| Bringing home a new puppy is a big step -- no, | | | | Amidst all the excitement, don't forget to give |
| make that a huge step. Your puppy is coming | | | | your new puppy fresh water and food. |
| home for the first time! | | | | Remember, she has probably not eaten all day! |
| The Car Ride Home | | | | Also remember to keep taking your puppy out at |
| Hopefully you are going to be bringing home a | | | | frequent intervals for her toileting needs. |
| new puppy from a rescue, shelter or breeder | | | | Your puppy will be very excited about the new |
| that is driving distance. Remember that usually the | | | | surroundings. She will want to explore and sniff |
| puppy is not fed in the morning on the day she is | | | | around everywhere. As long as she has done her |
| going to her new home. This is to make her first | | | | business before coming into the house, and as |
| car-ride less accident-prone. | | | | long as you have puppy-proofed, you should be |
| I would still recommend that you take a blanket, | | | | fine. Make sure to follow her everywhere, and |
| paper towels, and cleaning solution as accidents do | | | | watch closely. No matter how much you have |
| happen! When bringing home a new puppy in the | | | | puppy-proofed beforehand, your puppy will |
| car, she may get car-sick and vomit -- it's her | | | | assuredly be able to find ways to get into trouble! |
| very first car ride (of thousands to come)! | | | | Unwinding And Settling Down |
| It's a good idea to have at least two people to go | | | | After the initial excitement of showing the puppy |
| pick up the new puppy. That way, when bringing | | | | her home and new family, all of a sudden it hits |
| puppy home, one of you can drive, while the | | | | you -- this puppy is home to stay 24/7! She |
| other can focus on her. I think it's ideal to sit in | | | | doesn't understand anything, not even her name! |
| the backseat with the blanket on your lap, and | | | | She is darting around frenetically, and is trying to |
| the puppy on the blanket. I definitely think this is | | | | chew and eat everything in sight. She may have |
| the most optimal way to bring your puppy home | | | | even had an accident or two. All your earlier |
| (better than putting the puppy in a crate or in the | | | | puppy-proofing efforts seem like they made no |
| back of an SUV, etc.). The puppy feels much | | | | difference at all. WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE |
| more secure and comfortable this way. | | | | YOU GOING TO DO WITH THIS PUPPY? |
| Upon Arriving Home | | | | Breathe! You are going to be just fine. Before you |
| As soon as you get home, take the puppy | | | | know it, it will be like your new puppy has always |
| directly to the toileting area that you have | | | | been with you. In the meanwhile, just remember |
| pre-decided. Start getting her used to her daily | | | | that although she does not comprehend words, |
| routine. Use a particular word (such as "Get Busy", | | | | your puppy does understand more than you think. |
| "Go Potty"). You will use this word consistently to | | | | She can read expressions and understand tone |
| toilet-train her. Be patient and give her plenty of | | | | inflections. The doors of communication are indeed |
| time -- hopefully the puppy will need to relieve | | | | open -- use these to communicate effectively |
| herself, and you will have your first toilet training | | | | with her. With patience and consistency you will |
| success! Be sure to praise the puppy heartily! | | | | see that very soon she will learn the words as |
| Then take your new puppy into the house. Have | | | | well. Thankfully, most puppies are incredibly smart. |
| her meet members of the immediate family. | | | | Congratulations! Your first day after bringing home |
| Other than that, please keep the number of | | | | a new puppy is done. And what a success it has |
| people she meets to a minimum. Give your new | | | | been! |
| baby a chance to become familiar with her family | | | | But what about the first night? To read about |
| and her new home first before being inundated | | | | dealing with the puppy on the very first night, |
| with visitors. | | | | please go to Golden Retriever Magic. |