Bringing home a new puppy can is a wonderful and exciting experience. However, it can be quite a stressful experience for your new puppy. It’s important to take the time to ensure your home is set and ready for your puppy’s arrival, and that you take the time to introduce your puppy to all members of the household. This will ensure a smooth transition and a happy puppy going forward. Dr Veronica Monaghan, Chief Veterinary Officer at Greencross Vets, has some advice on how to tackle this introductory phase.
“Before you bring a puppy home, make sure you’ve completed the essentials before your new puppy puts a paw through the door,” says Dr Veronica. “Prepare you puppy’ area with bed, food and water bowls; have you puppy-proofed your home?”
Your puppy’s first night at home
“The big day has finally arrived! While it’s an important day for you, it’s an even more important day for your new pet. Your puppy has arrived at their new home, it may take them some time to settle, especially at night time. It’s their first night away from their mother and siblings, after all. Even though it may break your heart, if your new pet whimpers, try to avoid bringing them into your bed as this will create a hard-to-break habit. Get your pet a snuggly toy to keep them company and ask your breeder for a small blanket, toy or rag with the mother dogs scent on it – this will comfort your new puppy.”
How to introduce your puppy to other pets
“While all your pets may become the best of friends soon enough, when you first bring your puppy home you need to ensure their safety. Make sure all cages and aquariums are puppy proofed by securely fastening them and keeping them out of your inquisitive puppy’s reach. In addition, puppies may ingest faeces from your cat’s litter box which is a health concern, so keeping the litter box scrupulously clean is important. You may need to keep them away from this area with a gate.”
Introducing your puppy to your kids
“Before your children meet the new puppy it’s helpful to explain that they need to stay calm and quiet, as jumping or screaming with excitement will frighten the puppy. It might seem difficult, but try letting your puppy approach your kids, not the other way around, as this may prevent them from becoming scared. Make sure you are present until both parties know how to behave appropriately around one another. One of the first lessons for your kids to learn should be how to pick up, hold and pat your new family member. Remember that you should never leave a puppy alone with a child.”
Your puppy and visitors
“Ideally, visitors should be minimised during these first few days so your puppy can get to know the new pack without meeting all their excited friends, as well. Even a grown dog will feel confused when introduced into a new home.”
Dr Veronica’s Tip:
“Put some puppy pads down on the ground in the rooms where the introductions will take place – chances are your puppy will get excited and have a few accidents.”
Creating a routine
“There’ll be lots happening in your puppy’s first few days and it’s highly likely that they’ll feel overwhelmed. We recommend having a routine planned before you bring your puppy home. Keep track of the times you’ll feed them every morning, lunch and dinner. You can then reduce feeding times as they get older.”
“In the short term, you’ll need to keep your pet away from public places and in particular- puppy parks – until they’ve been vaccinated. Once vaccinations are done, we recommend two short walks per day, and be mindful of their growing bones and joints!”
Leaving your puppy home alone
“You’ll need to allocate time to getting your puppy settled in. At some point, they’ll spend time alone, but it’s good to start this process gradually. Even when you are home, leave your puppy alone for very short periods of time so you can monitor the likelihood of separation anxiety.”
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