Preparing for Puppy

These are the things I do before bringing my new puppy home to help make the transition as easy as possible.

Decide where the puppy will sleep and be during the day if I cannot supervise.

Sleep at night in a crate next to my bed, I find having them as close to me as possible helps keep fears and worries minimal, though it means working through some of their initial objections and desires to be in bed. I have a blanket on the crate incase I need to cover the door if the other animals moving around makes it hard for them to settle. Once my puppies are potty trained and not chewing inappropriate things they earn the freedom of choosing where they sleep.
During the day a crate set up in my office if I need to leave or baby gated into the office with me if I am working.
Will be crated when riding in car.
Having their crates set up where they will be used I can start immediately getting them settled in.
Having a breeder that introduces the puppies to crates is a huge head start!

Setting a feeding routine.

Feeding at similar times each day helps with potty training as it helps get their bowels into a routine schedule that makes it easier for you to predict when they will need to go potty.
I will feed two meals per day - breakfast and dinner.
What most people would feed for lunch I will use to reward behaviors and for conditioning.
The first focus will be learning the routine of being around all the other animals during feeding time and learning where their bowl will be and how to leave the other animals alone while they eat. I will do that by having a designated area and having them on leash. When possible I will have my husband help by having him prepare & deliver the food while I reward the pup for wanting patiently.

Setting a potty routine.

The first vet check

The first visit will be scheduled before the puppy comes home and before they need their first vaccinations so the first visit is lower stress and more of a meet and greet.

Puppy Proofing

Get supplies

Find out what food breeder feeds and get 2 week supply
Gather many puppy toys- Kongs, nylabones, durable toys, interactive toys, balls, tugs, tugs with long handles, big stuffed toys for the bewitching hours, food puzzles, safe chew options.
2 or 3 crates - smaller one that fits next to the bed, larger one for office downstairs for during the day absences, either use by the bed crate of get 3rd one for the car.
3 Baby gates: office doorway, top of stairs, bottom of stairs
Puppy collar & leashes - 1 very lightweight long leash (10ft or longer) and 1 lightweight short leash (4-6 ft), Non-slip flat buckle collar with ID tag

Make a plan for introductions

One of us will come in house to say hi to our dogs while the other stays with the puppy letting him potty in front yard. Let the animals all smell the puppy via our clothing and a blanket that was in with the puppy.
Switch places and let the other person greet our dogs, they will take our dogs outside to go potty.
While dogs are out going potty bring puppy in and let him explore the house a little bit.
Have cats in cat room with baby gate up when bringing puppy inside, hold puppy and let cats see he is there.
Once puppy has explored and feels safe, pick puppy up and let dogs in one at a time, Emily first.
Once puppy and Emily are comfortable bring in Nick (he will be on leash, behind baby gate at first). If everyone seems relaxed let Nick in room. If things seem tense keep gates up and keep separated. (This is because Emily is very experienced and predictable with baby puppies, Nick has no experience so we will play it safe with him)

Make plan for first night

Make sure puppy does not get over tired, have some quiet time in office away from other animals.
Have everything done and everyone ready to be in bed before putting puppy in crate. Have Michael prepared to sleep downstairs if he cannot rest properly with a restless puppy.
Take puppy out to potty last thing, before crating.
Have nightlights by stairs for late night potty visits.
Have an early morning puppy proof playtime area set up where puppy can play while I am barely awake and can get away with sleepy supervision. (Probably in my office or the garage)

Preparing to bring home the next Hiker Pup!