Bringing Your Puppy Home

A puppy crate or big open cardboard box with an old blanket is great to take them home in. The ideal time to bring a puppy home is when he is about 8 to 10 weeks of age. This is the period when a puppy learns the most.

Their first day in a new place will be most exciting for them, they will experience new smells, a car ride, new people and strange places. Collect your puppy early in the day so they have time to ‘suss out’ their new home before going to bed on their own.

Keep calm and quiet, don’t let them get over-excited or over-tired and allow the puppy to look around at their own pace. Show the puppy their water bowl and their bed and have newspaper in the spot where you want them to relieve themselves.

Have you considered the needs of your other pets? Do not change the habits or routine of an existing pet when you bring a new puppy home. They might feel a bit jealous, especially as the new puppy will need constant attention and, of course, three or four meals each day.

Give them time to acquaint themselves, the first meeting is best done outside rather than inside the house, as there is more space for both to feel comfortable or to escape if the going gets tough. Supervise the introduction and only let them play for short periods at a time, you don’t want either of them to get over-excited or hurt. You can gradually increase the time they spend playing together until they settle down, but you must always be near to supervise them.

Whether the puppy is to live in the house or in the yard, they need an area to call their own. Two spots are ideal, one inside and one outside and a good supply of blankets and bedding will be necessary.

Have you asked the breeder what food to buy, so your puppy can eat what they’re used to? A change of diet usually causes diarrhoea, so if you change the puppy’s basic food, do it gradually.

In addition to food and bedding, they will need food and water bowls, a collar, lead and brush. A daily brush not only keeps the coat in good condition but is part of the socialising and bonding process.

A small, light collar and a light lead are essential in the early weeks to facilitate lead training. As the puppy grows, a heavier collar and/or lead and additional grooming equipment will probably be necessary.

Take them to the same spot each time and praise them for a ‘job well done’! When inside have plenty of newspaper near their bed or in the room in which the puppy will be sleeping. Do not scold the puppy if they have an accident. Most puppies will not soil their bed and are usually quick to learn that outside is the correct place to go. After a few weeks most puppies will be house-trained.

Your puppy will probably take a few days to settle down at night as the puppy will miss their mother and litter-mates and is sure to cry, howl or bark when left alone. If you go to the puppy once during the night, they will howl again every time you leave them. A toy to cuddle up with or a ticking clock may well be appreciated and help the puppy settle.

In the first few weeks, you must give the puppy your constant attention. You can teach them some basic commands, like ‘sit’ and ‘come’ or play ball to teach them to ‘fetch’. Always be patient with the puppy, give them plenty of reassurance, praise and cuddles.

If you do not have plans for future breeding, desexing is recommended.

• Are your premises secure?
• Do you have living and sleeping areas ready?
• Have you purchased food and equipment?
• Is the whole family happy about your new acquisition?
• Have you considered other pets in the family?
• Are you prepared to put in the time, effort and a few sleep-disturbed nights?