It’s so exciting going to collect your new puppy and welcome them to your family. However, it can be daunting for both you and your new pet.
Keep reading for some practical steps to help everyone gel together easily.
Things to take with you when collecting your pet:
- A comfortable dog carrier, appropriate for the size of dog.
- A cosy comfort blanket. Ideally give this to the puppy a couple of days before you bring them home, so that it is familiar to them and you can transfer it into the dog carrier to help them settle in.
- Spare bedding/an incontinence mat as your puppy will not be toilet trained and if they are nervous they may urinate more frequently.
- Food and water.
- A new toy – this could also be good to give them a few days before you bring them home with you.
Getting a Puppy into a Carrier
Your new puppy may be nervous being removed from its mother, siblings and familiar environment.
Try to minimise loud noises and excitement, it may be better not to bring excitable small children to collect the puppy.
Take time to settle the puppy into their carrier.
Don’t handle the puppy too much if it’s nervous, but If the puppy shows signs of distress sit quietly and reassure them
Puppy health
A healthy puppy has a shiny coat and is well covered, not skinny. Check they look happy and healthy; that there is no discharge from their eyes or nose, no black wax in their ears and that they don’t have a cough. Their bottom should be clean.
If the puppy is a pedigree, research potential health problems and ask the breeders for proof that the parents have been tested and are not potential carriers.
Register with a vet and take your puppy for a check-up as soon as possible. If the vet spots any health problems, immediately contact the breeder or charity you got the puppy from.
Feeding your puppy
Puppies are able to leave their mothers from around eight weeks old. Have a discussion with the breeder or charity about what they are usually fed. Continue with the diet they are used to at first, and introduce any new food gradually. Always use food suitable for the puppy’s breed and size. Several small meals are better than fewer large ones. Always make sure fresh water is available. Never give dogs milk. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when feeding, and do not allow your puppy to become fat – obesity is a problem for dogs just as much as for humans.
Read our article on poisoning in dogs – find out which human foods can be poisonous for dogs. Human chocolate can be particularly hazardous for dogs and dark chocolate is especially poisonous as it contains high levels of Theobromine.
Sleeping Arrangements
The best place for your puppy’s bed is likely to be a draught-free corner of the kitchen. Kitchens are usually warm, with washable floors. Teach children to be sensitive to the puppy’s needs; never allow them to drag a tired puppy out of bed to play!
On the first few nights in your home, expect your puppy to whimper, but after the first few nights, the pup should soon start to settle in quite happily. Take your puppy out to the garden to go to the toilet and gently praise when it happens.
Further helpful advice on establishing your pet’s sleeping routine can be found here
Puppy Safety and Legal Requirements
It is essential that your puppy has a collar and tag and is micro-chipped. Micro-chipping, collars and tags are a legal requirement for all dogs and puppies over eight weeks. Remember to regularly check the fit of their collar as puppies grow quickly and you don’t want the collar to become too tight!
Learn to examine your dog from an early stage as when you know what is normal for your pet. This will make it much easier to quickly spot if something is wrong.