Is there anything more exciting than bringing your new puppy home? No doubt you will be smitten by your delightful puppy’s unique personality, but it’s important to remember that what they learn in these early days will have a huge impact on their future behavior.

• When you pick up your new puppy ask if you can have a blanket, toy or other fabric that was used by your puppy’s mother, siblings or human caregiver to help your puppy feel more comfortable in their new home.
• Keep in mind that until your puppy receives all 4 rounds of vaccinations and booster shots. If your puppy hasn’t had their first round of vaccinations and parasite prevention yet, booking your puppy’s first vet appointment should be your number one priority.
• Socialization at this stage is essential for building your puppy’s social skills and confidence. Have friends and family stop by to meet your puppy and continue to introduce your new fur-baby to other pets that you know are fully vaccinated.
• Introduce new experiences gradually such as grooming, having their ears or feet touched, and being carried or held by family members.
• When out in public carry your puppy until they are fully vaccinated. Some highly contagious, potentially life threatening conditions can be contracted through even very brief contact with an infected dog’s urine or feces.
• Establish routines at home for feeding times, play times and bedtime. Also begin setting rules by positively reinforcing good behavior and when safe ignoring bad behavior. Positive reinforcement will help you puppy to learn acceptable behavior quickly and help you to form a deep and lasting bond with your pet.
• Choose a reputable, nutritious food for your puppy and stick to it. Changing foods frequently can lead to tummy trouble for your pup and some very messy accidents. Begin with the food being used by your breeder, then gradually introduce the new food a little at a time in order to avoid GI issues.
• Begin to leave you puppy alone for short periods of time then gradually increase the time as your puppy becomes comfortable with being alone.
• Continue toilet training, be sure to always use positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate toileting habits.