It's an exciting time for everyone in the family when a new puppy comes home, but for the puppy, it is a huge change too. Having been taken out of the security of their mother and littermates, the journey can be extremely stressful. Being a pet owner, it is important your new puppy feels safe, comfortable, and loved in their new home. Good preparation before they arrive and ongoing care will make them settle in quickly and establish a strong connection with their new family.
Preparation Before Bringing Your Puppy Home
Getting your new puppy to feel like home begins long before. It's a good idea to get all of these items in advance before they come so that you don't endure the misery of last-minute shopping. Puppies require more paraphernalia than mature dogs, such as food, toys, and training equipment. By researching what dog food, breed-specific toys, and other paraphernalia are suitable before they come, you can ensure that you're appropriately geared up to provide your puppy with the best possible start in their new home.
Also, making your home puppy-proof is a priority. Unlike adult dogs, puppies are curious and not aware of danger such as electrical sockets or boundaries. Make sure you remove any danger, and place safety features such as fences and security gates. You should also hide anything that they might want to chew on, such as shoes, wires, or household things.
Creating a Safe Space
Every dog requires a place where they feel safe and relaxed without being disturbed. The place may be a crate, a bed, or a room, depending on your choice and the available space. Kitchens are a common option because they are convenient to clean and are close to food and water.
Once the space is set up, it’s important to show your puppy where it is. A soft bed and a few toys will make it a welcoming spot. Over time, your puppy will naturally gravitate to this area, and it will become their safe retreat. For added comfort, consider using pheromones like Adaptil, which mimic the calming scents released by a puppy's mother, helping them feel more at ease.
Socialization from Day One
The most important thing from the time you take your puppy home is socialization. Bringing another member of your family with you when you go for the puppy is a good plan so that they can get instant positive exposure to the puppy getting socialized. A puppy may find a car ride in a crate scary, so being talked to or held while taking the ride will calm them down.
Once you arrive home, take some time to introduce the puppy to their new surroundings. Introduce them to their own territory and allow them to explore it as they please. It is also important other members of the household spend some quality time with the puppy in a calm, friendly manner to establish healthy relationships from the start. Socialization is the key to good behavior, so dote on your puppy so that they get settled in.
Introducing Other Pets
If you already have other pets, then getting them to meet the new puppy should be done carefully. The case is most particularly if you already have a large dog or a cat. Do not place them together immediately, rather make them used to each other's odor. Exchanging their scents is one effective method. This is achieved by rubbing a towel over both animals and placing the towels in the environment of the other pet.
With the new puppies, place the towels with the scent in their bed or crate so they learn to identify the smell with something warm and safe. Gradually acclimate them to interacting at a gate or behind a door prior to meeting face-to-face. With patience and positive reinforcement, the time should take to teach the animals to live harmoniously with each other.
Start Training Immediately
New puppies will typically not have been formally trained and will not yet have learned commands or housebreaking. Therefore, it is important to begin training when you bring them home. House train by taking the puppy outside at regular intervals, especially after meals, naps, or play. By establishing a routine, your puppy will learn to associate the right behaviors with particular areas.
Training has to be patiently carried out since puppies can be difficult to train. With positive attitude and persistent effort, your puppy will learn. The early you start training your puppy, the easier it will be for your puppy to adapt and follow the rules of the house. Through soft guiding and reinforcing methods, you will promote a good relationship of trust between you and your new pet.
Conclusion
By doing this, you will be able to make your new puppy feel safe, loved, and home since the day he or she comes in. Preparing well, socialization, and training from the start will allow your puppy to settle and develop into a polite and cheerful companion. The early days and weeks are crucial in laying the foundation for a solid relationship and a great life together. With patience and regularity in the long run, your new pet will become an integral part of the family
