How to best welcome a Puppy into the home

Having a new puppy is a very exciting time for the whole family. But it is worth remembering how daunting and frightening it can be for the dog. Puppies tend to leave their mothers when they are around 8 or 9 weeks old, and move from that love and support into the complete unknown.

With this in mind, it is important that your new dog is both welcomed and settled into your home as smoothly as possible. Here are a few hints and tips that could make this easier.

Give them a dedicated space in your home

Giving your new pet a dedicated space where they can sleep, complete with a comfy dog bed, will be a big comfort to your new animal, especially in those early days. The Orvis Inc has a fantastic array of dog beds that are warm and comfortable and should allow your dog to have time to relax and sleep. A chew resistant option is a good idea for a puppy for obvious reasons.

This space could also be where the dogs toys are kept, very young puppies love a cuddly toy to both play with and snuggle up to, but look for ones that have no removable eyes or noses as these can prove dangerous. Keep the toys to one or two, this helps them to grow an attachment to it.

Give them some time and space to explore

It is very tempting to keep picking that ultra cute puppy up every few minutes, but in order for them to settle, they need time to explore their new home and become familiar with their surroundings. This is even more important for a nervous puppy, they will grow in confidence as they become familiar in their new space.

Set some routines

Setting some daytime routines early on will allow your new dog to acclimatise and settle. Have regular mealtimes, and walk times, and make sure you have a constant supply of fresh water.

Remember, it can take your puppy around three weeks to become settled in their new home, so don’t worry if it doesn’t happen overnight. Time and patience is of the essence in this scenario, but once settled, you should have a lovely, happy pet for many years to come.

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