You can prepare a few important things before your puppy moves in. A young dog is often not house trained and does not know what he is allowed to do or what he should avoid. Before you pick up your new family member, you should therefore make your apartment or house puppy-proof.
Place decorations or plants that are on the floor high up or temporarily in an inaccessible place in your home. Carpets should also be put away for the time being, as puppies like to do their business on soft surfaces.
The puppy's initial equipment
To make it easier for your darling to settle in, you should prepare a place for him before he moves in. Special dog crates, baskets or blankets are available in different shapes, colors and sizes and should be selected according to the expected body size of the puppy.
Food, treats and toys are also essential for the puppy's initial equipment. You can encourage positive behavior by giving dog treats, especially when it is getting used to the new environment. Give your dog the opportunity to explore his surroundings at his own pace - this promotes bonding and self-confidence.
If you buy a puppy from a breeder, you will often receive a collar and a leash when you pick it up. If this is not the case, or if you have adopted your four-legged friend from an animal shelter, you should be prepared. Find out in advance about the correct measurements for the collar or alternatively harness.
The puppy in the car
The first hurdle for puppy owners is transporting the dog from the breeder or animal shelter to its new home. Ideally, your new family member is already familiar with driving. If your dog has never traveled in a car before, you should not put him in the trunk alone. Buckle him into the back seat and have someone sit next to him so that the excitement is not too great. If you have a long journey ahead of you, you should plan small stops along the way.
activity for the puppy
Don't overwhelm your new family member: Puppies don't need long walks and hours of running around. Especially at the beginning, you should make sure that they have rest periods and keep the walks short so that you don't put too much physical strain on your puppy. The rule of thumb here is one minute per week of the dog's age.
Mental stimulation is also important for your young dog. You should also show your puppy its limits from the beginning in order to prevent undesirable behavior. Dog training should be done in a playful way: looking for food, first commands and small exercises strengthen the bond with the dog and form the basis for a relaxed relationship. Attending a suitable dog school with a "puppy training" course is important and recommended for you as a growing human-dog team. Getting to know your puppy's needs, dealing with him in a species-appropriate manner and giving him age-appropriate stimulation will shape his entire life.
Since mental stimulation is very tiring for your puppy, you should not overdo it here either. Always ensure that there is a balance between tension and relaxation so that nothing stands in the way of your animal living a long and healthy life.
