“Scary time for us puppies since we’re leaving our parents and litter mates. But, we are thrilled for our furever home!”
Ahh, homecoming day!
Be prepared for picking up your pup, and for it’s first day/night at home
Prepare for Car Rides, and your first day and night at home!
It is always better to be over prepared than under prepared. Prior to homecoming day, make sure you have checked out our Pre-Arrivals Checklist.
Remember to ask the shelter/breeder what kibble they are feeding, so you can either continue or transition to new food. Some shelters and breeders will give you a small bag of food when you go home.
Tips and Tricks for Car Rides
Short Car Ride
You pup might be used to short car rides already, but now is the time to find out! This should be a two person job, but is definitely do-able with one.
If one person, we suggest putting the pup in a small carrier crate - something similar you might use for taking your pup to the vet.
If two people, you can alternate driving and holding the puppy.
Items to have:
Carrier or crate sized for your puppy
Toys - Soft and Hard if they want to chew on something
Blanket or T-Shirt that smells like the new owner
Paper Towels and Trash Bag to clean up messes
Long Car Ride
Your pup may not be used to car rides, especially a long ride. We recommend having this be a two person job, to alternate driving and sitting with the dog. The crate or carrier should lie flat on the seat. If possible, ask the breeder to feed the pup at least an hour in advance to reduce the chances of motion sickness.
Items to have:
Crate for the car - safety first! If not crate, then a carrier.
Blanket - preferably one that smell like their litter mates
Toys - Soft and Hard to keep them busy
Pee-Pee Pads
Paper Towels and Trash Bag to clean up messes
Food and Water Bowls, along with kibble and water
Remember to take potty breaks, and to only feed when the car is not in motion.
First Day at Home
Puppy proof your house
Remove anything on the floor you would want chewed and the dog to eat
Hide as many wires and shoes as you can, they can’t chew them if they can’t see them
Buy a baby gate and play pen. You don’t want them running around (or peeing or pooping) where you can’t see them! Introduce new spaces slowly.
Set up their home
Have your crate ready and built before you go home
Get a dog bed or two - it is nice for them to have a dedicated comfy spot in the home
First Night at Home
Level set your expectations
Remember, this is the first night they are away from their family or shelter. Change can be scary, but with some preparation, it doesn’t have to be too bad!
Depending on the age of your puppy, they may not sleep through the night. Be prepared to wake up in the middle of the night to take the dog out to pee/poo
If crate training, place it in the bedroom
Tire out the puppy with some games so they are exhausted before sleeping
Puppies should spend the first week or so in your bedroom. They are scared, and being able to see/smell you will make them more comfortable
You will be able to hear more easily if the pup is crying to go outside (to pee or poo)
Take water away 2 hours prior to sleeping
Puppies digest food relatively quickly, so they may relieve themselves before bedtime
Puppies and dogs do not want to pee or poo where they sleep, unless they absolutely cannot hold it