05/06/2024
NEW PUPPY OWNERS…….
As puppies head to their new homes I wanted to touch base on a common issue that breeders come across with new owners.
Realistic Expectations:
You see the breeders pictures and videos and the pups are all social. They are quiet in the pen. The breeder shows you videos of them being totally relaxed, happy, playful. All looks amazing and you bring your puppy home.
Then reality hits. The puppy may cry in the crate for the first few nights making you tired and agitated. The happy social puppy is refusing to greet the half dozen overly excited friends you invited over to see your new puppy. Or the overly excited children you have at home. The puppy refuses to walk on a leash. Many are wondering how did my perfect puppy turn into a nightmare.
So let’s discuss realistic expectations of when a puppy goes home. First of all the puppy has been in the breeders home since birth. They had their mother and often littermates. They had their routine, were taught expectations and were completely in their comfort zone.
Now suddenly they are taken to a totally new environment. Different animals, smells, temperature and people. Now in the middle of this we are switching up the routine, decide to have a party with people you don't know, and ask you to do jobs you have no idea about. Overwhelming to say the least.
This is what every puppy goes through when going to their new home. Stress manifests in different forms. From not eating, reluctancy to play and greet people. Being apprehensive at the vet’s office or as strangers reach for them. Diarrhea, vomiting and depression can occur.
So what can you as a new owner do to help your little one acclimate?
- most puppies take 3-4 weeks to acclimate to their new home. Repeat after me THREE to FOUR WEEKS sometimes even Longer! Not a 1-2 days. I can’t stress this enough about how much time is needed for a dog or puppy to feel comfortable in their new home!
- limit guests during the first week. We understand you are excited to show off your new baby but they need time to adjust. Plan on waiting 1-2 weeks before inviting people over or taking puppies out for new adventures until second set of shots!
- ask guest to sit on the ground and let the puppy approach them. No squealing and grabbing the puppy
- set up a good routine THIS IS KEY!
- restrict the puppy to a small area of the house. This not only reduces them being overwhelmed but also allows you to watch them keep them out of harms way and prevent further accidents in the house
- don’t expect a 8-13 week old puppy to walk on a leash. Instead work at home with a leash where they are comfortable. Let them drag the leash, use treats to encourage them to walk with you. Itching at collar is normal.
- if your puppy is refusing to walk give them time.
- understand your puppy needs time to see you as family. Expecting an immediate bond is unrealistic
- train your puppy. This not only helps you to bond but the puppy to look to you for direction and input
-Children are also big stressors to tiny fragile puppies, please keep an eye on puppy at all times when around small children.
- lastly be patient. Don’t declare “omg there’s something wrong with this dog”. Nothing occurs overnight. Allow your new puppy cautiously to explore their new environment.
Remember if the puppy was wonderful at the breeder’s house but now is struggling, you as the owner, need to help the puppy adjust which takes time, patience and training. Have realistic expectations and give the puppy positive experiences. Each puppy is an individual, don’t compare your current puppy to past pets and judge their behavior based on how another dog handled things. Lastly, try to see thing’s from a puppy’s perspective and adjust situations accordingly. Other household pets may also need adjustment time to their new fur sibling. As always I am here for lifetime breeder support to help guide you to a perfect life with your puppy! 🐾 Thanks for choosing us!
