Puppy New Arrival

Bringing a new puppy home can be overwhelming for a young clog, so how you collect him and treat him in the first 24 hours in your house is crucial to ensuring that he perceives you and his strange, new surroundings in a good light. Aim to make your puppy’s first hours and days with you as calm as possible.

Timing

If you work, arrange to pick up your puppy when you have a couple of days off to help him settle in. Avoid bringing a new puppy into your life if you are in the throes of moving house, are expecting a baby, are ill or if things are tense for some reason.

Car Travel

Transport the puppy in a travel crate for everyone's safety. Drive carefully, braking and taking corners gradually and smoothly. Ensure there is enough cool air flow in the car and avoid traveling in the heat of the day.

On Arrival

Take him to the garden or yard first to let him toilet if needed, praising him if he 'performs', then show him his quiet 'den' area (the crate can double as this) inside, which is where he should be able to rest and escape to in peace. Let him investigate, without over-fussing him. Ensure he has fresh water available and put food treats and toys in your puppy’s den to confirm that it’s a good place to be.

First Steps

Giving your puppy an activity toy to play with will help keep him occupied and happy, taking his mind off the unfamiliar sounds, smells and surroundings. Try to stick to his usual feed times, and take him outside to toilet afterwards e he'll soon become toilet-trained.

Quiet Time

Puppies sleep a lot, so it's essential to let him do so undisturbed when he wants and not to overexcite him or tire him out with lots of fuss and visitors in his first few days.

Bedtime

He may whine for the first couple of nights because he's missing his mother and siblings, but he'll gradually get used to being on his own. It may help settle a distressed puppy to have him in your bedroom - in a puppy pen or travel crate - for the first few nights, gradually moving him further away. Be prepared to have to get up in the night to let him out to toilet while you follow this procedure.

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