The first days and nights in a new home are a big change for puppies. With good preparation, you can make it much easier for them to settle in. We have tips on picking up the puppy, initial equipment, handling the puppy and what a puppy-safe home looks like.
How to prepare for a puppy
Once the decision has been made to get a puppy, the first questions will soon arise: What do I need to consider when the puppy moves in?What equipment does it need? Where should he sleep the first night? What should he eat? And how long will it take to settle in? Some things cannot be predicted and planned. But with good preparation, many things are easier.
This applies to the home furnishings, for example. It's best to go through everything a few days before the puppy moves in and consider whether the home is puppy-proof. If possible, electrical cables should not be left lying around, as some puppies nibble on everything. This can also apply to plants, which is why poisonous species such as ferns, poinsettias and chrysanthemums should be placed out of reach. If you live in a multi-storey apartment, a stair guard is an advantage to prevent the risk of a fall.
What equipment does a puppy need?
A puppy not only needs a lead and collar, but also a lot more. Some new dog owners realize this as soon as they pick up their puppy. If you are traveling alone, you should put the little one in a transport box or strap it in. Otherwise the puppy may tumble through the car or cause unwanted distraction. A collar is unsuitable for buckling up. A harness, which many dog owners also use in everyday life, is recommended. This is a good alternative, especially for pulling dogs, to avoid bruising in the neck area.
At home, you will need grooming utensils (comb, brush, tick tweezers) and toys for your puppy. In addition, a dog bed or dog basket in a fixed place and preferably also a dog blanket. The basic equipment also includes a food bowl and at least one water bowl. If you decide to feed your dog dry food, it is better to have several bowls to encourage your dog to drink.
Feeding wet food is safer and more natural. We recommend our special puppy food GranCarno Junior and Vom Feinsten Junior. The food is designed to meet the special nutritional requirements of puppies and growing dogs. However, wait one to two weeks before making the switch. In the early acclimatization phase, the intestinal flora may be unstable due to the many new impressions, which can lead to diarrhoea. To be on the safe side, you should stick to the food your puppy has been fed so far during this time.
Transportation to the new home
A puppy should be picked up in the morning if possible, so that there are still a few hours of daylight on the first day to get used to the new home. Find out if there is anything special to consider regarding your puppy and don't be afraid to ask any questions. This will all benefit your future protégé. It is ideal if you have someone with you for the upcoming car journey who can keep an eye on the puppy and talk him through things. It should also be placed in a transport box or strapped to a dog blanket, as it is quite possible that a small mishap may occur. If possible, don't drive too roughly and take breaks if the journey takes longer.
The puppy moves into its new home
To take some of the pressure off the little one, the first thing you should do when he arrives at his new home is to take him for a short walk. This can be followed by an exploration of the apartment. Preferably without too many people so that the puppy is not overwhelmed. Everything is new and extremely exciting for him. Show him where the water and food bowls and his dog bed are. A lot of affection and playing together can now provide a distraction from the separation from his mother. The puppy will soon become tired. Let him sleep for as long as he wants so that he can recharge his batteries. Everyone in the family should bear in mind that the puppy should not be disturbed while sleeping or eating. As much as he may long for family contact, at certain times a dog needs his peace and quiet.
Where should the puppy sleep?
The dog bed should be in a quiet place that is centrally located, but where there is no constant traffic. This is often the case in the living room. However, most puppies are still very homesick during the first few nights, which is why they don't want to sleep so far away from their new family. They were used to falling asleep together with their mother and siblings. They are therefore reluctant to spend the night alone in a room. They much prefer the space in the bedroom. This does not mean that this automatically has to be a permanent solution. However, it is also recommended for the initial phase because walking is on the agenda every few hours.
The acclimatization phase
During the initial period, neither a vacation nor frequent time alone should be on the agenda. It is best to take a vacation at home so that you can quickly build up a good bond with your dog. Scold your dog as little as possible and ignore unwanted behavior. Instead, you should get into the habit of rewarding desired behavior with nice words and treats right from the start. This applies, for example, when the puppy listens to his name or sleeps in his bed. Work with positive reinforcement instead of pressure and try to establish a strong bond with your dog - this will make training all the easier.
