Welcoming a puppy into your home is heartwarming and exceptionally rewarding for any dog lover, and thinking and planning for this day only increases its excitement. However, it’s crucial at this stage to remember that the puppy is stepping into a completely alien world that is different from the one they are used to, which means there's a lot for them to get accustomed to, including new sounds, sights, and smells. In this case, how can you make this transition easier for them?
If you are bringing a puppy in your home for the first time and are concerned about how to ensure that you and the puppy have an easy and smooth journey, don't worry as we have you covered.
1️⃣ Prepping The Home For The Puppy’s Arrival
Preparing your home in advance is quite important, including ticking off everything on your puppy proofing checklist which need to be dealt with before you puppy arrives. Puppies are quite inquisitive and like to check out new surroundings and things which makes it even more important to maximize the steps taken after their arrival.
✔ Remove any small objects that your puppy could put in his mouth.
✔ Remove or hide electrical cords to minimize chewing accidents.
✔ Toxic plants and chemicals foods should be kept away at all times.
✔ Set boundaries for places they are not allowed to go (i.e., stairs, balconies, etc.).
Put Away Bags, Shoes, And Delicate Items - The sharp puppy teeth will find them!
The puppy must be provided with a safe designated area in which to rest. A warm cozy crate or soft bed placed at a quiet corner will make the puppy comfortable in the new environment.
2️⃣ Traveling Home With The Puppy For The First Time
A puppy's first car ride will largely determine how he will feel about travel in the future. Be sure this is a calm and positive experience:
✔ Do use a secure puppy seatbelt or safe crate.
✔ Make sure to put a blanket or towel on the seat to make them feel cozy.
✔ Avoid any sudden movements or loud noises.
✔ Have on hand a small chew treat or toy.
The puppy may not be calm in a car so try to speak gently to him as you drive. If at any point you start whimpering don’t panic that is all a part of the adjustment.
3️⃣ Home Arrival: The First Few Hours Of A Puppy’s Life
You can give your puppy new experiences after you arrive home but do not overwhelm him. Try:
✔ Putting them in their designated potty area immediately. Dogs tend to pee quite often and getting into this habit will be good once they are trained.
✔ Make sure you introduce one room at a time so they do not get overwhelmed. Too many spaces available may cause overwhelming feelings.
✔ Give Them Some Time to Roam: Allowing puppies to take their time can go a long way. Refrain from pressing them to interact and give ample time for observing and sniffing around.
✔ Ensure There is Calmness and Quietness: It is pivotal to be mindful of loud sounds such as shouting, music and visitors. Advanced day-to-day activities should be restricted on the first day.
4️⃣ Meeting the Family
Every member of the household is eager to meet the newest addition to the family, however, you should make sure to cautiously introduce them to each other. A puppy can feel overwhelmed easily.
✔ Get comfortable and have the puppy come to you: They can feel overwhelmed by being crowded. Refrain from forcing them and let them approach you on their own.
✔ Individual family members should engage the puppy separately: Movement and tone should be minimized as much as possible at first so they gets adjusted to it.
✔ For families with children, ensure they respect the puppy’s space: Be attentive, no tail pulling or rough play should be tolerated.
✔ For families with other pets, they should be introduced slowly. Boundaries are crucial at the onset. Longer, unsupervised meetings should not be a norm at first.
5️⃣ Feeding Time: The First Steps
Puppies take food quite seriously. A proper diet will ensure that they stay healthy and helps in their growth.
✔ Abide by the dietary suggestions made by the breeder or the shelter. Big changes will cause discomfort for their stomach.
✔ Unfamiliar surroundings deeply impact puppies so ensure that they feel safe around this quiet area.
✔ Puppies require multiple meals throughout the day, ensure the feeding schedule follows their age.
✔ Check on the water bowl to keep it full.
Do not provide human snacks for the first few days, particularly chocolate, onions, or any dairy products, as they are poisonous to dogs.
6️⃣ The First Night: Settling In
For new puppies, the night can be the most difficult. Letting them loose in an unfamiliar location can cause some to whimper, cry and or/lose sleep.Here’s how to help:
✔ Try to give them an enclosed sleep area which can be a crate.
✔ Keep close a soft toy or blanket to assist.
✔ Put their sleeping location next to yours. This makes them feel secure.
✔ Stop picking them up every time they whimper. It is important to self-soothe.
Prepare to take them out and be patient, puppies will need to pee at night breaks sometimes.
7️⃣ Setting a Routine
Its clear that dogs enjoy routine, so starting one from when an owner first gets them will help them adapt rapidly.
✔ Decide when they will be fed.
✔ Set regular potty break intervals.
✔ Have designate times for play and naps.
✔ Set training commands to be the same. (Examples: “Sit,” “Come,” “Potty”)
Dogs' lives can be secure when they feel more predictable to a certain extent.
8️⃣ Socialization and Training: Start Early
The earlier the socialization and training of your puppy starts, the easier and more enjoyable it will be to raise a happy dog.
✔ Expose them to new sights, sounds, and experiences.
✔ Introduce them to different people and safe environments.
✔ Encourage good behavior through positive reinforcements (treats & praise).
✔ Never scold or punish.Puppies respond best to patience!
In every case, patients need to remember every puppy has a different pace, so as much as consistency is key, flexibility is equally important.
9️⃣ First Vet Visit: Health Comes First
Make an appointment for a vet visit within the first week after you’ve brought your puppy home. The vet will:
✔ Check their overall health.
✔ Give necessary vaccinations.
✔ Discuss deworming and flea prevention.
✔ Guide you on diet and training.
As your puppy is starting its life, this first vet visit is important as it sets them on the right track towards maintaining good health!
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Every Moment!
Puppies are one of the most amazing pets you can have as they bring in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Though more often than not I walked into needless trouble, the love and the joy of seeing a cute little puppy made everything worth the effort.
🐶 Be consistent.
🐶 Be patient.
🐶 Be loving.
By instilling trust and love in your puppy, you will get to enjoy the beginning few precious moments of life together as a family.
Congratulations on entering the world of pet parenthood!🐾💛