Navigating the Puppy Stage: A Breeder’s Guide

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, but it’s also a season of growth, patience, and learning —for both you and your pup. While the puppy stage is fleeting, the habits, routines, and bonds you establish during this period will set the foundation for a lifetime of companionship. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother and more manageable and ultimately, more enjoyable. 

Preparing for a New Puppy

Planning Ahead

Preparation is key to reducing stress during the adjustment period. Start by creating a detailed schedule that accounts for your work hours, your children’s activities, and any external help you might need, such as a dog walker. Discuss as a family how everyone will contribute and agree on consistent training methods to ensure your puppy receives clear, unified reinforcement.

Mimic Your Breeder’s System to Start

Ask your breeder about the puppy’s current schedule, food, and routines. For the initial transition period, stick to what your pup knows. Bring home a scented blanket from the breeder to comfort them with familiar smells from their mother and sibling. Define your puppy’s space - a cozy area for sleeping and a designated spot for calming down. This helps them establish ownership over their environment and aids in potty training.

Your Puppy's First Week at Home: An Adjustment Period

Give Grace

The first week at home is about building trust between your family and the pup, not about rigorous training. Focus on bonding and observing your puppy’s body language to understand their needs (e.g., how they motion when they need to go to the bathroom). Remember, they’re experiencing a significant emotional shift—leaving their mother and littermates can cause stress and shyness. Give them time to adjust and show their true personality and have them blossom comfortably.

Expectations and Needs

Puppies need a lot of sleep to grow and thrive. If they seem cranky or overly naughty, they might simply need a nap. Nighttime whining is normal as they adjust to sleeping alone; this phase will vary in length depending on the pup. Patience and consistency are key!

Puppy Proofing Your Home

Create a safe environment by:

• Defining areas where the puppy is allowed.

• Using baby gates or puppy gates to block off stairs and balconies.

• Storing hazardous items like cleaning supplies, medications, toxic plants, and human foods out of reach (chocolate, kids snacks, etc.).

• Removing valuable or delicate items, including rugs, until the puppy is potty trained and/or over the teething stage.

Puppy Potty Training Basics

Accidents are inevitable, but positive reinforcement goes a long way. Celebrate successes with affection, rewards and treats when they potty outside. Clean indoor accidents with a neutralizing spray to prevent repeat incidents as pups are often attracted to that smell and will go there again. Be prepared for a couple of months of consistent accidents — it’s all part of the process as their bladder and habits mature.

Tackling Teething

Teething can turn your pup into a little “shark.” This phase is their way of soothing sore gums. Provide appropriate teething toys to redirect their chewing away from household items. Patience and redirection are your best tools.  During this time, some dog trainers warn of putting a blanket in their crate, as they could ingest some of the blanket and cause obstructions. Check toys over to make sure that they hold up properly to aggressive chewers and won't break off into ingestible pieces 

Crate Training Tips

A crate can be a safe haven for your puppy when introduced properly. Start by creating a positive association with the crate. Use rewards and games to encourage them to explore it willingly. Never use the crate as a punishment but as management. Over time, your pup will see it as their own special space.

Navigating Car Rides

Many puppies experience motion sickness, especially in their first year. To help, place your puppy in a crate in the back seat, and cover the crate or windows to reduce stimulation. Avoid feeding them a large meal before traveling. With time and exposure, they’ll grow accustomed to car rides.

Coping with the Puppy Blues

It’s common to feel overwhelmed after the initial excitement of bringing home a puppy wears off. The daily responsibilities can be demanding. Remember:

• Don’t compare yourself to other dog owners.

• Seek help if needed, whether it’s hiring a trainer or a dog walker.

• Join a dog community for support and socialization opportunities.

Finally, remind yourself that this stage is temporary. The effort you put into planning, training, and bonding during this time will lead to a lifetime of joy and companionship. Give yourself and your puppy the grace to grow together.