Your Puppy: Exploring His New World

by Mary M. Alward

You've adopted a new puppy. When you interacted with him at the breeders he was outgoing and active. On the way home, he trembled and whined. Now that you have him home, he is quiet, withdrawn and spooks easily.

If you have experienced this scenario, you know that your puppy will need time to adjust to his new home. After all, he's just been taken from his mother, siblings and all familiar surroundings. Be patient and give him a little time to adjust. Before you know it, he'll be back to normal.

Your puppy will need to explore his new home in order to gain a sense of security. Let him check out corners, crawl under the couch, check out the wonderful aromas drifting from the kitchen and explore the backyard. While he's doing this, keep a sharp eye on him so he doesn't get into trouble. If you like, you can clip on his leash and let him drag it behind him, or you can hold it loosely and follow him on his exciting adventure. This lets him know that you're there if he needs you and also that you are in charge. If he goes somewhere he shouldn't or if he gets too near danger, give a sharp tug on his leash.

If your new puppy wets on the floor, don't shout or yell. Preferably you will be able to introduce him to his outdoor bathroom before this happens. If not, pick him up and take him to the spot that you want him to use. This should be the first place you show him when you bring him home. Once he goes in this spot, praise him. He will soon get the message that this is where you want him to "go."

Let your puppy get to know the members of his new family before inviting other family members or friends to meet him. He needs to learn his place in the pack. If there are too many people around, he will become frightened and confused.

Place your puppy's food and water bowls in a place where he can be with the rest of the family while he's eating. He should eat in the same room that you eat in. Fill his bowls and set them in a spot that will be his permanent feeding station. When he starts to eat, praise him. Teach him to lie down when he is finished eating and wait until you're done your meal. Don't allow him to beg for food. He'll soon know how to act during meal time. Do not feed your puppy from the table. This will start a life-long habit that you won't be able to control. When you and your puppy are both done eating, take him outside to his bathroom. This will help to avoid accidents.

If you already have a pet when you bring your puppy home, introduce them, but don't expect them to become fast friends right away. Don't push. They must get to know one another before they can become friends or even tolerate each other. Watch them closely and never leave your puppy alone with grown dogs or cats. A pet that already has an established spot in your household may become jealous and try to harm your puppy. Your older pet will show dominance to ensure his place in the pecking order of the pack. He may eat the puppy's food, take his toys or check out his bed. Don't ignore the older pet. Show him he is still loved, but be sure to teach him respect for the new arrival. This is important to ensure harmony in your home.

The first night your new puppy is with you will be a frightening time for him, especially if he was taken directly from his litter. It is advisable for you to give him his own sleeping spot at this time. Many pet owners like their pets to lie on the floor beside, or at the foot of their bed. If this is the case, give your puppy his own bed, or supply him with a large cushion or pillow. Lay him on it and insist he stay. If he whines or cries, reassure him. Do not let him into your bed unless you are prepared to share it with him for the rest of his life. If he becomes upset and agitated, try putting a clock that ticks in his bed or under his pillow. Puppies take comfort from the ticking of a clock and he'll soon settle down. The clock simulates the sound of his mother's and siblings' heartbeats and the sound will comfort him and lull him to sleep.

Be sure to provide your puppy with a safe, quiet place where he can go if he chooses to get away from everybody. Crates are perfect. Leave the door open so he can enter and exit at will, unless there's a reason that he has to be confined.

Build his confidence with firm but gentle training. He can be easily intimidated at this stage, so use lots of TLC. A firm "No!" is all the discipline that is needed.

Stroke, pet and groom your puppy on a regular basis. Play with him and spend at least three ten minute intervals each day training him. Take him for walks and teach him to walk on-leash. Lengthen training session as your puppy's attention span matures. Always end training sessions on a positive note so your puppy will enjoy them and look forward to learning.

Your puppy will soon learn a willingness to please, as you spend time bonding. Be firm and consistent each time you're with him. He will soon find his place in his new world and both of you will enjoy a long and happy relationship.