Introducing Your Puppy

Now, it is finally time to bring your new puppy home. This is a very important event in your puppy's life, after all this is the first time she will meet her new family. It is understandable that you and your family will be very excited about this occasion, but it is also important to keep this event as low key as possible so that you do not overwhelm or scare your new puppy. She is likely to be scared already from the sudden change of surroundings, car ride, and the fact that this is the first time she has been away from her mother and siblings.

It is important not to let too many people approach her at once. Start introducing her to each person individually by talking to her with soft soothing words and gentle petting. Let her get to know each person individually and give them some time to start their bond. After the introductions are finished, put your puppy down and let her explore her new home. Be sure you keep a very close eye on her during her little adventure as puppies are very curious creatures and love to get into things. It is very important to teach them right from wrong as early as possible and this first adventure is a great starting point.

After all of this excitement it is likely that your new puppy will be ready for a nap. Puppies require a lot of sleep for the first several months as they are still growing. Try putting her in her new crate to sleep. It is important for her to get used to her new crate after all this will be her new ‘bedroom‘. It is important to build a comfort and understanding about the crate with your puppy. She needs to feel safe to enter and exit her crate on her own. A properly crate-trained puppy will enjoy going into their crate when they want to rest or just be alone for a few minutes. Crates should not be used as a form of punishment or used to scare the puppy that will severely hamper your chances of crate-training her. Have no fear there will be more about crate training discussed in a future article.

After her little nap, try bringing out some of those wonderful toys you bought her and let her play! This is another good opportunity for bonding with her as well as teaching her what objects are her toys and which ones are not (i.e.: shoes, clothes, furniture, etc). Puppies are very playful and should thoroughly enjoy playing with you and her new toys.
By now it getting late and soon bedtime will be approaching and the next new adventure will begin, your puppy's first night away from her mother.