How to Take a New Dog Home

Bringing your new puppy home can be an exciting, yet stressful experience. It is important to be well informed of your puppy's needs ahead of time in order to ensure that this transitional period goes smoothly for both the owner and the pet. Make sure that your house has been puppy proofed and that you have all necessary equipment readily available prior to introducing a new dog into your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Three towels
  • Plastic bag
  • Two empty plastic jugs
  • Food and water dishes
  • Dog Bed
  • Dog Crate
  • Dog Food (hard and soft)
  • Dog Toys
  • Newspaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare you home for the puppy's arrival. Be sure to purchase all necessary equipment and food. Make sure that your home has been "puppy proofed" before you pick your new dog up from the breeder. Puppy proof your home by setting up an area for the dog to live. This should include preparing the crate, bed, food bowls, and laying newspaper down in case the new dog has an accident. Set up gates in the yard if the puppy will be outside. Additionally, be sure that any small toys or objects have been picked up as these items could cause the new dog to choke.

    • 2

      Bring three towels with you when you pick up the puppy. One should be kept damp in a plastic bag. These towels will be useful in case the dog has an accident during the car ride home.

    • 3

      Fill two gallon jugs with water from the breeder's house when you go to pick up your new dog. Later on, this water should be put in your puppy's bowl. Familiar tasting water will calm the puppy as well as reduce the chance of stomach problems during the dog's first few days in your home.

    • 4

      Wrap the puppy in a blanket or towel before getting in the car. Someone other than the driver should firmly hold the dog in their lap during this first trip. Do not let the dog move freely around the vehicle. Cuddle your puppy and offer as much reassurance as possible during the car ride home. Do not put them in their crate during this initial trip. Be sure that the air conditioning is kept on low and that the windows are not open. Keep noise levels at a minimum as not to frighten the dog.

    • 5

      Bring the puppy into a dim, quiet room within your home. Show the dog its food and water dishes and introduce it to its bed and create. Allow the puppy to explore its surroundings, but be sure that someone is with the dog at all times.