Pepper at 6 weeks
The first night with your puppy can be exciting, stressful, and scary for you and the new puppy. Your puppies new surroundings will be unfamiliar and frightening. The first night your focus should be on helping your new pup adjust to its new surroundings. If possible bring home an article from the puppies previous home like a toy, towel, blanket, etc. The first week, let the puppy sleep in your bedroom. Make a comfortable space for them that has a comfortable place to lie and the article from their home. I would also recommend placing puppy pads inside the space you provide for them because they will more then likely need to alleviate themselves at least once during the night. Let the puppy sleep in your room for the first week. Move them to your hallway the second week, then to another area like the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room the third week. If you plan on having your dog sleep outside as an adult, depending on the weather in your area, wait until they are at least 3 months old.
A Pug in Play Pose
Do you have other dogs? If so, part of bringing home a puppy is introducing them to each other. When introducing your new puppy to your dog, place a leash on your dog, and if possible, on the puppy. Choose a neutral meeting place that both dogs have never been to and have someone else handle the puppy as they meet. Allow the dogs to smell each other's scent. Make the experience as pleasurable as possible for your dog by rewarding them for good behavior with a favorite toy or treat. If your dog and the puppy take on a playful stance (see "A Pug in Play Pose") then they will most likely have no problems getting along. If your dog shows its teeth, growls, or snaps at the puppy, without much provocation, then you need to distract the dog by calling it away with a toy or treat. Make sure to give your dog a command (i.e. come, sit, or down) before giving them the toy or treat so that you do not reward the aggressive behavior. Try walking the dogs parallel to each other but not close enough to interact. Try letting them meet again when the adult dog is tired or more relaxed. If your adult dog is too aggressive you may have to consider rehoming the puppy or seeking out an animal behavior expert. Remember to never leave your new puppy alone with your dog, even if they get along, because accidents happen and your dog is much stronger then your puppy.
- For more tips on your puppies first night visit RaisingSpot.com.
- Read more on how to introduce a new puppy to your dog(s) at The Humane Society's website.
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