Nothing equals the excitement of anticipating a new puppy! The fun of
bringing a pup home and introducing him to his new family is a very
special experience. What hopes we have for our perfect puppy! He will, of
course, become a well-mannered dog, staying quietly at our side, eager to
follow our every command. Well, it’s a long road from the cuddly puppy to
the mature dog, but with some effort and understanding, it can be traveled
successfully. It all begins with Day One in the new home.
The first few days in a new home can be difficult for both the puppy and
the new owner, because both are trying to adjust to a new situation. After
all, the puppy finds that he has been suddenly taken from his den and
littermates and is expected to immediately accept a new, foreign way of life.
With patience and a sense of humor on the part of the new owner, the first
few days can be a positive experience for humans and puppy.
Preparations
Before the puppy arrives at your home, we assume that you will have
made adequate preparations, such as:
• knowing where the puppy will be kept when you’re absent from home
during the day (backyard, kennel, or a puppy-proof room)
• knowing where you want the puppy to urinate and defecate
• preparing a bed with a blanket or a piece of carpet in it
• having a supply of puppy food on hand, plus separate food and water
bowls
• purchasing a few toys appropriate for the size of your puppy.
You will be much more relaxed if you have thought out these details
before the puppy arrives. And the puppy will be more content knowing he
has his own area and something to cuddle and chew on as he adjusts.
