The very nature of a first night in a new home will be stressful for the puppy. You should resist the temptation to overload him with affection, play, and attention for the first evening. This can be accomplished by having a pre-designated area for the puppy already set up in your home before his arrival. Placing him in this area when you first arrive home with him will allow him the time to explore and become familiar with the environment.
Some necessary items in this area will be a large amount of newspapers, a water dish, and a place to sleep. A couple of small toys will be good for this area as well, as will a large amount of peace and quiet. These are all the essentials of his new home. It can be a good idea to be nearby to provide confidence to the puppy, but resist too much temptation to interact.
Complete Puppy Care Step 8: Welcoming A Puppy As Part of Your Home
Food Rules
It is wise to withhold the first feeding of your puppy for a couple hours until he has had the chance to fully explore his environment. Remember, he has had a big day – he has experienced a car ride and a new environment and new people. He is young, and all of this change may induce an upset stomach if food is introduced to quickly. A small meal may be offered a few hours into the experience.
Affection Rules
As stated above, limit the immediate amount of affection. There will be years for this later on down the road; he will need that attention and affection then, as well. For the moment, too much affection will confuse him even beyond what he is already experiencing. When it is time for the puppy to meet new people in the family, introduce them one by one. Make sure the affection is gentle and short; leave some space in between family members for the puppy to relax.
A Word About Injuries
Play times during the first few weeks should be kept short; ensure the puppy does not overwhelm or exhaust himself. The time will come soon when he will become a core part of the family, able to play and interact to any extent he wishes. In the immediate space of time, treat him as if he was a human infant – there needs to be ample time to sleep and a safe environment in which to grow.
It Is Easy to be
Overwhelmed
When you first get a puppy and subsequently educating yourself on the care of it, it is easy to become overwhelmed. To avoid this, first remember that your puppy will be able to learn many things on his own. You may not even be aware of when this is happening. To help with this learning process, help him by doing and learning things the right way. This is easier than having to undo errors later on, such as potty training or lead handling.
To avoid the rush of taking too many shortcuts in training at the beginning, remember that your puppy will be with you for the next ten to twenty years; he will be an integral part of your life, your household, and a resident with any visiting friends or family. This is one of the most important reasons to recognize the value of proper training from the start; your efforts will be rewarded when visitors recognize your animal for his great health, good grooming, and perfect manners.
It Is Easy to be Overwhelmed
