What to do first few days with puppy?

Question

What should you do with your puppy the first few days (like 1-3) your puppy is home? What about during the first 2 weeks? My family has had a dog before, but i was little then. Now, I'm going to be the primary caretaker for our next dog (which we may be getting withing the next month or two!), and am just curious on what to expect.

I'm getting it when I have nothing to do for 2 weeks =)

Well, I have things to do, but no school. So I won't be with the puppy every waking second, so it doesn't develope seperation anxiety.

Answer 1

The first couple of days should be all about you new pup getting comfortable in his new surroundings. After he's settled for a couple days, housebreaking and preliminary training can begin.

Answer 2

Start with housetraining from day one. You should also start enforcing house rules at the same time. If the pup won't be allowed on furniture don't let it on the furniture ever, pup isn't allowed in this room, never let it go in that room.

Get the pup on a feeding schedule, that will help with housetraining.

Get your puppy used to its crate and put it in there for naps a few a times a day, even if you are home. Put the pup in the crate and go to the store as well while the pup stays home.

You may have a few weeks where you can stay home 24/7 with the puppy, but you don't want to spend every moment of that time with your pup. You need to get him used to the fact that at some point he will be left alone. Start with short times alone and increase the time. If you're pup gets used to the fact that you cant' be with him all the time, you can lessen the chances of his developing seperation anxiety.

The mistake people make is bringing pup home then spending a week or two with the pup, never leaving him alone. When the person finally has to go back to work or school the pup gets confused.

Answer 3

Well, the minute you put your puppy down in your house, it'll want to explore! So, "puppy proof" your home before it arrives. Also, let it explore it's new surroundings, just make sure it doesn't get into any trouble. It may want to be held alot or it may want to be left alone, depending on it's personality. If you don't know what to name it, study its personality and you might find it a name. The fist two weeks will be the best time to show it how to behave, kinda like rules. OH, and during the first few days should be when the puppy makes its self at home! ~GOOD LUCK~

Answer 4

First of all get it when you are going to be home for the entire day for the first few days you bring the puppy home. Ask the breeder about the puppy's schedule. Try to follow the schedule the puppy is already on and make subtle changes that accommodate you. By all means have a crate and put the puppy in it when you are going to be gone or when you are to busy to keep a close eye on it. Make sure when the puppy falls asleep you put it in it's crate as well for the first few weeks (good habit).

Answer 5

There's so much to do when you get a new puppy, and if it's your first (or it's been a while) you'll probably have a ton of questions.

You're doing the right thing by getting your new furbaby when you have a couple of weeks to devote to helping him adjust to his new home and family.

There's a website that is especially for new puppy parents, and is full of FREE advice, tips and information to make your job a whole lot easier! This page will put you on the right track straight away..
http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/new-puppy-care.html

Then check out the rest of the site for everything else you need. Best of luck with your new puppy, have fun!

Answer 6

It's very important to begin to bond with your puppy as soon as you get him. Make him feel safe, secure, and loved unconditionally. The world is brand new to him so he will require extreme patience. Remain calm and speak softly. You wouldn't yell at or punish a newborn baby for going to the potty when/where they shouldn't, or playing with things that are not theirs. Likewise you should never, ever do this to a puppy. He should have a warm, comfortable bed of his own, some chewy toys, and clean bowls to eat and drink from. Always provide him with plenty of fresh, clean water. Putting him on a consistent daily feeding schedule will make housebreaking much easier. Make sure he gets plenty of exercise and is not left alone for long periods of time. Dogs get lonely, too. Above all, cherish him forever as animals are most definitely precious gifts from our Creator.

Answer 7

It takes three or four days for a new puppy to start to feel comfortable with its new surroundings. This is the time to play, snuggle, take outside to potty...say good boy or girl a lot. Use low commands but firm when you start to train. If this is an inside dog start off with pee pad laid out around the house. when it uses them give praise.

Just like a baby....you can't spoil a puppy by loving it to much & holding them. They are part of your family.

Answer 8

Congrats on the new pup.

This is what I say to adopters.

1. Hand feed the dog for the first couple of days. It helps with bonding.

2. Keep the pup on the food that your breeder recommends at first. Do not switch foods quickly. If you want to switch foods, post a sep question and we'll tell you how.

3. First couple of days is for you, your family and the pup. Don't invite the world over to meet her. Let her settle in first.

4. Supervision! Constant Supervision. The pup is always one of the following:

a. with you
b. out going to the potty
c. tethered to you on a leash
d. in a crate

5. Treats consist of tiny bits of the pups food. Nothing else at first. Too much junk isn't good for babies. Plus, you need to get the pup on a schedule.

6. SCHEDULE! Outside, feed, outside, play, outside, crate to sleep, outside, feed, outside, play, etc.... it's very important.

That's the basics. =)

Have fun, take lots of pictures.

Post more questions if you have them. The tethering method is a great training method. Pup can't wander off to get in trouble.

Answer 9

when picking up your new puppy bring a towel with you to rub on the mom so the puppy can be comforted by the smell. I also got my puppy a little stuffed animal that you can heat up to keep him warm. Try and make him as comfortable as possible and give him lots of love!

Answer 10

you should do not forget that canines are very social animals. in my opinion, i have self belief that the mummy can be depressed. some innovations although are a million) examine about getting yet another pup regardless of the particular undeniable actuality that you may not in any respect fairly replace colt. 2) watch the mummy for any signs and indicators of stress. if she unexpectedly stops eating or bathing, call the vet. 3) spend a touch time previous regulation at the same time with her daily and this can help.