Bringing a New Puppy Home

Bringing a new puppy home is one of the most anticipated days. I’d like to address the concerns and questions expressed by new puppy owners. I believe that it is very beneficial to create an environment that will make the transition to the puppy’s new home as easy as possible. I firmly believe that less is better.

Although the puppy you're adopting has recently made the adjustment of being away from its mother, the flight plus a new home is an inherently stressful event. I’d strongly suggest that you take into consideration the following ideas to help your pup transition easily into their new home.

The Ride Home
Don’t be surprised if the new puppy has an accident on the way home and or vomits. The motion of the car and the newness of the surroundings can cause the puppy to get a bit stressed. Bring some paper towels, newspapers, a wet rag and a trash bag if you need to clean-up.

Quiet Time
I firmly believe that one of the best things you can do when bringing a new puppy home is for the first 3-4 days is to keep change at a minimum and the environment as relaxing and quiet as possible. You will have plenty of time for friends and family to see the puppy, a bath, a trip to the vet, a trip in the car or a walk around the neighborhood. I’d also suggest that you turn off the TV, stereo etc. It’s humans that need the distraction not dogs.

Schedules
Try to keep the puppy on the same schedule for playing, feeding, sleeping and potty breaks.

Bedtime
Your new puppy already is use to being in the crate. The crate represents quiet time, relaxing and sleep. Be sure to keep it as a positive experience. It’s a great tool for potty training, providing a peaceful place for your puppy to be while your're away and to sleep at night and nap time. Place the crate in a quiet area. Your puppy may cry for the first night or two. Be prepared to not to respond to their crying. The will soon become accustom to sleeping through the night at their new home. Also try to place a blanket/sheet over the crate. I found that seems to sooth them. Soft bedding with a stuffed toy won’t hurt ether.

Introducing Housebreaking
Housebreaking is one of the most important tasks when bringing home a new puppy. The crate is a great tool for housebreaking. The puppy is already use to being in the crate for the evening and holding it. After the puppy has been in the crate for any length of time take the puppy directly from the crate to the designated potty area and use the same spot and command each time. Go potty. Most puppies make the connection quickly. Your new puppy will make mistakes. Do not punish him just show him what’s expected and they will get it.

Feeding
After bringing a new puppy home be sure to develop a schedule that’s consistent. It’s not unusual to have a puppy not be very interested in food for the first several days in their new homes. Don’t be concerned unless you also see vomiting and diarrhea and or lethargic behavior.

Dog Parks
Do not take your puppy to a pet store, dog park or other areas where there have been other dogs. You expose your new puppy to possible diseases, worms etc. Your new puppy has not had time to develop immunity even if they have received all of their vaccinations. Vaccinations can help but they don’t necessary provide 100% protection from all disease and parasites. Please wait at least until your puppy has had all of their shots before exposing them to environments where there have been lots of dogs.

The Best Benefit of All
Bringing a new puppy home is an exhilarating time. Use those first few days to get to know your new puppy. Watch them, be with them and let them be a puppy. Start to form a relationship based upon mutual trust and respect. Relax, play with them, let go of any agenda and just be with them. You might just find a far more interesting and compelling relation than you had thought possible.


Related Articles
New Puppy Care
Feeding a Puppy
Puppy Proof Your Home
Return From Bringing a New Puppy Home to Home Page