Bringing home a new puppy is super exciting! But, the first few days with your new puppy may be challenging. Your puppy will need time to acclimate to his/her new home environment. Your puppy has been taken away from everything that he or she has ever known. Your puppy may whine in the playpen and you may have some sleepless nights. The good news is it will pass. Your puppy will acclimate. Just remain patient while your puppy adapts to his/her new surroundings.
Below are some tips that may help the first few days go more smoothly.
- Take your puppy potty in the desired location as soon as you get home.
- Gradually introduce your new puppy to family members. Remember, your puppy may take time to acclimate. It’s best to go slow.
- Be cautious when introducing your puppy to your other house pets. Puppies are jumpy! Read the blog post I wrote on how to safely introduce two dogs to each other if you want specific tips for success. Not all pets are comfortable with a jumpy puppy. Your pets will need time to become used to one another.
- You may want to attach a leash to a harness when your puppy is out of the playpen for safety and control.
- Your puppy may not be very hungry the first day or two. He or she may not eat a full meal at each sitting. Until your puppy is eating well, I recommend feeding frequently and leaving dry kibble out all day.
- Offer your puppy plenty of praise and treats to start building a positive bond.
- If your puppy is refusing kibble the first few days offer a fresh or canned option. If you don’t have any fresh or canned food options available, soak kibble in water for a couple of hours. puppies usually find soaked kibble very palatable. Or, grind up some freeze-dried chicken hearts or liver treats and sprinkle it onto their kibble.
- Book your vet appointments ahead if possible. Veterinarians often book out months in advance. Puppies need booster shots every 3 to 4 weeks until the puppy vaccination series is complete.
- When you take your puppy for puppy vaccinations, remember all 4 paws off the floor! I cover the exam table and scale with a throw-away potty pad after wiping everything down with a disinfectant wipe. Also, make sure staff washes their hands before handling your puppy. First thing in the morning appointments are helpful. I use a puppy stroller with a detachable base to transport my dogs to the vet. Some of the stroller options even clip to the seatbelt.
- Ask your breeder to send your puppy home with a blanket or toy with Mom and the littermates’ scent to help with anxiety. Snuggle puppies are a great purchase for calming as well.
- A Kong, a safe puppy chew, a puppy puzzle, a lick mat, or a snuffle mat are great tools for keeping your puppy busy while in the playpen.
- I advise filtered water for your puppy. We have reverse osmosis in our home. I feel it helps prevent tear staining as well.
- Puppies can sometimes get loose stools from stress. Canned PLAIN pumpkin can be helpful. Avoid feeding table scraps.
- Remember, a tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy. Play with your puppy often! Your puppy needs exercise. Short exercise sessions will help your puppy remain calm in the playpen.
- I recommend purchasing a playpen to serve as your puppy’s living space until potty training is well underway. This is a safe place for your puppy to stay when you’re not able to supervise. I prefer the playpen set up to the crate because it gives the puppies more room to play and move around. If you’re worried about your flooring. You can place a large piece of Linoleum or Garage grip flooring under the playpen. The flooring options can be found at Home Depot. They typically have inexpensive remnant linoleum rolls in the flooring section.
- Your puppy is teething. Be patient and offer a chew toy as an alternative if your puppy tries to chew on your hand. Wet frozen washcloths help as well.
- If you are going to use an artificial turf potty pad or paper pad in the playpen I recommend that you purchase a potty tray system that holds everything in place. Your puppy will chew up the paper pad underneath if it isn’t secure.
- I recommend bathing your puppy every 4-6 weeks. Bathing too often can dry out the skin. I love the TropicClean line.
- I clean the puppy living quarters with nontoxic floor products such as Method, Seventh Generation, Simple Green, etc.
- Whenever you walk up to the puppy playpen to greet your puppy stand as far away from the potty and food area. Your puppy will rush over to see you and may accidentally step in the food or water bowl or step on poop.
- When you walk up to the playpen remain still and avoid petting your puppy until he or she is calmly sitting. Then offer praise and or a reward. I try not to pet the puppies until they’re sitting calmly.
- I do the same thing with feeding. I stand calmly with the food bowl or treat. I wait patiently until the puppies are sitting quietly. Then I offer the food.
- Remember to always reward positive behavior and redirect negative behavior when possible!
