Taking puppy home...

I recommend bringing someone who can hold puppy on the ride home. Most likely they will just sit on the passengers lap. Try to keep them cool, they can overheat from stress or body heat. Sometimes they like to sit on the floor at the passengers feet and have cool air on.  In case your puppy might get car sick/motion sick on the way home I suggest bringing a towel, paper towels, plastic bag. Stay calm and clean them up.

 

Once home...

Give puppy about 45 minutes to an hour to settle down once you get home. Take them out in your backyard first to let them have a potty break before introducing them to their new home. Stay away from public sidewalks or areas where other dogs may have walked. Parvo can last up to 6 months in soil and grass. Be careful where you let your new puppy go for the first 16 weeks. Stay out of pet stores, dog parks, baseball/soccer games. It is not worth showing off your new puppy for the risk of them contracting a disease.

 

Keep things calm for the first few hours...

Your puppy has just left all that they have known in life. This can cause anxiety and stress for your puppy, so staying calm can help them adjust to their new surroundings.  If you have young children make sure they understand puppy is a baby, they need to stay calm around the puppy at first. Pay attention to your puppy's body language, if they seem okay with the amount of activity that's fine, but if they seem nervous or sad, slow and calm things down. Each puppy is unique just like human children.Remember a puppy needs lots of naps and quiet time. The crate is a good place for a time out so they can have some down time.

 

Puppy mouthing/nipping...

Puppies use their mouths to explore the world and can be very mouthy at this age. They need to be taught not to use their teeth on skin or at least be gentle.Never allow them to play bite on your hands or clothing. It may not hurt you but if you have children it can be hurtful. Redirect them to one of their toys or stuffed animals. If this doesn't deter them let out a high pitch "Yelp or Ouch" like it really hurt you. There are many books and Youtube videos you can use to help with many training or behavior issues.

 

Feeding your puppy...

I send my puppies home with their feeding schedule. The first few days home they might have a smaller appetite due to stress, no competition from their litter mates or if they are preoccupied by their surroundings. Don't panic if they are not finishing their food the first few days. If they won't eat for 12 hours try adding a little can food to their dry kibble to help entice them to eat. A young puppy's blood sugar can drop fairly fast if they don't eat and this can cause concern.Consistency is key...Feed your puppy the same food at the same time everyday.Don't overfeed your puppy...Growing to fast can cause hip, joint, tendon and ligament problems. Don't forget that treats are calories also.Appetite change...The first few days home, the stress of a new environment, new people, new water (I have well water) can sometimes cause a decreased or lack of appetite, or loose stool. If any of these symptoms last longer then a day contact me or your veterinarian.Feeding time...For the first few days I suggest feeding your puppy in their crate. This not only gives them a positive feeling about the crate, it also reassures that they are eating and not being distracted by other activities going on in the home.Potty time...About 15-30 minutes after eating they will need to go potty. This is not a firm time frame for every puppy, some take more or less time. Watch for signals they need to go out, sniffing around, spinning in a circle or if still in the crate barking or crying.Your main goal the first week is to get them on a strict eating, sleeping, potty schedule. Set it to fit your family schedule, this makes it easier on everyone. While with me they use a litter pan and are fed on my schedule.Getting on a regular new schedule is very important to them and you. That way you learn when they will need potty breaks and nap times.

 

Bedtime in the crate...

This can be one of the biggest challenges of the first few nights. Over the last 37 years that I have been breeding I have heard and tried many different things.I am not going to say any one way is right or wrong, the one thing that puppy needs to learn is that their crate is not punishment it is a place they need to get used to and accept. I crate train the puppies that I keep by placing the crate next to my bed at night. This way they know I am there and if they fuss I can reassure them I am there. If they persist to cry I give them a calm yet firm "NO, QUIET". Being close to you you can hear them if they start to stir or whine in the night because they need to go potty.Remember the crate is their special/safe place, not used for punishment. Most puppies will go in their crates during the day with the door open when they need a time out or nap.

 

Patients, Love, Understanding are the most important things you can give to your puppy. This is all new and scary to them.