Bringing your puppy home? The first week with a new puppy can be exciting and overwhelming. It is important to understand that it is the puppy first week adjusting to new environment, people and different expectations of behavior. My Puppy Handbook is a guide that walks you through each day of the first week. It teaches you what you need to do, what to expect and how to make your puppy settle in.
Day 1- Bringing Your New Puppy Home
Your puppy first day with you is all about making your puppy feel safe and secure with you. Ensure the environment is nice, calm and welcoming. Allow your puppy to explore their new home environment at their own pace. Show your puppy their new beds, bowl, toys and the toilet area. To avoid, fatigue and confusion, do not introduce too many people at once.
Day 2- Establish A Puppy Routine
Puppy likes to have routine, and it also takes toll off you from constantly thinking of what to do. Feed your puppy at the same time each day. Take the puppy out regularly for toilet breaks and begin to introduce a rest and sleep routine. Having a predicable routine takes away confusion and anxiety from the puppy as it shows the puppy what to expect each day.
Day 3- Start Gentle Training
On day three begin to introduce simple command such as sit or roll. When doing these training it is good to use lots of praises and rewards with yummy treats. These training section must be short to prevent boredom. Three to five minutes is sufficient time. End the session with lots of cuddles and praises for your puppy.
Day 4 – Socializing Begins
At this point, it is good to introduce the puppy to new environment such as dog friendly park. Do not force the socializing, let the puppy decided to warm up to new people. Ensure every new encounter you and your puppy have is enjoyable.
Day 5 – Build Good Habbits
Continue routine that has been introduce to the puppy. There should not be significant or drastic change to the puppy routine. The feeding must align all the time, same sleep and relaxation routine. Good behavior must be rewarded; unwanted behavior must be gentle redirected for positive outcome.
Day 6 – Encourage Play and Bonding
Puppy likes to play. Spend quality time bonding and playing with your puppy. A simple game of fetch is enough to exercise your dog and strengthen your relationship.
Day 7 – Celebrate First Week
By the end of this week, your puppy should be feeling more attach to you and comfortable at home. Continue to be patient with training your puppy, be consistent and fairly firm as your puppy continue to grow and explore their environment.
Key Takeaway for this Week
- Keep a consistent daily routine.
- Be patient while your puppy adjusts.
- Use positive reinforcement for training.
- Focus on building trust and confidence.
- Enjoy the journey of raising your new best friend and fur baby.