Pick-up Day & Going Home

One of the most exciting days in all of life is picking up your puppy and bringing her/him home! Between weeks 7 and 8 puppies go home with their forever families. Here are a few tips for making that transition successful.

Picking up your puppy

When you come to pick up your puppy, be aware of these things...

• Comfort Blanket. Please get one to us pronto! This blanket resides with the momma for a few nights, so the smells of momma linger in the blanket. The familiar smell will help the puppy adjust to a new home, minimize anxiety, and lessen whining. Put it in your pup's crate at home (and don't wash it for a long time). Could be a hand towel, t-shirt, or small blanket.

• Bring the whole family. The puppy will bond well with those who pick her/him up. Might as well make it a family affair.

• Puppy Packet. Remember to get your puppy packet from the breeders. It will have all the essential information for your puppy, how to register, plus a few tips on feeding, etc.

• The ride home. The ride home may be scary for the puppy. It is not uncommon for her/him to have an accident or vomit on the way. So, it may be helpful to bring towels and cleaning supplies (paper towels, cleaner, deodorizer). On the way home have someone hold the puppy firmly with a towel or place the puppy in a travel crate.

• Go straight home. It may be tempting to make a stop to visit other family or friends, but your puppy needs to be settled in its new home as soon as possible.
  

First things at home

Once you are home, take a few hours to be with your puppy to help her/him adjust to the new home.

• Essential areas. First thing upon arrival... take your puppy outside to potty, calmly walking the puppy around the designated potty area. Then introduce her/him to the new bedding, feeding area, etc. Don't force anything.

• Keep calm and puppy on. Making it a calming experience will help your puppy feel settled more quickly. Minimize loud noises that might startle, and keep voices at a low volume. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your puppy will be.

• Let your puppy explore. Exploring the house without any distractions will help your puppy adjust. Puppy may run around and play, or she/he may go under furniture to hide. Don't worry about it, and don't force her/him to do something uncomfortable. Just be close and patient. And of course, take him/her out every now and then (usually every 20 mins) to go potty.

• Other pets. If there are other pets in the house, don't be quick to introduce them. Keep them separated for a time (perhaps a few days), and do some research on how best to make those introductions. Make this first day and first few hours about your new puppy.

• Continue the breeder's rhythm. Sleep... outside to potty... feed (if time)... play. Do this and your puppy will be quickly potty trained. Just a warning... the first few days human parents may not get much sleep, as the puppy's bladder is still developing. They will need to go potty in the middle of the night for a time.

Other things to consider

• Time off? These first few days are significant for the long-term relationship of you and your puppy. We highly recommend taking a few days off to help your puppy adjust, learn to trust its human owners, and begin learning the rules of the house.

• Start training NOW. Yes, it seems early, but it is essential. Short spurts of fun, interactive training will pay off dividends in the long run. Sit, stay, come, and no are the basic commands every dog needs to know early and will provide for a solid foundation of learning later. Name recognition exercises and walking on leash will be essential during this time as well.