How to unbox your newly purchased puppy

Your puppy has been delivered. What's next?
The first 24 hours are vital for you and your puppy. Puppies are fun and adorable, but an incredible amount of work. If you are a first time dog owner and bought a dog online, there is a long road ahead of you. 

Reassure your pup it is in a safe place. This is important because it has been taken from the only security it has even known- likely put in a box and 'shipped' to you. The puppy needs to know it can trust it's new environment and people. 

The First Few Days with your new puppy 

Manners are important for your puppy to learn so it grows into an adult dog with whom you can travel, take on walks, visit cafes and enjoy  stress free daily life activities.

The internet, researching books, and interacting with fellow pet owners online are all great ways to learn. But hands on learning and experience from an experienced dog trainer and breeder are invaluable. 

Learn basic dog body language. Knowing when to quickly pick up a puppy to toilet train it is the single most important interaction you will have with your pup. 

Pro Tip: Only trust a trainer who is gentle but firm their approach. Never trust a person who advocates any form of corporal/ harsh punishment. Especially with hyper active breeds and large breed dogs - the consequences can be catastrophic. 

Why? Because, a bad tempered Chihuahua is not acceptable but in many ways manageable, however, an erratically tempered Rottweiler due to bad breeding and training is a disaster. The dog is a danger to itself and the entire family. 

 Reassure the pup  

 Reassure the pup that it is in a safe place. 
It's journey to you has likely been long and without much human interaction. From the puppy's point of view it has been taken from its family. Placed in a crate and transported far from the only security it has ever known. 

Set boundaries early 

This can take several days to establish. But you must begin on the first day.
Puppies like babies can cry when left alone and often throughout the night. Like human parenting you can choose- do you want to 'let your puppy cry it out ? Or if you want to attend to it every time it whimpers or cries? 
There is no right and wrong, but be consistent. Every member of the family must follow the same line of training. This avoids confusion for your puppy and sets an environment of reliability which benefits your puppy and family. 

Crates and Puppy Pens are your friends 

On the first day ensure you place the puppy in a pen or crate. You may do this for a few minutes and work your way up to an hour at a time. You may choose to place the crate in the family living room or in an area which is frequented by members of the family so the dog does not feel completely isolated. 

Once your puppy is used to a crate, even when you are away it is a safe way to keep your dog contained. Especially for dogs who show fear of fireworks or loud noises. A crate creates a safe space for them, and prevents them from running around the house (potentially harming themselves) when left alone.

Toilet training 

Toilet training is amongst one of the main reasons dogs are abandoned or surrendered to shelters. The fault lies with a family who does not approach the toilet training process with urgency. From the first day a puppy enters your home- toilet training begins. 

Sleep Spots/Areas 

Where your dog sleeps is a matter of choice. However, remember that a dog who is accustomed to sleeping in a room with people is difficult to leave alone. If you have to travel or be away for a few days - do not create the situation in which your dog  dependans on your presence to sleep. 

Obedience and training 

 Start on the first day. It is never too early to let your puppy know its boundaries. This creates a safe environment for humans and dogs. Obedience and your puppy's ability to learn and obey commands is more than showing off that your dog listens to you. It is for both you and your pups safety. 

Here is a scenario- you are out on a walk or in a park. You decide you want your dog to enjoy some off leash time- this is only possible if your dog obeys a recall command - with no exceptions or distractions. Because a failure to do so could mean getting into a situation with another dog or person where bodily harm comes to the people or dogs. 

Or maybe you are in the street and your dog runs into traffic, a recall command will save your dogs life. 

Food and diet 

Dog appropriate food is essential for a healthy puppy to grow into a strong healthy dog. Resist the temptation to feed your dog too many treats and food at random times of the day. Discipline in feeding times and fresh nutritious food will benefit your puppy in its growth. Strong muscles and bones are the foundations of a healthy body. 

These are general guidelines on how to get through the first few days or week with a puppy. Next week we will dive into crate training and exercise.