The DRIVE HOME:
Most of the families that are picking up their puppy have an hour or more to drive home. Because it is a rather long drive I recommend that you bring someone with you who can hold the puppy with a towel under him/her. The reason for this, is that the puppies have had a limited experience riding in cars. The rumbling and vibrations of the automobile are very new to the puppies. When we took the litter to the veterinary, they traveled in their own familiar crate with the familiar smells and bedding....but still they cried all the way there and back. The motion of the vehicle was so disconcerting to them. If you are able to hold your puppy for the ride home then he or she will at least not feel separation anxiety. Your presence will be a great comfort with the unfamiliar motion of the vehicle. If your puppy is sleeping or quiet and then starts to whine, it may be that he or she needs to use the potty. If it is convenient to stop, then it would be good for you to do that. If traffic prevents you from pulling over you will be happy you at least brought a towel along!At Home:
When you get home, bring your puppy to his or her new crate and stay with her for a little while as she gets use to the new smells. Be sure to put her carpet square, and puppy blanket into her crate/or bed. The familiar smells of the litter will be a HUGE comfort to your puppy when he wants to relax and sleep. Do not wash your puppy blanket for at least a week. Make sure your puppy is very comfortable with the smells of his new home first.Separation Anxiety:
When you leave your puppy alone for the first time, be prepared for a lot of whining and crying. This is quite natural and to be expected. Puppies commonly cry when they are separated from their litter mates. You will be your puppies new litter, and it will take several days for your puppy to accept that you cannot always be with him. If possible limit your time away from your puppy for the first several weeks. Try to keep time away to a minimum. At night time, put your puppies crate next to your bed and you and your puppy will sleep much better. NOTE: You might be tempted to sleep with your puppy. Please note that most dog experts advice AGAINST this.STRESS:
For the first few days your puppy will be under stress being in his new environment. Watch your puppy carefully for signs of illness especially at this time. If your puppy refuses to eat his food you might have some GERBER Toddler Lil Sticks on hand. These little chicken sticks have- 70mg Omega-3 fatty acids
- No preservatives, nitrites or articicial flavors
Avoiding Accidents:
Do not give your puppy free run of your house until you feel confident that your puppy is familiar with the location of the litter box, and you are able to read the signs that he needs to potty. Sniffing and circling are a clear sign that a puppy needs to potty. While your puppy begins to enjoy more and more freedom, it is advisable to keep him or her on a leash so that you can prevent an accident. Remember....preventing bad habits is the best way to ensure good habits!Always supervise your puppy when he explores your home for the first several months. Make sure he cannot chew on any cords, or houseplants, or small objects. Remember your puppy will be teething and will be going through a chewing stage. Provide safe chewing options at all time, and keep your puppy and your possessions safe. Above all do not be beguiled by a cute puppy that chews on a shoe or runs off with your sock. Cute as it may be now....it will not be cute down the road, when your valuable possessions are at constant risk.
Finally, just use common sense with your puppy. Protect him like you would protect a toddler. He or she has a lot of mobility and can get himself into a lot of trouble if you don't look out for them. Just remember that he will quickly outgrow his puppy stage, and the time you give him now will pay off in a well trained companion very soon.
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