What to Expect With a New Puppy

A new puppy is an exciting addition to the family. When you first bring your new puppy home, it will take some time for him to acclimate to his new living environment. By taking the steps necessary to prepare for the new family member, you can help ease the transition for both your family and your pet. Knowing what to expect from your new puppy will allow you to safeguard your home, establish a training routine and set boundaries.

  1. Nervous and Anxious

    • When bringing your new puppy home, he will probably be nervous. The motion of the car, in addition to the noise and passing sights, may make him anxious. Puppies often get carsick, so be prepared with towels for cleaning up. For a long ride home, stop for a bathroom break after every 15 minutes in the car.

    Frequent Elimination

    • Puppies relieve themselves frequently. Establish an area in the yard as his designated section. After he goes to the bathroom, offer verbal and physical praise to let him know he did a good job. Puppies have the ability to learn routines rather quickly as long as they are trained consistently. Always walk him over to this area of the yard, and before long he will know to go there on his own when he needs to eliminate.

    Chewing

    • Puppies love to chew, and they will gnaw on just about anything they can find. Be sure to remove any toxic plants or chemicals from the areas your puppy will have access to. Offer your puppy acceptable items to chew on such as puppy bones, chew toys, ropes, etc. Place all of the puppy's toys in a basket or bin, then place the container in a designated area. If your puppy begins chewing on a shoe or some other household item that is not his, remove the item from him and replace it with an item from his basket.

    Frequent Feedings

    • Young puppies need to be fed three to four times per day. Their tiny bellies should not have large amounts of food at one time, so offer small meals spread out throughout the day. Be sure to offer food designed specifically to meet the nutritional needs of a growing puppy. Be sure the puppy has access to fresh water throughout the day as well. Avoid giving your puppy anything to eat or drink after 6 p.m. to eliminate overnight accidents.

    Frequent Napping

    • Your puppy is a baby, and just like his human counterpart, he will require lots of naps throughout the day. Designate a small sleeping area for your puppy. Place his bed or blanket in that spot and guide him there when he is sleepy. If he falls asleep elsewhere, wake him and guide him to his bed.

    Nightime Crying

    • Your puppy will probably cry at night, especially in the beginning. He is used to sleeping with his mother and siblings or other dogs. Reduce crying by allowing him to sleep in your room at night, but not in your bed, which will only lead to later behavioral problems. You may not sleep much the first few nights, but as your puppy gets more comfortable with his new home, he will begin sleeping through the night.

    Playful Biting

    • Puppies bite. This is how they play with the other puppies in their litter. When you bring your puppy home, he will try to use biting as a way to play with you. It is important that you end this behavior before the puppy gets bigger. Gently tell him "no" when he begins to bite. If he continues, do not give him any attention until he stops the biting.