So! You've decided it's the right time, and you're getting a puppy finally! Yay! This time is, understandably, filled with excitement and some nervousness. Well, we want to give you some tips and ideas to help you have the best first days with your new puppy.
A couple things to keep in mind. Puppies are very resilient. Don't worry if you don't do everything perfectly, they will still love you! The puppy needs you to set the boundaries. Don't be afraid to set rules for them. Basic sit/stay training is a great way to help the puppy know how you expect them to behave. Setting an established routine can help them settle in.
One of our previous pups waiting to meet her parents
Below are some of my favorite tips, and the things I find that help the first few days to go as smoothly as possible.
The puppy will be slightly stressed out from spending the first few days in a new environment and without their siblings. Be patient with them, and understand they may have a lower appetite, loose stools, etc. Know this, likely, doesn't mean your puppy is sick, just nervous and adjusting to the new normal. We suggest putting a small tablespoon or two of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) on their food. This helps to settle their tummies.
Even if you plan on allowing your pup to sleep on your bed with you (I totally do this!), we here at Lady Darling still highly recommend crate training your pup. We start this before they leave us, and we suggest that you make the crate the pup's "safe place." It's a lot for them to adjust to, with being around new humans without their
siblings there, and they like to know they can go to "spot" that is all theirs. We send pups home with a blanket that smells like their litter, and recommend that you put this in their crate so they learn this is where they can go.
Potty training. OH NO! The big scary potty training! Don't worry! It's not as bad or as scary as it seems. Especially with Cocker's and Cockapoo's, they
are VERY smart dogs and catch on SUPER quick! After you feed your pup and give them water, wait about 10-15 minutes and then take them outside. We start the pups with a designated "area" to go to the bathroom, and use puppy pads to define that area for them. You can put a puppy pad near the door, or put it down outside to help them make the connection.
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