- Bringing home your puppy
- Your new puppy may not be excited about going home with you. You’re taking him away from his family and all he’s ever known, which can make for a stressful situation. But, with a little preparation, you can ease his mind and set the tone of your friendship from your first car ride together. Do not play your music to load.
- Before you pick him up:
- Before you pick him up If you make a few arrangements before bringing home a new puppy, you’ll be free to focus on what he needs to feel comfortable.
Plan to bring puppy home during a vacation or long
- weekend.
Proper introductions, socialization, and house training take time You should spend at least two or three days with a new puppy to get him settled in and set a foundation for training. Try to avoid bringing home a puppy during the holidays when guests and festivities make it difficult to give your pup the attention he needs.
Plan to bring puppy home during a vacation or long
Ask a friend To come along:
You can have your friend drive while you occupy yourself with your new puppy. It’s also good to have a second person listen to any instructions the breeder has for you. You could miss something in the excitement.
Write down questions:
You’ll probably have questions for the breeder when you pick up your puppy, including advice on feeding schedules and general care. Keep a list and take it with you so you don’t forget anything important.
Ask the breeder not to feed puppy the day you bring him home
It’s a common practice that can prevent carsickness, but you should ask in case your breeder forgets.
At the breeders:
Make a morning appointment and show up early
You should spend ten or fifteen minutes playing with your puppy to introduce yourself and let some of the enthusiasm wear off. This is particularly important if the breeder has chosen him for you or you've never met the pup.
Make a morning appointment and show up early
You should spend ten or fifteen minutes playing with your puppy to introduce yourself and let some of the enthusiasm wear off. This is particularly important if the breeder has chosen him for you or you've never met the pup.
Collect all the necessary paperwork:
There should be an adoption contract and veterinary records. Don’t forget the dog registration papers for purebred puppies and any other documentation the breeder promised.
Request a few days worth of puppy food:
Sudden dietary changes can upset your puppy’s stomach or cause him to lose his appetite. You can use the sample to ease his transition to whatever diet you've chosen. Also, if you forget to buy puppy food before bringing him home, this will save you a trip to the store.
The car ride home:
If this is the puppy’s first trip in a car, the strange sights,
sounds, and smells can be frightening. Take some time to let your new puppy get his bearings before you head for home.
Cover your lap and upholstery with a towel or sheet
Even after you’ve taken every precaution, puppies can get carsick
so be prepared.
Keep the car ride quiet and relaxed do not play your music load.
If your puppy whines or cries, don’t punish him or be overly affectionate. The later will only reinforce the behavior. Pet him softly andlet the situation diffuse itself. If your puppy gets too noisy or unruly, set him in the floor at your feet. This area is den-like and the vibrations from the road may soothe him.
For longer trips, stop for bathroom breaks and stretching.
Remember to keep your puppy away from areas frequented by other
dogs. Until he’s been vaccinated, your puppy is susceptible to numerous
diseases. If you plan to bring your puppy home in a crate, have the breeder introduce him to it a few days before you pick him up.
Bringing home a puppy doesn't have to be a traumatic experience
for him. A little preparation can make him feel welcome. Learn how to introduce a new puppy to your house after you arrive.
If this is the puppy’s first trip in a car, the strange sights,
sounds, and smells can be frightening. Take some time to let your new puppy get his bearings before you head for home.
Even after you’ve taken every precaution, puppies can get carsick
so be prepared.
Keep the car ride quiet and relaxed do not play your music load.
If your puppy whines or cries, don’t punish him or be overly affectionate. The later will only reinforce the behavior. Pet him softly andlet the situation diffuse itself. If your puppy gets too noisy or unruly, set him in the floor at your feet. This area is den-like and the vibrations from the road may soothe him.
For longer trips, stop for bathroom breaks and stretching.
Remember to keep your puppy away from areas frequented by other
dogs. Until he’s been vaccinated, your puppy is susceptible to numerous
diseases. If you plan to bring your puppy home in a crate, have the breeder introduce him to it a few days before you pick him up.
Bringing home a puppy doesn't have to be a traumatic experience
for him. A little preparation can make him feel welcome. Learn how to introduce a new puppy to your house after you arrive.
Introducing a puppy to your home:
Once you've survived the car ride from the breeder it’s time to introduce your puppy to his new surroundings. Try to keep visitors or abrupt changes in the environment to a minimum until your puppy is settled in. You want to make your home as relaxed and stress-free as
possible.
Start training on arrival Initial introductions are the perfect time to start building habits for house training and obedience training. The first few days will offer lots of opportunities to praise good behavior and establish you as pack leader. One of the most important things to remember is do not punish your puppy. It’s too soon to discipline for any behavior. Your puppy has no idea what you expect of him and punishing him will only create confusion and stress.
As soon as you bring puppy home, take him to the area you've
established for bathroom breaks. He’ll probably need to go after the car ride. If he does eliminate, praise him to start the house training process on a good note.
When you bring your puppy indoors, let him explore on his own for
awhile. If you've taken the time to puppy proof your home, he should be safe but keep an eye out. If your puppy gets into something he shouldn't or chews on an object that’s off-limits, don’t punish him. Simply exchange the object for something you've designated as chew-able, such as a rawhide or nylon bone.
Whenever your puppy focuses his attention on you, either by looking up at you or following you, say his name cheerfully. This connects his name to paying attention to you and marks you as pack leader, which is extremely important for obedience
training.
possible.
Start training on arrival Initial introductions are the perfect time to start building habits for house training and obedience training. The first few days will offer lots of opportunities to praise good behavior and establish you as pack leader. One of the most important things to remember is do not punish your puppy. It’s too soon to discipline for any behavior. Your puppy has no idea what you expect of him and punishing him will only create confusion and stress.
As soon as you bring puppy home, take him to the area you've
established for bathroom breaks. He’ll probably need to go after the car ride. If he does eliminate, praise him to start the house training process on a good note.
When you bring your puppy indoors, let him explore on his own for
awhile. If you've taken the time to puppy proof your home, he should be safe but keep an eye out. If your puppy gets into something he shouldn't or chews on an object that’s off-limits, don’t punish him. Simply exchange the object for something you've designated as chew-able, such as a rawhide or nylon bone.
Whenever your puppy focuses his attention on you, either by looking up at you or following you, say his name cheerfully. This connects his name to paying attention to you and marks you as pack leader, which is extremely important for obedience
training.
Puppies, food, and potty breaks:
A few hours after introducing your puppy to the house, he should be hungry. Offer him food, preferably the same type used by the breeder. When he’s finished eating, head straight to the potty area and wait for him to eliminate. If nothing happens in ten minutes or so, take him back inside. If he does go, give him lots of praise.
Most puppies 8-16 weeks old need 3 to 4 meals a day and plenty of
clean drinking water. Some dog breeds need more meals while some need less. Cut off all eating and drinking after six o’clock to make sure your puppy doesn't need to go out after bedtime.
clean drinking water. Some dog breeds need more meals while some need less. Cut off all eating and drinking after six o’clock to make sure your puppy doesn't need to go out after bedtime.