The First 48 Hours: Welcoming Your New Puppy Home

(Part 7 of our “12 Pups Prancing: A Canine Christmas Countdown” Blog Series)

Yay! You’re about to bring your puppy home! This is a thrilling chapter filled with anticipation, joy, and a dash of nervous excitement. As you open your door to that furry bundle of energy, the first 48 hours become a crucial period of adjustment for both the puppy and their new family. In this blog, we'll navigate the initial moments, offering tips for creating a seamless transition for everyone involved – including young children and existing pets.

Before You Bring Home Your Puppy

Before your puppy's grand entrance, ensure your home is a haven of comfort and safety. Set up a cozy bed, prepare designated eating and potty areas, and puppy-proof your space by removing potential hazards. Refer to our previous blog if you’d like more tips on puppy-proofing your home.

If you have younger children in the home, have conversations with them about appropriately interacting with the puppy ahead of time.  Encouraging young children to form a positive and respectful relationship with their new puppy is a vital step in fostering a harmonious household. Instruct your children to approach the puppy calmly, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that might startle the puppy. Emphasize the importance of soft, gentle touches and show them how to appropriately handle the puppy (always supporting their back end and no pulling on the ears or tail), and allowing the pup to come to them when initiating contact. Instilling these guidelines not only ensures the safety and well-being of both child and puppy but also establishes a foundation for a lifelong companionship filled with joy and mutual respect.

Already have pets in the home? Preparing for a new puppy when you already have other pets at home requires a thoughtful approach to ensure a smooth integration into the existing fur-filled family. Gradual introductions are key; allow your current pets to sniff out the scent of the newcomer before a face-to-face meeting. This can be done by bringing home a scent article with the new puppy’s smell on it, such as a toy or blanket it has cuddled with.

Create neutral territories for initial interactions, minimizing territorial concerns. Observe their interactions closely, rewarding positive behavior and providing ample space for retreat for either pet if needed. Prioritize individual attention to reassure your existing pets that their special place in your heart remains unchanged. Additionally, maintain consistent routines for feeding, playtime, and attention to alleviate stress. Keep in mind that interactions, especially with an older dog, should not be forced. Make sure you put the puppy in a crate or exercise pen from time to time to allow your older dog a break from the puppy.

Transporting Your Puppy Home

Whether you’re picking up your pup 10 minutes from home or 10 hours away in another state, you’ll want to make sure the ride home is as smooth as it can be. You’ll want to have purchased a well-ventilated crate or carrier that can be strapped in by a seatbelt and line the carrier with a soft blanket or towel to create a cozy space.

Plan your route in advance, opting for a direct journey home to minimize travel time. If possible, have a second person accompany you to ensure the puppy's well-being and provide comfort during the ride. Make pit stops for short breaks to allow your puppy to relieve themselves and stretch their legs.

Please, don’t transport your puppy home on your lap! Accidents happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone.

Once At Home

As tempting as it is to throw a confetti parade for your new pup, keep the initial greeting cool, calm, and collected. Allow your puppy to explore their surroundings at their own pace, preferably on a leash, gradually introducing them to different areas of the house.

Introduce your children to the puppy one at a time. Teach them to speak softly and move slowly to create a positive first impression. Supervise interactions closely, emphasizing the importance of gentle petting and respecting the puppy's boundaries. Use neutral territories for the first meetings with existing pets and observe their interactions closely. Be patient; relationships take time to develop.

While your new puppy will undoubtedly bring a burst of energy into your home, they also need ample quiet time to rest and recharge. Provide a cozy and secluded space where your puppy can retreat for undisturbed naps. Just like babies and toddlers, puppies can get cranky if they don’t get their beauty rest.

Keep a close eye on your puppy's health during the first 48 hours. Monitor their eating, drinking, and bathroom habits. If you notice any signs of distress or abnormal behavior, consult your veterinarian promptly. It is recommended you continue feeding them the same diet that was given from where they came from. You can change to a different brand of food, but this must be done gradually to help avoid stomach upset. And go easy on the treats for the same reason!

Establish a consistent routine for your puppy, including feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and rest to create a sense of stability. Gradually introduce your puppy to their crate, making it inviting with treats and toys, using positive reinforcement to associate it with positive experiences. Reinforce good behavior through praise and rewards, fostering a positive association with their environment. Begin gentle training with basic commands and leash introduction, keeping sessions short and enjoyable to build a positive relationship and trust.

The first 48 hours are a period of adjustment for both your puppy and your family. Patience is key as you navigate through the initial challenges and celebrate the small victories. Allow time for bonding and the establishment of a strong, enduring connection.

Want more personalized expert guidance?

If you're getting ready to bring a puppy into the family with young children or existing pets, I invite you to book a 60-minute virtual consultation with me. In this tailored session, I’ll provide you with great tips (and what mistakes to avoid) to keep the home peaceful during this transition.

Email me today (Laura@absoluteangelva.com) to schedule and let's start this exciting adventure together!