After bringing new puppy home, the first few weeks will be an exciting time of adjustment and change.
Everyone will want to help care for and play with the new family addition.
With so much excitement can also come a lot of stress on the young pup.
Plan ahead so that your family and your new pet can enjoy a pleasant first meeting and a smooth first month home.
When you bring home a new puppy, you are essentially bringing home another family member.
The puppy will require a lot of care and attention.
You will need to decide your preferred method of house training your puppy as well as where puppy will be sleeping.
If you have young children in your family, educate them on proper dog care.
Any young animal can be fragile, and a puppy is no different.
Teach young ones that just because your puppy is not human, does not mean they can neglect him or her or use rough handling.
Even if a puppy is not physically harmed by careless handling, it can be mentally harmed.
This can lead to fear and possible aggressive reactions later in life.
This can be avoided by keeping your children informed on what care the pup will require and how to handle puppy mishaps properly.
The first week will be a time for adjustment.
Your pup may feel anxiety from separation from his or her wiggling brothers and mother.
This is normal and will fade over time.
During this period, your new canine companions may have trouble sleeping at night.
Utilizing a cage or kennel for your pup to sleep in or spend any time apart in will protect your home and your baby dog from potential dangers.
At night, the cage or kennel can turn into your dog's den.
Consider placing a blanket or towel over the top if it is an open wire crate.
Your dog may still have problems with separation.
Sometimes, placing the crate close to your own bed can help.
If you have a blanket or toy from the breeder, place this item inside the pup's cage.
The scent remaining will comfort him or her.
Remember, it is not always good to make a habit of puppy sleeping in bed with you.
This can lead to leadership issues later on.
Potty training your puppy will most likely be high on your list of priorities.
Get to work right away be always taking your pup to the same spot to relieve himself.
A small pup will need to go very frequently, so be ready to make the journey often.
A new pup should also be taken to the vet for a general examination as well as all vaccinations and deworming.
Even if you are bringing puppy home from a reputable breeder, you should make sure he or she is in good health.
Be patient with your new family member.
There is much to see and do after bringing home new puppy.
Educate your children and any other family members on proper feeding and care.
Also, discuss how to handle any puppy mishaps, such as indoor accidents or possible nipping.
Follow these simple tips and your fuzzy bundle of joy's homecoming will be a memorable one!