Bringing Puppy Home

Bringing home a new pup is exciting but can also be nerve-wracking. We’ve developed an Action Plan to help you through this time.

Whether your dog is coming from a breeder, a shelter, or a foster home, you need to have a good system in place in order to make the transition as seamless as possible.

Have all the tools ready:

  • crate
  • collar/harness
  • leash
  • towel
  • bedding
  • food
  • treats
  • dishes
  • toys
  • training pads (if you plan on using them)
  • baby wipes (for between-baths clean-up and muddy paws)
When you go to pick up your pup, bring with you the first 4 items on the list. Let the pup do his/her business before getting into the car. Ensure that the crate is secured by a seatbelt and that there are towels in the crate to keep the pup from sliding around. (They’re also easier to clean if the pup has car sickness or an accident on the first car-trip.) It’s best if the pup hasn’t had food or water for 30-60 minutes before the car-ride.

When you arrive home, let your new pup discover the surroundings of your home before going inside. Give encouragement to do his/her business before going in. Reward this with a tiny treat and lots of praise. When you enter the home, walk in first and let the dog follow on a leash. Walk around the home, letting him/her investigate these new surroundings while controlled on a leash. Don’t allow anything that you disapprove of, even if it’s cute; you want to start off on the right paw rather than change things up in a couple of days, creating confusion.

Once you have toured the home, remove the leash and show your new pup his/her new sleeping quarters - put him/her in the crate and leave the door open. Now, watch and enjoy! It will take some time, but they adjust very quickly if we are clear, confident and consistent.

Take some time to get used to each other - have a set schedule for eating, walking, playing - stick to it! Once you’re feeling a little more settled, give us a call; you’re ready for Puppy Basics!