Behavior Tips : First Night with Your New Puppy

Bringing home a puppy is a huge event in the life of your entire household. Be sure to fully prepare your home before you actually bring home the puppy so that your pooch is can be absolutely at home in his new home. Think of puppy proofing your home similar to baby proofing your home. Take time to remove any breakable items from low shelves or tables.

Also, you will want to remove any potential temptations from out of your pup’s reach. For example, consider relocating that shoe rack to a place where the puppy does not have access or is above his reach. Taking the extra time to prepare your home will save both you and your puppy from all potential headaches at a later date.

Shop around before you bring home your puppy to purchase all necessary items that your pup will need. Remember to buy things appropriate for your puppy's age and size when you are buying items like toys, leashes, and collars. All too often, eager owners purchase toys that are suitable for fully grown dogs, but are far too large or heavy for their young pups. Additionally, if you decide to crate train your puppy, you may want to purchase a smaller crate and later trade it in for a larger size that will fit your fully grown dog. A crate too large may be too scary for your puppy, since dogs are animals that enjoy close, tunnel like spaces. Also, do not forget to purchase food and water bowls so that your puppy can immediately become used to eating dinner in a specific place in your home.

Although it may be tempting to throw a party so that all your friends and family members can meet your new puppy, beware of scaring the puppy by introducing him to too many people at one time. Avoid a great deal of commotion when you bring your puppy home and limit the number of people present.

Allow your puppy to become used to you and your home before you begin introducing additional people into his lives. Additionally, if you have children in your household, instruct them to give the puppy plenty of space during his first few days and especially avoid pulling on the pup or dragging the pooch around the house. Although the dog in question may have an excellent temperament, your pup may feel the need to defend himself against these strangers and lash out.

On your puppy’s first night in his new home, consider creating a relaxed atmosphere. Avoid any loud noises on the television or stereo that can scare an already uneasy pup. Allow your puppy to investigate his new surroundings, but be sure to keep an eye on him in case he finds himself in trouble. You will want to limit your puppy’s free run of the house to a few rooms.

Most new pet owners choose to limit the puppy’s free run to a room with easily cleaned flooring in case of an accident, such as a kitchen or laundry room. Avoid allowing a puppy to roam underneath a garage or in an outbuilding that may contain chemicals or other items that can be poisonous to dogs. Also watch your puppy around the plants either in your home or in your yard. Many plants are poisonous to dogs when ingested, so you may want to ensure your puppy does not choose to chew on any of these dangerous plants.

Your puppy’s first night at home can be stressful for him, so allow certain leeway when dealing with your pooch. Many puppies enjoy a warm hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or blanket to comfort them when they are missing the warmth from fellow litter mates.

You may want to sleep in a place near your dog so that you can be there in case the wee pup has any problems adjusting to his new life. Unless you plan on allowing your dog to share your bed, avoid letting your pup sleep in your space on his first nights.