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Puppy Care (Part 2)
Arriving Home
Upon arriving home take pup into the back garden so it can relieve itself. This may take a while, so be watchful as it investigates the new surroundings!
If you already have another dog, it’s important to introduce them in the garden and not in the house. The aim is for them to meet on neutral territory. We recommend the other dog is on a lead so that the introduction can be carefully controlled and supervised.
Pup will need a little peace and quiet when you go indoors and take it to its bed (or basket). It’s important for the pup to learn that this is its own space where it can rest and not be disturbed, especially by young children who must be told that a pup needs plenty of rest as it develops into a strong, healthy adult dog. Loud noises such as clapping and shouting will be quite frightening as will being grabbed and petted by strangers.
Some pups will adapt to the new home and start exploring very quickly, others will need more time – possibly a day or two. If this is the case be patient and don’t make a big deal about it.
The First Night
Before bed time, take pup out into the garden play for a little while and to go to the loo. The aim is to give him or her a chance to make it through the night!
Put pup to bed for the night, with a familiar toy and the piece of vet bed we gave you – as these will have familiar scents on them. Another helpful thing to do is to leave a radio on low, just to break the silence. With a bit of luck, after a tiring first day, pup will soon settle down.
Holly settled into bed – quite a big one for her to grow into! The blanket can be arranged to give her a cosy corner to curl up into.
Quite probably, pup will start whimpering and crying as he or she will be missing the familiarity of home. The crying could go on for quite a while. If this is the case, please be patient and resist the urge to go and reassure him. Doing so will simply reward the unwanted behaviour and teach pup that “if I cry a human will come and cuddle me.”
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