How to Cheer Up My New Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy is a big adjustment for you and the puppy. By providing a low-key transition to your home and intentionally bonding with her, you will cheer her up by making her feel loved and welcome. Putting out the extra effort now will go a long way toward establishing a pleasurable long-term relationship with your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Treats
  • Toys
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Instructions

  1. Settling In

    • 1

      Keep visitors to a minimum for the first few days. This is your puppy̵7;s first time away from her littermates and she needs time to adjust to this big change.

    • 2

      Give your new puppy supervised time spent exploring her new home. Puppies explore their world with their mouth; if she starts chewing on something, gently remove it from her mouth and exchange it for a puppy bone.

    • 3

      Show your new pet where her food and water is. After she eats or drinks, take her to the bathroom area to start establishing a routine. Praise her when she eliminates.

    • 4

      Settle her into a comfortably padded crate or cage every evening. Once your puppy adjusts to her new digs, she̵7;ll look forward to tucking into her safe and protected den every evening.

    Bonding

    • 5

      Be the leader of the pack. Dogs are pack animals and a small puppy is cheered by having a pack leader to provide direction and protection. Use a firm voice and be consistent, patient and repetitious in teaching her the routines she̵7;s expected to follow. Resist the urge to yell at her when she makes a mistake; she̵7;ll only be confused.

    • 6

      Play games with your puppy ̵1; you̵7;ll establish a strong connection that will help her to feel safe and happy in your home. Some games puppies enjoy include tug-o-war, finding a treat or toy you̵7;ve hidden, and follow the leader.

    • 7

      Exercise your puppy. Puppies are happier when they̵7;re active.