Bringing home a new puppy

The Car Ride Homehas probably not eaten all day! Also remember to
I hope you are going to be bringing home a newkeep taking your puppy out at frequent intervals for
puppy from a rescue, shelter or breeder that isher toileting needs. Your puppy will be very excited
driving distance. Remember that usually the puppy isabout the new surroundings. She will want to explore
not fed in the morning on the day she is going to herand sniff around everywhere. As long as she has
new home. This is to make her first car-ride lessdone her business before coming into the house, and
accident-prone. However, I would still recommendas long as you have puppy-proofed, you should be
that you take a blanket, paper towels, and cleaningfine. Make sure to follow her everywhere, and watch
solution as accidents do happen! When bringing homeclosely. No matter how much you have
a new puppy in the car, she may get car-sick andpuppy-proofed beforehand, your puppy will assuredly
vomit -- it's her very first car ride (of thousands tobe able to find ways to get into trouble!
come)!
It's a good idea to have at least two people to goUnwinding And Settling Down
pick up the new puppy. That way, when bringingAfter the initial excitement of showing the puppy her
puppy home, one of you can drive, while the otherhome and new family, all of a sudden it hits you --
can focus on her. I think it's ideal to sit in thethis puppy is home to stay 24/7! She doesn't
backseat with the blanket on your lap, and the puppyunderstand anything, not even her name! She is
on the blanket. I definitely think this is the mostdarting around frenetically, and is trying to chew and
optimal way to bring your puppy home (better thaneat everything in sight. She may have even had an
putting the puppy in a crate or in the back of anaccident or two. All your earlier puppy-proofing
SUV, etc.). The puppy feels much more secure andefforts seem like they made no difference at all.
comfortable this way.WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU GOING TO DO
Upon Arriving HomeWITH THIS PUPPY?
As soon as you get home, take the puppy directlyBreathe! You are going to be just fine. Before you
to the toileting area that you have pre-decided. Startknow it, it will be like your new puppy has always
getting her used to her daily routine. Use a particularbeen with you. In the meanwhile, just remember that
word (such as "Get Busy", "Go Potty"). You will usealthough she does not comprehend words, your
this word consistently to toilet-train her. Be patientpuppy does understand more than you think. She can
and give her plenty of time -- hopefully the puppy willread expressions and understand tone/inflections. The
need to relieve herself, and you will have your firstdoors of communication are indeed open -- use these
toilet training success! Be sure to praise the puppyto communicate effectively with her. With patience
heartily!and consistency you will see that very soon she will
Then take your new puppy into the house. Have herlearn the words as well. Thankfully, most puppies are
meet members of the immediate family. Other thanincredibly smart.
that, please keep the number of people she meetsCongratulations! Your first day after bringing home a
to a minimum. Give your new baby a chance tonew puppy is done. And what a success it has been!
become familiar with her family and her new homeBut what about the first night? To read about dealing
first before being inundated with visitors.with the puppy on the very first night, please go to
Amidst all the excitement, don't forget to give yourGolden Retriever Magic.
new puppy fresh water and food. Remember, she.