Each successful response counts toward your 1000. As your puppy learns, you gradually increase the challenge—but always keep things positive and rewarding. Be mindful not to call your puppy’s name in negative contexts, like when guests arrive or during corrections. If your pup only hears their name before “no” or “stop,” they may start to ignore it. Instead, create sweet moments where your puppy is excited to come to you. For example, if your puppy is outside running around and you want them to come in, try this: sit on the ground, pick up a leaf or twig, and talk about it aloud for a few seconds. Then call your puppy to come check it out with you. When they do, praise and love them warmly. When you get up to go inside, your pup will often happily follow. What It Takes From You This method requires two things: A positive attitudebelieve that your puppy wants to please you and come when called. Truststay calm and confident, not worried or fearful that your pup won’t respond. Many people say they don’t have time for training, but the truth is that an untrained dog who ignores calls steals much more time and peace of mind than a few seconds of daily practice. The 1000 Times Rule is easy, sweet, and gets faster as your pup builds muscle memory and joy in responding. Make It a Family Affair This rule works best when everyone in the family participates. For example, if there are two parents and two children, that’s a combined 4,000 successful calls over time! Sounds like a lot, but you’re likely calling your pup multiple times a day anyway. Why not make every call a success and build a lifelong habit your dog loves?

Bedtime: Helping Your Puppy Rest, Reset, and Thrive

Your new Royal Frenchel puppy will need plenty of rest—much more than we do! On average, dogs sleep about 16 hours a day. Sleep is essential for your pup’s growth, brain development, and emotional well-being. For this reason, we recommend keeping your schedule calm and home-focused for the first 3 days after bringing your puppy home. This restful environment helps reduce stress, supports potty training, and allows your puppy to settle into new relationships and routines.

Let Your Puppy Learn the Lay of the Land The first days are all about your puppy getting comfortable with their new surroundings. This includes adjusting to new food and water, learning where their cozy dog bed is, and understanding when and where daily routines like eating and bathroom breaks happen. Consistency is key—keeping regular sleep times, meal times, and outdoor potty breaks helps your puppy build confidence and feel secure. (For more on this,

check out our Daily Routine and Housebreaking Made Easy guide.)

Adjusting to Your Family’s Rhythm Your puppy may be used to an 8:00 pm bedtime and a 6:00 am wake-up schedule, but they are flexible and can adapt smoothly to your family’s lifestyle—so long as the changes happen gradually and consistently. Abrupt shifts can confuse them and lead to accidents or whining, so small steps are best. Crate Training: Your Puppy’s Safe Haven Crating your pup until they’re fully housebroken is highly recommended. Far from being a “prison,” a crate is a cozy, secure den—a space your puppy can call their own. It provides structure, safety, and clarity in their day. The crates we use that we recommend are wire crates (20-24 inches, with two doors). They are easy to clean, comfortable, and fit nicely in your home. Once trained, your puppy can sleep comfortably with you but still enjoy retreating to their crate whenever they want quiet time. We suggest keeping your puppy crated for at least one hour a day, five days a week, even after housebreaking. This helps reduce stress during visits to the vet or other times when crating might be necessary. It’s a much easier transition if your puppy is used to their crate ahead of time. Making the Crate Cozy and Welcoming Place the crate near your bed so your puppy doesn’t feel alone during those first nights. Dogs have a developed 6th sense so being close to you, even if they can’t see you is important because they can feel you! Cover it with a breathable cloth to create a snug, den-like atmosphere. Add a hoof or a safe chew treat to help them enjoy, relax and feel content. If your pup cries at night, gently tap the crate’s top and whisper a calm “Nitey Nite.” Avoid extra fuss or loud noises—this helps your puppy learn to settle on their own. If crying persists, quietly take them outside for a quick bathroom break without any play or treats. The goal is to teach your puppy to sleep through the night without needing constant attention. No Nighttime Treats or Games Avoid rewarding nighttime cries with treats or play—this can encourage your puppy to “call you out” for attention, making it harder for everyone to get a good night’s sleep. Remember, your puppy has just left their pack and is experiencing a big environmental and social shift. Be Kind, Yet Firm Puppies, like children, respond best to consistent, loving guidance. If your pup truly needs something, provide it kindly. But if they are pushing boundaries or “testing” you, calmly but firmly maintain the routine. Puppies are smart and will quickly learn what works—so keep your cool, stay consistent, and trust the process.

Nutrition: Fueling Your Royal Frenchel’s Health and Happiness

At Royal Frenchel, we know that quality nutrition is the foundation of a long, healthy, and happy life for your puppy. Over the years, we’ve seen how frequent changes in commercial dog food formulas can impact a dog’s health—often for the worse. After witnessing multiple reformulations by leading brands, I took a deep dive into the pet food industry, uncovering troubling facts about recalls, low-quality ingredients, and the effects these have on dogs’ well-being. Many common dog foods rely on proteins sourced from rendering plants, using animal parts with little regulation or quality control. These low-quality proteins can introduce toxins that contribute to allergies, chronic inflammation, and organ issues in dogs. We believe our pets deserve far better than ending up as byproducts of waste. That’s why we chose to partner with PawTree, a brand committed to transparency, high-quality ingredients, and superior nutrition. I personally visited PawTree’s facilities in Texas and met with their owner and formulator to ensure their processes meet our high standards. PawTree uses single-source proteins and carefully vets every ingredient. Today, every Royal Frenchel in our care thrives on a personalized nutrition plan built around PawTree’s premium food and treats. After reserving your puppy, you’ll have a session with Arturo, our in-house biochemist, who will guide you through your pup’s customized nutrition program, explaining why every ingredient matters for your dog’s health and longevity. Choosing the right food is an act of love—one that matches the care and dedication we put into raising each Royal Frenchel.

Water: The Unsung Hero of Puppy Care

Water might seem simple, but for puppies, it’s a big deal. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell—about 100 times stronger than ours—so the taste and smell of their water matter a lot. At Royal Frenchel, your puppy has been drinking well water, which is very different from city or tap water that often contains chlorine and other chemicals. When your puppy arrives home, this change can be surprising to their sensitive palate and tummy. To help with a smooth transition, consider offering filtered or bottled water. Many families find that investing in a good water filter system or providing bottled water supports your puppy’s comfort and long-term health. Pay attention to your pup’s drinking habits, as water intake affects digestion, energy, and overall wellbeing. Providing fresh, clean water that your puppy enjoys encourages healthy hydration—an essential part of their growth and happiness.

Recognizing Signs of Stress: Protecting Your Puppy’s Well-Being

Your new puppy is experiencing a big life change—new home, new people, new routines—and sometimes that transition can be stressful. It’s important to watch for signs that your pup may be overwhelmed or unwell so you can help them relax and recover quickly. Here are common signs of stress in puppies to watch for: Runny nose Shaking or trembling Lethargy or unusual tiredness Refusing to eat or drink (this is common in Royal Frenchels) Diarrhea If you notice any of these signs, the best thing to do is simplify your puppy’s routine. Reduce exposure to new places, unfamiliar people, and excessive handling. Let your pup settle in familiar surroundings with plenty of quiet time and gentle care right next to you! Yup, you are the best medicine. Snuggling and talking to your pup, enjoying simply play and lots of love will do the trick. If these symptoms don’t improve within two days, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to rule out illness or other health concerns. Remember, puppies can easily become overstimulated. Giving them space and time to adjust is one of the kindest and most effective ways to support their health and happiness.

Vaccinations: Protecting Your Puppy’s Health with Careful Choices

Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your puppy healthy, especially during their first year. We recommend completing the full series of puppy vaccines and boosters within that first year to build strong immunity. However, there is growing discussion about the necessity of yearly booster shots after the initial series. At Royal Frenchel, we do not routinely give annual boosters beyond the first year, as many vets and breeders have observed potential immune system complications from over-vaccination. Each dog and community is unique, so it’s essential to have an open conversation with your veterinarian to decide the best vaccination plan for your puppy, considering local disease risks and your lifestyle. In addition to core vaccines, you’ll want to start heartworm prevention by the end of your puppy’s first year. The rabies vaccine is also required, but we recommend delaying it until your pup is at least 6 months old if possible—unless local regulations or boarding facilities require it sooner. Important: Royal Frenchels have French Bulldog heritage, which means they can be sensitive to some anesthetic medications. Please inform your veterinarian about your puppy’s lineage and have this noted clearly in their medical records. This ensures your vet can choose the safest medications for your pup throughout their life. Vaccination decisions should balance protection with minimizing unnecessary medical interventions. We’re here to help you navigate these choices and support your puppy’s lifelong health.

Spaying & Neutering: Timing for Health and Happiness

We generally recommend neutering males between 5 and 6 months of age, and spaying females around 8 months. Waiting allows your puppy’s hormones to support healthy brain development and physical maturity before surgery. For females, I personally wait past their first heat to allow a full development of their hormones before spaying. Because Royal Frenchels are small, it’s best not to rush surgery or anesthesia. Delaying spay/neuter as much as is safe helps reduce risks and supports your pup’s overall well-being. Every dog is unique, so discuss timing and options with your veterinarian to find what’s best for your puppy.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home: Safety First

Puppies explore their world mostly from about 18 inches off the floor—so think about everything within their reach! Hide or secure electrical cords, plugs, and wires. Keep cleaning supplies out of reach. Remove or secure leather items (puppies love chewing leather!). Watch the spaces under and around furniture—pups love to investigate and can get into trouble. Keep shoes and other tempting objects safely stored. Royal Frenchels aren’t heavy chewers, which makes life a little easier, but having plenty of safe chew toys—like bully sticks and hooves—will keep your puppy happily occupied and protect your belongings.

Training Your Royal Frenchel: Easy and Fun

Royal Frenchels want to please and connect with you. Consistency is key—use a slight pinch on the neck and say “no” to unwanted behavior which is about all you’ll need or you can use a red-top water bottle and say “RED” before a gentle spritz to correct unwanted behavior. If you need tips or help, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’re here to support your training journey. Royal Frenchel puppies are eager to connect with you and learn. Their affectionate nature makes training a joyful experience.

Closing with Love

Bringing home a Royal Frenchel puppy is just the beginning of a lifelong adventure filled with love, laughter, and companionship. With patience, kindness, and consistency, you’re building a strong foundation for a happy, confident dog who will bring joy to your life for years to come. Remember, you’re never alone—we’re here to guide you, answer your questions, and celebrate every milestone along the way. Welcome to the Royal Frenchel family!