Welcoming a new puppy to your family is very exciting! Bringing your new pup home for the first time is always a big moment and it’s important to ensure that you’re ready to welcome them – both on the journey back, and when you’re home. Choosing a name for your dog is the easy part!
No matter how thrilled you are to collect your puppy, keep in mind that everything will be a new experience for them and they may find it a bit daunting. If your new pup is looking wide-eyed and nervous, there are a few steps you can take to comfort and help your puppy settle in.
If you're able to meet your puppy a few times before collecting them, see if you can leave behind an old t-shirt, towel or other clothing with them and their mother dog for a while. This will help your puppy become familiar with your scent, and combined with the scent from their mother and siblings, can be a comfort when you bring your pup (and the item) home. Be sure to keep the shirt or cloth with your pup during the journey home and throughout their first night or 2 with you. This is a great way to ease your pup into their new home and help them adjust to their new environment.
Just as you would if driving children, check that your car is safe for a puppy. You don’t want them to be in harm's way, or distract you while you’re driving. A good way to keep your pup safe on the ride home is to place them in a small crate filled with bedding and blankets.
Of course, you may be able to ask a friend to join you and hold the pup in the car on the way home – who would say no to that much cuteness!? Just make sure that you’re safe to do this as some countries have strict regulations on pet transportation. Be sure to bring towels or paper in case your puppy is travel sick or has an accident. Puppy-safe toys are also a great thing to bring if you have a longer journey ahead. An ADAPTIL Junior collar will also help to soothe and reassure your new puppy. Fit the collar on your pup right away to provide them with constant comfort during the journey.
If you have a long journey home, make sure you allow your puppy some breaks on your travels. They’ll need some fresh air, a toilet stop and a bit of comfort and attention! The best times for breaks are when your pet is awake – if they’re sleeping, then it’s best to let them snooze and enjoy the journey peacefully. Bring along some towels and newspaper for accidents as puppies need the toilet regularly and can get car sick. If you can, try to collect your pup early in the day so you have lots of time at home to be with your puppy, reassure them and help them adjust before bedtime.
In these first few days, you should try and make sure that your puppy is not left alone; this may mean you need to take time off work or adapt your schedule. If you have any children in the household or visiting, then be sure to explain to them how to act around your puppy and supervise them at all times. It can all be very exciting, but try to keep everyone (and your pup!) fairly calm to make settling in easy!
After a little bit of time together, you’ll soon notice that nap time is a very important puppy activity! Always stay close by to your pup, even when they’re sleeping, and comfort them when they come to you. Lastly, don’t forget that other key puppy priority – play! Your puppy will need lots of love and affection, so be sure to spend time playing and bonding with your pup!
It’s time to puppy-proof your house! Be wary of anything that they might chew and consider creating a puppy-safe area where your pup can stay while they get used to their surroundings. If you have an outdoor space, you should also make sure that any fences and gates are secure. Getting your puppy micro-chipped by the veterinarian is a good idea. You can also attach a tag to their collar with their name, your phone number and address on it, in case they wander off.
A lead and collar may be useful when collecting your puppy and introducing them to their new home; show them the areas around the house that you want them to get used to, especially their bed, food and drink bowls, and other areas where they’ll spend time.
Your puppy will take a little while to settle into their new surroundings. Providing them with safe toys, puzzles and chews can help keep them occupied and make them less likely to feel homesick. Set up a crate or safe haven area for your pup so that they have space to relax if they need. Fill their puppy den with bedding and big comfy blankets to help them feel secure. This should be an area that they can retreat to for some quiet time, so try and leave them alone while they are in there.
Preparing for your puppy is an important step and can help them feel at home faster. An ADAPTIL Junior Collar can support your puppy through adoption and beyond, providing them with constant comfort as well as encouraging faster learning. Once you've got everything ready for your puppy you can focus on enjoying being with them, and your friendship will blossom!