What you should expect
A few things to plan and do before your puppy arrives.
The puppy is curious and always looking to explore!
Table of contents
I – Before the puppy’s arrival
Your home and garden must be secure.
Dangers in your home :
- Cover electrical outlets.
- Remove exposed electrical wires, as the puppy may bite them.
- Secure windows, balconies and stairs so that they do not fall.
- Keep medicines and dangerous liquids away.
- Store all small or sharp objects.
- Keep houseplants out of the puppy’s reach or check that they are not poisonous.
Dangers in your garden:
- Repair holes in the fence to protect the puppy from the road.
- Remove poisonous plants. Some dangerous plants: ficus, cyclamen, holly, mistletoe, dieffenbachia, philodendron, aloe, narcissus, hyacinth, iris, azalea, rhododendron, oleander, poinsettia, sweet peas…
- Put away your chemical fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides.
- Put away garden tools.
II – Your puppy’s arrival in your home
1 – On arrival, place it on the ground. The puppy must discover, explore and feel his new territory.
The puppy needs to be calm in order to be confident.
If you have children, tell them to be quiet, not to jump or run around. Delay the arrival of family and friends. This will be done gradually. He must first get his bearings, become attached to you.
Limit certain parts on arrivalso that the puppy understands which parts are allowed and which are not.
During the first few days, maintain this calm and peaceful atmosphere. The puppy has to get used to his new environment, new sounds, new smells.
2 – The resting area with a basket or a cushion.
It should be in a quiet, comfortable place, away from any stress, draughts and excessive heat or light. It should not be in a busy place, in front of a door… However, the puppy should be able to follow your gaze when you are in the room.
The bedding should be the right size and padded. Add a blanket for your dog to hide under to feel safe while sleeping 
.
This is “his place”, don’t come and bother him when the puppy is there.
At first, show him his basket so that he can feel it, tame it.
Then put him in with some kibble so that he understands that this is his corner. Let him make it his own.
3 – The dining area, with a bowl for water and another for food.
The puppy arrives at your home with his food and his bowl.
Personally, I put my puppies’ bowls in the kitchen.
The dog should be kept away from the family table, but should have access to the room at all times. Because, of course, in addition to the daily meal, it is imperative that your dog has access to his water bowl throughout the day.
You can find other places, but it is important that they are not completely isolated either, they need to hear you. If you don’t, you may see him move his bowl to get closer to you.
The main thing is that the dog should be able to be quiet and undisturbed during its meal.
About continuous or timed feeding: I prefer to feed at fixed times. The dog gets used to the schedule, which allows for better regulation of the stomach. It quickly becomes clean as it goes out after its meal.
4 – The toy box with all kinds of toys
( knots, stuffed animals, deer horn, objects that make noise…)
The puppy should be able to chew, cuddle, and destroy its games.
This will prevent them from going elsewhere and damaging your shoes, table corners, chairs, etc.
5 – Walks. Taking your puppy out for walks regularly.
When waking up, after a nap, after a meal, after every moment of intense play or cuddling.
Teach him to pee and poo outside, socialise him.
Direct-Vet.fr
The puppy’s first nights at home
Video explanation by Dr Charlotte RENARD
Consulting veterinarian for Direct-Vet.fr
More information
On arrival, the puppy looks, smells and observes his new environment.
His integration and education must continue.
