How to make your puppy’s first night at home easier

The idea of getting a new puppy is exhilarating, and the build-up to the moment you purchase the little critter is filled with excitement. Holding your new puppy in your arms for the first time is the best feeling in the world, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility and stress. The first night your puppy is at its new home can be very daunting, as this is when the initial tone and habits are formed, so it’s important to be prepared.

There are many things to consider, such as what will the new puppy eat, where will they sleep, how to train them to interact with guests, what do you do if your fur baby keeps whining, and you really want to give them all of the attention in the world. That article can help with a few tips to make your puppy’s first night at home a little easier.

Setting a routine

The most important thing to do with your new puppy is to set a routine as quickly as possible. As soon as you arrive home with your puppy, take it to their designed toilet area as this will immediately let them know where they will be going in the future. It’s also an excellent idea to get your puppy a training crate; if you’re stuck choosing a crate, Petz.co.uk reviews dog crates and other dog-related products on their website. Try to make the crate as comfortable as possible and add a hot water bottle to mimic the effect of sleeping beside their mothers’ warm body. Crates are useful since they prevent your puppy from entering too many rooms by themselves, which can add to their stress and confusion and help establish their toilet routines. Keep your puppy in the crate for about 2 hours at a time, then take them out to do their business and allow them to explore 1-2 rooms at a time for 15 minutes before putting them back. You should do this at night, too, and remember to set alarms to take them out.

A good amount of attention

The first and only thing you probably want to do is give your puppy all of the attention you possibly can. It is important to remember, though, that your puppy has just left its mother and is only about 2 months old. They’ve been taken away from security and a familiar environment by someone they don’t know and have been placed in an unfamiliar environment. That’s why you should warn your family, if you live with them or if they come over, that they should not overly fuss over the new pup. This is a tip you should follow too. All of this attention is with good intent, but it is very stressful for your new puppy. 

Prepare for your new puppy

When of the best things you can do for your new puppy, prepare for their arrival, not just the immediate stuff like food and a bed. All dog breeds are different, and as such, they require different things, so do research about the dog you want to get. For example, Yorkies are extremely adaptable dogs, and skipping a walk or two could be forgiven, but at the same time, they are easily prone to developing separation anxiety. Whippets, on the other hand, require at least 1 hour of exercise per day, and due to having a strong prey drive, it’s recommended to keep them on a leash and walk them in an enclosed area.

Being a pet owner requires almost the same amount of work that being a parent does. The first 24 hours are significant for setting the tone with your new puppy and will shape their personality going into the future. Make sure to set a routine for your puppy as quickly as possible and try not to add undue stress. The most important thing a responsible dog owner can do is become knowledgeable about their dog to meet their needs. However, more important than that is to have fun. You now have a friend for life, so go ahead and make some memories.

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