Bringing the puppy home

Your new puppy and your home

You've chosen your new puppy, said 'goodbye' to the breeder and the puppy's remaining family, and headed home.

Hopefully, the excitement of anticipation of bringing home your new friend hasn't caused you to forget to make some important preparations. Remember that your puppy is likely to be away from familiar sights, smells and environments for the first time, and this means a very stressful time for him. So, in the days before you bring him home, you should make sure everything is ready, just like you would if you were bringing home a newborn baby.

puppy dog ​​bed

First, it's important to consider where your puppy will sleep. Most puppies prefer an enclosed sleeping area that will act as a refuge if the situation becomes too stressful; So, you may want to consider getting a caged crate to put your bedding in or putting your bedding in a basket. Make sure it's warm, dry, comfortable and draft-free, and don't forget a nice blanket or dog bed to keep your puppy warm. Now, before your puppy decides that he likes sleeping on the couch, you need to decide the best place for him to sleep (After all, it's easier to establish good habits than to change bad habits). A caged dog crate will provide him with the perfect little shelter when his life gets too hectic; You should remember to tell your family not to disturb him when he retreats into his shelter. And you should ensure that his bed is preferably outside your bedroom and far enough away from your bed. Don't be tempted to take your puppy to bed with you when he's young; It will be difficult to break this habit later, and he needs space as much as you do.

Puppy and night

Many puppies have a habit of crying at night, especially during the first week in a new home; Therefore, you can prepare a warmer bed for him where he will feel more comfortable. Try placing a hot water bottle or a pet-safe, cuddly toy in his bed.

Other people in the house

Even if you have other pets in your home, it's important to let your new puppy explore his new environment first. And when introducing him to other pets, you should do this gradually and remember to carefully monitor each stage. When introducing your puppy to children, don't let them get too excited. Warn them and don't let them treat the puppy like a cuddly toy.

Leaving your puppy alone

No puppy, or even any dog, should be left alone for long periods of time. Anxiety can develop in dogs that are left alone for a significant period of time, and these dogs cannot cope with being separated from their owners.

Therefore, you must teach your puppy to tolerate your short-term absence; leave him alone in a room, close the door and walk away. Return after a few minutes, but don't celebrate. Once you've done this a few times, increase the time you're not around to 30 minutes. However, if he develops stress and starts barking, chewing, or scratching at the door, you should reduce the time you are away from him.

Before leaving: Before leaving him alone, take your puppy for a walk or play with him to give him a chance to calm down. And give food shortly before you leave; so it will most likely be applicable. Also leave something for him to chew and keep busy. Some growing puppies will be comforted by familiar sounds; Therefore, you can try leaving the radio on and even a few minutes of your family's conversation recording. However, if your puppy is becoming increasingly anxious about being left alone, even for short periods, please seek advice from your veterinarian.