Bringing your puppy home

The following content is from our very own puppy training handbook - "Puppy Pathways" by Mayleigh Manners

Bringing your new puppy home is an exciting milestone, but it’s important to be well-prepared to ensure a smooth transition.

Collecting your puppy from the breeder

Your breeder should provide:

A sample of the food that your puppy has been eating.
All of your puppy’s paperwork, including vet papers with information about their vaccinations and worming schedule (breeders should also provide pedigree papers and copies of the dam and sire’s health testing results).
Detailed information on how to raise your puppy and, ideally, a diet sheet.
Some breeders may provide necessities like a collar and lead and appropriate toys.
Breeders may also provide a blanket with mum’s scent on it to help comfort your puppy.
The contract of sale.
Microchip transfer of ownership form.
Some breeders will sign you up with 1-2 months of free pet insurance.

The Journey Home

For the car ride, bring an appropriately sized crate to keep your puppy safe and secure. A crate also provides them with a sense of comfort during the journey. Pack essentials such as fresh towels, food, water, wet wipes and poop bags, especially if the trip will be long.

Setting Up Your Puppy’s Space

Before your puppy arrives, have a safe and designated area prepared for them. Puppy-proof your home by using baby gates, exercise pens, and crates. Think of it like preparing for a crawling baby — you wouldn’t leave them to roam freely without supervision or safety measures.

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so be sure to remove potential hazards such as blind cords, power cords, children’s toys, socks, and shoes. Provide a safe space where your puppy can play, rest, and relax without risk.

A great setup includes a wire crate connected to an exercise pen. This space can hold your puppy’s toys, bowls, bed, and, if needed, a toileting area for when you’re away. Letting your puppy roam the house all day is impractical and unsafe, can encourage separation anxiety, and to practice undesirable behaviours.

Teaching Independence

Puppies need to learn that it’s okay to be on their own. Encourage this by having structured play and interaction throughout the day, balanced with plenty of naps in their crate or pen. Puppies are babies; just like human infants, they need a great deal of rest! This approach also helps them develop an “off switch” and practice impulse control.

Handling and Interaction

For the first few days, avoid constantly picking up your puppy, no matter how cute they are. Instead, allow them to sniff, explore, and build confidence in their new environment. If you have young children, teach them to sit on the floor when interacting with the puppy to avoid accidents or injuries.

Settling In

Although you might be eager to show off your puppy, it’s best to let them adjust to their new home for the first few days. This period is essential for helping them feel secure and to begin bonding with their new family. The first week can be overwhelming for a puppy, so take it slow.

After the first week, it’s integral to enrol in a puppy school and start introducing your pup to safe and controlled environments. For more details, refer to the chapter on socialisation.

With preparation, patience, and love, your puppy will quickly settle into their new life as a cherished member of the family!