How to Bring Home a New Puppy

On the day you pick up your new puppy, realize it's going to be a major transition for your pup. He's leaving the only life, mom and sense of security he's ever known. This is a traumatic event for the pup and you can make it more fun and positive by being as gentle and supportive as you can.

Prepare your car for the trip. Ideally, have someone who can carry the new pup in a blanket on his or her lap. With two people, one can give the pup physical warmth and the assurance of touch and comfort while the driver can focus on safe driving. Bring a towel as the pup may get car sick. Some puppies will sleep. But most will be confused, so don't be surprised if the pup cries or is wriggly and uncomfortable.

Introduce the new arrival slowly to the house and occupants. Give him or her a safe space that will not be invaded by other pets. Limit the pup's space so he or she gets to explore and feel comfortable a little at a time, gaining confidence. Kitchens are usually good places to keep a pup at first with easy access to outdoors and easy to clean floors. Never leave a young puppy alone with other pets or children until you know it is safe.

X-pens or other confining large pen areas are excellent to use at the beginning. Set up a cozy box or, better, a crate, with a washable towel inside. This will be the puppy's cave. If you can get your puppy to love a crate early in life, you will make future transport, isolation and training much easier for yourself. Give the puppy one good chew toy, water and cover the floor with newspapers.

Let your pup get comfortable in this, his space. Feed a good quality puppy food according to the instructions and always make sure fresh water is available. This is the bonding period so spend lots of time with your pup. The experiences from 6 - 12 weeks old will have a major impact on your pet's personality. Most pups also go through a 'fear' period during this age, so don't be surprised if you pup acts a little worried at times.

Expect your pup will have to defecate about 5 - 10 minutes after each meal and will need to urinate frequently as the little bladder can't hold water very long. Expect to take your pup outside every hour or two when small. Praise him or her whenever the trip is successful and you'll be surprised how quickly your pup can become house trained.

At night you can use a clock in the pup's bed to help simulate the mother's heartbeat for the first few days in your home. Some pups will actually make it through the night without an accident and, albeit many trainers vote against it, I've known plenty of folks who've slept those first few nights in bed with puppy in arms and both pup and owner did just fine. You will find your own way with your new puppy, but hopefully, some of these guidelines will help get you both off to a good start.