Preparing for you Pup

Ensure you have all the essentials for welcoming your new furry friend. Stay ahead with our detailed checklist for picking up pup.

New Puppy Checklist

Puppy proofing the home

Any loose items need to be put away: clothes, shoes, toys, any floor plants they may be able to chew or knock over. Tidying up cables and electrical cords is super important. If you have any hanging items such as tea towels or tablecloths, it would be a good idea to remove them for the time being. You may want to block staircases too. I personally recommend removing any rugs you may have until pup is toilet trained. They just love the different texture and just can’t help themselves but to relieve themselves on the rugs!

Outdoors

Block access to water features, pools, ponds, and any dangerous areas. Remember pups are tiny and can fit through the smallest gaps when they are exploring. Be extra cautious when it comes to running out the front door onto roads.

Pups first car ride home

This may be the first time pup has travelled in a car, and it may not be a great experience for them. They could end up with an upset tummy due to nausea and stress from a new environment. We aim not to feed pup two hours before scheduled pick to help avoid an upset tummy.

It is encouraged to use the blanket given for the car ride home to give pup some comfort with its mother/litters scent travelling with them. Try not to have toddlers handle them too much in the car, as this only adds to their anxiety of the drive home.

Arriving home

Once arrived home, let pup out on the grass to do their business before going inside. It’s a good idea to keep all other pets away when introducing pup to their new home.

Try to keep pup in one main area. Close doors to other rooms to keep pup contained in one area that can be supervised. Now you can let pup explore the room and their new family! Keeping calm and quiet is a great start but we know how hard it can be to keep young children quiet at such an exciting time!

In this room, put their crate with the door open, their bed, blanket with mother/litters scent and toy. Also have a ‘toilet area’ with puppy pads, newspaper or a fake grass pad.

This will be their little safe haven.

First meal

It is very important to keep your pup on the same diet to avoid any tummy upsets. You may find the first few days, pups’ appetite may not be as good as you expect. This is quite normal as they are in a new environment, with new people, new smells and they don’t have their mother and siblings around anymore.

After every meal, take pup to their allocated toilet area to do their business. Treats and praise when pup does their business in the allocated area will aid in successful toilet training.

First night

Pups first night will be the hardest night for pup and the family. Remembering that this is the first night pup has been away from its siblings, it’s in a new house, new bed with new toys. Expect a little crying and whining. But it will get better as pup gets use to its new life.

Try and play with the pup before bed to tire them. Always take them out to do their business before putting them to bed.

If they wake crying overnight, take them out to do their business, but no treats or cuddling overnight. They will think its time to play.

First morning

Pup will wake early in the morning full of energy and ready to play! First thing to do it take pup out to do its business. This is super important to avoid morning messes. Time to feed pup breakfast followed by taking them out to do their business again. Then its party time! Lots of playing, cuddling, love and affection.

Introducing another pet

Once pup has settled into its new environment, you can introduce its new buddy. Always have 2 people present to give both pets affection at the same time so the older pet does not get jealous. Always have the older pet on a lead to control them if they get aggressive. If this happens, take each dog away until they calm down, then reintroduce. Don’t expect them to be best friends over night. Chances are pup will be super excited to have an older mate, but the feeling may not be mutual for a short time. Only allow them to sleep together once you are confident, they will be safe together. Do be vigilant if introducing with young children around.