26/12/2024
PSA
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
With so many families welcoming new puppies, it's important to provide some guidance on what to realistically expect when bringing your new furry friend home.
A common source of unrealistic expectations comes from watching puppies interact with their breeders, littermates, or other dogs in videos or photos shared online. In those familiar environments, puppies appear happy, social, and confident. They’re shown playing, cuddling, and resting calmly—giving the impression that this behavior will seamlessly continue when they arrive at your home.
However, when you bring your puppy home, things might look very different.
Your puppy may cry in their crate for the first few nights, leaving you exhausted and frustrated. The social, happy puppy you saw might shy away from you, your family, or the excited friends who came to meet them. They may resist walking on a leash or struggle with house training, leading some to wonder if something is wrong with their "perfect" puppy.
It’s crucial to understand what your puppy is experiencing. They’ve been in a familiar environment since birth, surrounded by their mother, littermates, and the breeder’s family. They had a routine, felt safe, and were in their comfort zone. Now, suddenly, they’re in a completely new environment with unfamiliar people and surroundings. Imagine being taken from everything you’ve ever known and placed somewhere entirely foreign.
This experience can be overwhelming for any puppy. Stress can show up in various ways—such as not eating, being reluctant to play, hiding, or displaying fear-based behaviors like cowering, barking, or growling when approached by strangers. Your puppy might also sleep more than usual, seem withdrawn, or even experience physical symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting.
So, how can you help your puppy adjust?
- **Give it time**: Puppies typically need 3-4 weeks to acclimate to their new home. It’s a process that requires patience, and it won’t happen overnight.
- **Limit visitors**: While you might be eager to introduce your new puppy to friends and family, it’s best to limit visitors during the first week. Consider waiting 1-2 weeks before having guests over—or even longer until your puppy is fully vaccinated.
- **Allow the puppy to approach**: When guests or family members interact with your puppy, have them sit on the ground and let the puppy approach at their own pace. Avoid loud noises, sudden movements, or reaching out to grab the puppy, as this can cause them to retreat.
- **Establish a routine**: From the moment your puppy comes home, start setting a consistent routine. This helps them feel secure and understand what to expect each day.
- **Keep the space small**: Initially, limit your puppy to a small area of your home. This will prevent them from feeling overwhelmed and make housebreaking easier while keeping them out of trouble.
- **Ease into leash training**: Don’t expect a young puppy to master walking on a leash right away. Start by practicing at home, where they feel comfortable. Let them drag the leash and use treats to encourage them to follow you.
- **Take it slow outside**: If your puppy hesitates to walk off your property, understand that this is normal. Their first outings might be slow as they take in their new surroundings. And remember, don’t take your puppy out in public until they are fully vaccinated.
- **Bonding takes time**: Understand that your puppy needs time to see you as family. An immediate bond isn’t realistic, so give them time to build trust and connection.
- **Train together**: Training your puppy is not just about obedience; it’s a key part of building your relationship. Training together helps your puppy learn to look to you for guidance and creates a stronger bond.
- **Be patient**: If your puppy isn’t adjusting as quickly as you’d hoped, don’t assume something is wrong. Realize that this is a gradual process that takes time, patience, and understanding. Plan outings at a pace your puppy can handle, and don’t overwhelm them with too much too soon.
If your puppy seemed perfect at the breeder’s home but now appears to be struggling, remember that this is a normal part of the transition. It will take time, patience, and gentle guidance to help them feel comfortable in their new environment. Provide positive reinforcement and don’t push your puppy into situations they aren’t ready for.
Finally, remember that every puppy is unique. Avoid comparing your new puppy to past pets, and try to see the world from their perspective. With time and patience, you’ll both enjoy the process of getting to know each other and building a lasting bond.
Sincerely,
Brushy Creek Mini Aussies