Bringing a new puppy home is a thrilling experience, but if you don’t have
everything in place when you welcome him or her to your home, you’ll be
scrambling to get the stuff you need. Here’s a check list of items you may
already have on hand, and a few that you should make sure you get ahead of
time.
An appropriately sized crate
Wire play pen/baby gate. I purchased one on Amazon. Can use to block doorways to rooms you’d like to keep off-limits.
Dog chew toys. A new puppy will chew anything in their path– your
shoes, furniture, and even throw rugs.
Leash and collar a harness for walking. Go slow introducing them. Let
them go at their pace at first. Don’t drag your puppy.
Bitter apple spray. After puppy proofing your home, there may still be a
few items you may would like to spray.
Puppy Food and Bowls. Puppies need to eat 3-4 times a day. Keep fresh
water out. I feed free choice. Stainless steel less bacteria than plastic.
An enzyme cleaner. Even the best trained puppy will have an accident at
some point and should be cleaned as soon as possible. Enzymes will
eliminate odors and will help repeating accident in same place.
Newly weaned puppies should be dewormed. We use Safeguard at 3, 6, 8, 10, & 12 weeks of age. We treat dams at the same time as the puppies. After 6 months, monthly at least a year. Each worming requires 3 days, once a day, or 5 days. For Giardia, once a day for 5 days. Dosage 1 ml per 5 lbs.
1. Give your puppy time to decompress, by starting slowly. You can help your new puppy adjust to new settings, and sometimes that can be exhausting for them. Keep it quiet and cozy while they are adjusting. This can be stressful for them. Puppies sleep a lot. Don’t over stimulate your puppy for a few days. If standoffish just let them check things out for themselves. If they come up to you for attention be as affectionate as what they seem comfortable with. Not all dogs bond immediately with a new owner–don’t take it personally. They’re in a brand-new environment getting used to new sights, smells and sounds. It can be a stressful time for the puppy, so try to make them comfortable as possible by keeping things calm and positive.
2.Give Your Puppy His Own Space
Provide your puppy a comfy bed or a safe spot where they can retreat when they are tired or overwhelmed. They need their time just to chill occasionally, especially with the stress of being in a completely new environment.
3. Be prepared for stomach issues when changing diets. Diarrhea is common from stress or sudden dietary changes, new environment. Ease stress by
going slow and easy the first week giving them time to adjust. Change in water
may be difficult, so you can try bottled water. Stress may cause them to lose their appetite with new environment. It may be a few days before they go back to eating normally. You can always offer a piece of boiled chicken or ham while adjusting. Develop a daily routine. Feed at the same time every day (I give puppies free choice at least 9 months to a year old.)
Let them outside for potty breaks often.
Go on daily walks (Play Time) after all vaccines are given.
Go to bed around same time each night.
Exercise time, cuddle time: They will get into your family routine as it is a learning experience for them. Just give them time. They will be there before you know it.
4. Supervise your new puppy
Have a special safe place for puppy while you are at work. Don’t lock in crate
for more than an hour. Just remember, if introducing to a crate, you must go slow and easy to make it a positive experience for them. Needs to be a relaxing place.
5. House-Training
Develop a schedule for the first couple of weeks; and take to their special place often till you get into a routine.
6. Beware of Escape Attempts
Going outdoors: Keep on a lease if you don’t have a good fenced in yard; so
they do not run away or escape. Never leave unsupervised until you know they
will come when called. Make sure yard is secure cannot dig or jump over. A
leash is their best friend when outside for safety.
7. Don’t Overwhelm Them if They’re Anxious
I know it’s tempting to introduce your new family member to all your friends and family right away by inviting everyone over, but make sure your puppy is comfortable in your family first. Don’t over stimulate with all the excitement. They may become extremely nervous around strangers. May show signs of discomfort; make sure they have a safe place to retreat to.
8. Be Patient with Your New Puppy: Imagine yourself in their (paws) for a moment–surrounded by strangers in a new place where everything is unknown. It’s a bit scary to say the least. May adjust in a few days or take a week or so. Take it slow and easy for them. Give time to settle in and get comfortable with their new home. But before you know it you both will become loving best friends.
How long does it take for vaccine to work?
Vaccines do not stimulate immunity immediately after they are administered.
Once a vaccine is administered, the antigens must be recognized, respond to,
and be remembered by the immune system. In some instances, two or more vaccinations must be given to achieve protection several weeks apart. In general, modified live vaccines and those vaccines administered intranasally provide the fastest protection.
6-8 weeks DHPP
8-12 weeks DHPP
14-16 weeks DHPP
Rabies 12-16 weeks
Boosters Yearly first year, after some every 3 years. Check with your vet.