The first few nights after you bring your puppy home can be a little hectic if you've never had a puppy before. Here are a few tips to make the transition go smoothly.

  • Remember that your puppy is still a baby. He is used to sleeping with his litter mates and will understandably be a little out of his /her element the first few nights
  • Prepare the crate by placing a rug or pad of some sort in it. Then place a layer of puppy pads on top of the rug to protect it, followed by a towel or two on top of the pads. In the morning, if necessary, replace the towel and pads. In a few days, you will be surprised to see that there have not been any accidents overnight.
  • If you are using a wire crate, place a quilt or blanket over the top, back and sides of the crate to make the puppy feel more secure.
  • IMPORTANT: Place the crate within 3 or 4 feet of your bedside so the puppy can see and hear you.
  • Place a large stuffed animal or a rolled up towel in the crate with the puppy so he has something to lay by that may resemble another puppy. Also put a few chew toys in to occupy the puppy when it is not time to get up yet.
  • Remember this is a PROCESS, it will take time and adjustments.

The First Night

Take your puppy out right before you go to sleep.Place the puppy in the crate, turn off the lights, and your puppy should  go to sleep. If your puppy cries, it is ok to talk to them, but avoid  taking them out of the crate.

While there are mixed views on this, my personal advice is NOT to take the puppy out during the night. Normally, a puppy will sleep through the night until about 6 am 3rd night. Then, they will wake up and cry or make a louder noise than just moving around. At this point, immediately take them outside to potty. As soon as that's accomplished, take them right back to their crate and put them back in - they will normally lay back down and sleep for another 2 hours or so.

Select A Veterinarian

Before your puppy comes home, it is important to select a Veterinarian that you feel comfortable with. It is a good idea to call them and ask about their puppy services before making an appointment. Your puppy will have had its first set of shots; however, it is very important to know that your puppy will NoT be immune to Parvo and other potentially fatal diseases until three sets of shots are completed. Follow your Vet's guidelines and instructions carefully. We recommend that you do not take your puppy to any public places where other animals who may not be immunized have been until your puppy has completed all shots.

Socialize Your Puppy

Your puppy will have been well socialized with people, children and other animals; however, it is important to keep that socialization going. Invite friends and relatives over to see your puppy, and take them to other homes if possible. Your puppy should not shy away from new situations. Make sure that you introduce new experiences to your puppy in a safe manner to give your puppy confidence. After all shots have been received, I recommend you take your puppy to puppy classes. Petco® has a wonderful positive training approach, and has puppy classes available. These classes will both help to socialize your puppy and train them at the same time!

 

Potty Training Tips

Take your puppy out to potty frequently. The key is to be patient and consistent, and this won't take long! Consistent Potty Training should take less than 2 weeks.

Take them out every hour or so during the first few days. Take them out by carrying them to the spot you want them to potty. Make sure you take them to a consistent spot so they know why they are out there. Put them down and say "outside" or "potty" or whatever word you are using.

If you are going to use a bell (we recommend PoochieBells), hang the bell by the door and ring it each time you take the puppy out.

As soon as they potty outside, lavish praise on them with as much enthusiasm as you can muster. In addition to their name, use the word that you are going to use for going potty - outside, potty, etc. For example, "Good girl - Gracie! Outside!" You are naming the behavior "outside" and this will come in handy as they grow older and can begin to hold it.

After a few days, you will start to see them circle when they are thinking about going. Immediately whisk them up, say "Outside!" and take them out to do their business. Even if they have already started, or even finished - you should still take them outside and put them down for a few minutes. It is important for them to know that any time they potty, it should have something to do with being outside!

Remember when they eat, it is within a 5-15 minute time frame that they have to use the potty.