A puppy moves in: Part 2 Arrival at the new home

When you pick up your new pet from the breeder, you should always remain calm and take the breeder's advice to heart. After all, the breeder knows the animal and the behaviour of the breed best. It is helpful to have a blanket or similar from the breeder that carries the scent of the pack, which you can place in the transport box. On the journey home, you should reassure the puppy. If the journey takes longer, make sure you take a pee break (for the dog, but also for you if necessary). Dogs are clean animals, and if he is forced to go in his transport box, this can create lasting bad memories of the box. Of course, if it is the first journey in a car, it can also happen that the animal becomes nauseous and vomits.

Arriving in the new home

Ideally, the whole new "pack" will be ready to greet the puppy when it arrives home, unless they were already there when you picked it up. The puppy should immediately recognise who belongs to the new pack in its new home. The first thing you should do is introduce the new sleeping area. In most cases, the dog is exhausted from the transport and wants to take a nap, but it may also want to explore the new surroundings. If this is the case, let him rummage around, but not for too long. The puppy needs regular rest and he should definitely fall asleep in his basket. If he falls asleep anywhere, bad habits can develop. The bed should be in a quiet place where the puppy can rest undisturbed. However, it should also provide a view of what is happening in the neighbourhood, as dogs always seek to be close to their pack.

Now is the time to allow the puppy to rest. He should now have surveyed his new territory and be able to sleep in peace. If there are small children running around in the household, it is important to train them how to deal with their new flatmate. No unnecessary noise and respect quiet periods. He should play with his new pack members at the beginning, but should never be overtaxed. Especially after a walk or feeding, you should put the little one in its bed and show it that it is time for a nap. You should not demand too much of a kitten at the beginning, but you should strengthen the bond through play in moderation.

Even if all your friends want to get to know the new rascal, you should keep the number of visitors to a minimum at the beginning. The puppy should first get to know its real "pack" and build up a bond with it. If strangers are constantly coming and going, the dog will become unsettled.

The first days in the new home

The next few days are all about setting boundaries. Ideally, you or another carer will have taken a holiday so that the puppy can be looked after all day at the beginning. If there are rooms to which the dog should not have access, this must be made clear to him from the outset. For example, if he is not allowed in the bedroom, take him and carry him out. This may be difficult at first, but he will eventually respect it.

A young animal does not yet have its bladder under control and should ideally go outside every two to three hours to relieve itself. If the puppy is turning in circles and sniffing around, you can be sure that it is high time to go out. You should really spend time here at the beginning so that your new darling realises that he should only do his business outside. Dogs are very clean animals and remember exactly where they are allowed to relieve themselves. Even if it is exhausting at the beginning, you have to take the time to take a puppy out at night. Of course you would like to stay in bed yourself, but puppies don't have their bladder under control at first, and the sooner they learn that you have to make a noise to take them out and do their business properly, the better.

Of course you should also play with your new companion, but only if you want to. The puppy should learn that you decide when to play. In the meantime, he should occupy himself with himself and his toys. In the beginning you should not overdo it, so that the delicate limbs are not overstrained.

The first visit to the vet

Hopefully you have found your trusted vet. As soon as the puppy has settled in with you and sees you as the pack leader, you should plan a first visit to the vet. Ideally, no major examinations should be carried out on the first visit, just familiarisation with the vet's environment and procedures. During this first visit, long-term appointments for vaccinations and worming should also be made.

With these tips, you will be well equipped to start your new life with your puppy. However, only a few measures have been described here that are relatively easy for the dog owner to implement and do not represent too great a financial burden. A visit to puppy school and dog school is of course never a bad idea, as the puppy will be taught the necessary basic commands under professional guidance.

You can find our feeding recommendations for puppies here and our BIO range for puppies can be found here.

The Liebesgut Tiernahrung team wishes all new dog owners every success with their new companions.

Our recommendations for your four-legged friend:

Tasting packs for dogs

BIO Junior wet food