Bringing Home Your New Puppy,
by Pat Thorne

By following just a few basic rules your first few days with your new puppy will be easy, calm and enjoyable.  The first 48 hours at home are crucial to a successful, easy transition into their home. 

The first 48 hours at home will be a very stressful time for your puppy, full of unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells.  Making a few simple preparations prior to the arrival of your new puppy will be well worth the effort.  Below are some simple recommendations to help make the transition go as smoothly as possible.

  • Prepare a quiet, private place in which the puppy can retreat to for sleep and rest.  A crate or even just a cardboard box with a blanket will work great.
  • Establish where the "no go" areas in the house will be.  You may want to use baby gates to block off certain areas of your home that you do not want the puppy to have access to while it is being potty trained.
  • The use of baby gates will also help you keep a closer eye on the puppy.  This will teach the puppy that is okay to be alone for short periods of time and not to become anxious.
  • Have the puppy spend the night with at least one member of the family for the first two nights.  This can be done by placing his crate or box next to your bed or the couch in order to maintain physical contact.  This will provide him with physical reassurance while he becomes acclimated to a new environment without the company of his siblings.
  • Try not to make a big fuss when leaving or reuniting with your pup at any time throughout the day and night.  Although he will begin to settle down by the third night, adopting this habit early will be very beneficial for you and your growing companion. 
  • As soon as you arrive home with your puppy take him directly to the designated potty area you have decided on and stay outside with him until he relieves himself.  Give lots of praise and even a small treat once he does.
  • You can allow the puppy to explore its new surroundings in the areas you have established it free to roam.  Also, take this time to show the puppy its crate or box.
  • Be sure to take the puppy outside every hour to go to the bathroom.  You must also take it outside after feeding, playing, or waking up from a nap.

If the puppy has an accident inside, DO NOT make a big production out of it by raising your voice or scolding the puppy in any way.  Simply take the puppy outside and reward him if and when it has gone potty outside.  Be sure to clean the area with an oxy type cleaner to remove any odor.  Punishing a puppy for having an accident will only cause him to be afraid of going to the bathroom in front of you.  This will cause him to run off and go potty in a hidden area of the house and may also make him afraid to go potty in front of you outside as well.  Always make sure you praise your puppy when he goes to the bathroom outside.  Keep in mind that a puppy can only hold their bladder for as many hours as he is months old.  For example, a three month old puppy will be able to hold its bladder for about three hours.

The Importance of Playtime

Playtime is extremely important for your puppy.  This is where a puppy learns its social skills within its "pack" and learns to respect you as its leader.  Do not let your puppy decide when it is playtime and don't engage in tug of war games with him.  Playtime should include games such as fetch and gentle wrestling.  If at anytime  your puppy chews or bites on you just give out a sharp yelp and end the game by walking away.  This is how your dog will learn the strength of its jaws and how to play in a gentle way.  You should make sure that you're the one to end the games and keep the toy.  The puppy should, however, have plenty of other toys around to play with alone when it wants to.  If your puppy tugs on your clothes, the couch or any other item that is off limits remember he is just learning and exploring and it is your job to guide him back to appropriate toys.

Within three days your new puppy should be nicely acclimated to its new home.  By following these simple guidelines you should encounter few upsets.

Written by:
Pat Thorne
K-9 Joy Holistic Dog Training
828-859-6573





                      
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