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Helping Your Puppy Settle

Helping Your Puppy Settle

Remember that this is likely to be the first time that your puppy has been away from familiar sights, sounds and smells which means it's a very stressful time for him.  It’s a good idea to ensure that there will be someone around for most of the time in the first few days when you bring your puppy home. Dogs are very social animals and crave company plus being around makes it easier to tackle toilet training. 

Indoor kennels are a good idea. They help puppies feel secure, they can help with house training and it gives the puppy a quiet place to rest in the early days when they need a lot of sleep. Put it in a quiet part of the house, preferably not a bedroom.

Don't be tempted to have your puppy in your bed as it will be hard to break this habit later.

Tell other family members not to disturb the puppy when he retreats to his crate.

 A cosy bed is important for dogs. This should be kept in a quiet, dry, draught-free area. Make sure you choose one that can be cleaned easily and thoroughly.

 A lot of puppies have a habit of crying at night, especially in the first week in a new home.  Making his bed warm and comofotable will help him to settle.  Try putting a hot water bottle under his blanket, or put a cuddly toy in his bed, ensuring that it is one that is safe for pets.  It's best not to mollycoddle’ puppies and try not to run to them if they do cry in the night. 

Decide on house rules and ensure that all family members stick to them.   For example which rooms will the puppy be allowed to go into.  Consistency is important for the puppy to understnad what is and isn't allowed.

Get the puppy into a routine of feeding, play and quiet times as soon as possible and stick to the same routine at the weekends.

Even if you have other pets in the home it's important to let your puppy explore it's new surroundings first. When you do introduce him to other pets, do so gradually and make sure you're around to keep an eye on things.  It can be easier to introduce them in the garden than in the home.  If you have an older dog be aware that the puppy could jump up and annoy an older dog.  If they don't get along initially don't force them to be together.  Keep them in separate rooms and gradually allow them to be together in increasing lengths of time.  Supervise the pets together until you are sure that they are getting along.

When your puppy is introduced to  don't let them get over excited or be tempted to treat him like a toy.  Take it slow and easy so they have positive experiences together every time. Don't encourage young children to pick up a wriggly pup, and never leave children unattended with a puppy

For more information please speak with one of our veterinary nurses.

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