Puppy Go Home: An Awesome Guide To Your Puppy’s Homecoming

Puppy Go Home: An Awesome Guide To Your Puppy’s Homecoming

Congratulations! Your puppy is coming home and we are sure you are very excited!

Before everything else, there are some things that you have to take care of and prepare before your puppy go home day. You want to ensure that everything is in place and that you have everything you need.

We want to make sure that this transition will be easy and seamless for you and your puppy. This is why Happy Pup Manor has created this comprehensive guide for everything that you will need from helping you prepare what your puppy will need to guide you on how to make your pup comfortable in its new home.

1. Setting Up Your Puppy’s Dedicated Space

Why a Puppy Area is Essential

Providing your puppy with a safe, designated space is crucial for their comfort and well-being. This area acts as a secure retreat, helping your puppy feel at ease in their new surroundings.

It allows you to supervise your puppy effectively, preventing destructive behaviors and minimizing stress for both you and your furry friend. This setup ensures they have a consistent environment where they can relax, learn, and adjust to their new routine.

A place your puppy can go to when there are other people around

If guests or relatives visit, you can keep your puppy in its own space, especially if it is not yet used to meeting people. This allows it to feel safe and not get overwhelmed with all the people around—which is great for puppies that easily get anxious or scared. If your guests have kids or babies with them, it will also be easier since your pup has its own place.

Perfect for homes with small children

If you have a baby or small children at home, having a space for your pup will give you the peace of mind that both your children and your puppy are safe and won’t get into an accident with each other. Children would also learn to respect your puppy’s boundaries such that when your pup retreats into its area, it’s not time to play.

Great for multi-dog households

Not all dogs have the same traits and energy. Designating a space for each dog allows them to have a place to go if they don’t want to play with the other dogs and prefer to rest or play alone.

How to Set Up Your Puppy’s Space

• Choose a quiet yet accessible area near family activity zones. This allows your puppy to feel included without being overwhelmed.
• For your pup’s sleep area, ensure it is somewhere without heavy foot traffic so they can sleep undisturbed at night.
• Ensure that his space, bed, or crate has enough area so your pup can stretch and play.
• Keep a water bowl near the area so your pup won’t get thirsty.
• Put your pup’s chew toys and mental stimulation activities like snuffle mats and puzzle toys to keep it entertained.
• Make sure that the area is dog-proof by removing any hazardous items like electrical cords and toxic plants.
• If you plan on leaving the house, make sure that your dog has access to his potty area to avoid accidents.

Introducing Your Pup To Their Space

When your pup arrives home, give them plenty of time to adjust to their new surroundings—especially their designated space. It’s natural for your puppy to feel anxious or hesitant about being left alone in an unfamiliar environment. To help them feel secure, introduce their space in a positive and encouraging way. Offer treats, toys, and plenty of praise to create positive associations, turning their space into a comforting retreat rather than something to fear.

Avoid “locking” or confining your pup in their space before they’re comfortable, as this may cause them to see it as a punishment instead of a safe haven. Gradually increase the time they spend there while providing reassurance, so they learn it’s a place to relax and unwind. If ever your pup finds a different space in your home as the place that it likes to hang out and rest, you can move his space there instead.

2. Stocking Up on Puppy Essentials

Key Supplies for a Smooth Transition

• Food recommended by your breeder or vet
• Dog food and water bowls
• Collar
• Leash
• Pee pads
• Puppy ID tags
• Chew toys, puzzle feeders, and safe teething aids
• Car Seat Belt or Sleepypod.
• Training treats

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. To ensure a smooth transition, having the right supplies on hand is essential. By thoughtfully preparing for your puppy’s arrival, you’ll set the stage for a secure and happy environment where they can relax, learn, and thrive. Below, we expand on the key items you’ll need to make your puppy’s transition as seamless as possible.

1. Food Recommended by Your Breeder or Veterinarian

Your puppy’s diet is foundational to their health and growth. Consult with your breeder or veterinarian to choose a high-quality food that meets your puppy’s nutritional needs. Transitioning from the food they’re used to should be done gradually to avoid tummy troubles. Consider portioning meals ahead of time to simplify feeding schedules during those busy first few weeks.

2. Food and Water Bowls

Opt for sturdy, non-slip bowls to keep mealtime mess-free. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are great choices as they’re durable, easy to clean, and resistant to bacteria build-up. Elevated bowls may also be beneficial for larger breeds to encourage comfortable eating posture.

3. Collar and Leash

A properly fitted collar is a must for identification and leash training. When selecting a leash, look for one that’s lightweight and manageable for small pups. As your puppy grows, you can upgrade to a more robust leash suited to their size and strength.

Read: Choosing the Right Collar and Leash for Your Pup

4. Pee Pads

House training is one of the first skills your puppy will need to master. High-quality, absorbent pee pads are invaluable for this process, particularly for young puppies or those living in apartments. Place them consistently in the same spot to help your puppy establish good habits.

5. Puppy ID Tags

A customized ID tag with your puppy’s name and your contact information is crucial for their safety. Attach it to their collar immediately to ensure they’re easily identifiable, even during those early days when they’re still learning their boundaries.

6. Chew Toys, Puzzle Feeders, and Safe Teething Aids

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, which means chewing is inevitable! Providing a variety of chew toys and teething aids will help satisfy their instincts and protect your belongings. Puzzle feeders are also excellent for mental stimulation, helping to tire out your energetic pup while keeping them engaged.

7. Car Safety Gear: Crash-Tested Seat Belt or Sleepypod

Safety should be a top priority when traveling with your puppy. Invest in a crash-tested car seat belt or a Sleepypod travel carrier to secure your puppy during transit. These products are designed with safety in mind, giving you peace of mind while ensuring your pup is comfortable on the road.

Read: Sleepypod: The Pet Safety Must-Have

8. Training Treats

Positive reinforcement is key to effective training, and high-value treats can make a world of difference. Choose small, soft treats that are easy to chew, ensuring you can quickly reward desired behaviors. Keep a supply handy for house training, basic commands, and socialization.

3. Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Welcoming a puppy into your home means preparing a safe space where they can explore without getting into trouble. Puppies are naturally curious, so taking a few precautions will help prevent accidents and keep them secure. Here’s a straightforward guide to puppy-proofing your home.

Identifying Hazards

Start by looking around your home for anything that might tempt your puppy or pose a danger. Common hazards include:

• Cables and Wires: Puppies love to chew, and cords can be a serious risk. Use cord organizers or covers to keep them out of reach.
• Small Objects: Items like coins, jewelry, or paperclips can be choking hazards. Store them securely.
• Toxic Plants: Check if your houseplants are safe for dogs. Relocate or remove plants like lilies, pothos, or philodendrons.
• Household Chemicals: Cleaning supplies, medications, and other chemicals should be stored in cabinets with child-proof latches.
• Trash Bins: Puppies are drawn to the smells of trash. Use bins with secure lids or keep them out of reach.

Making Your Home Safe

After identifying potential risks, take steps to eliminate them:

• Use Bitter Sprays: Apply a dog-safe bitter spray to furniture or items you want to keep chew-free. These sprays taste unpleasant but won’t harm your puppy.
• Secure Furniture and Décor: Anchor heavy furniture like bookshelves to the wall and place fragile items out of reach to prevent accidents.
• Install Gates or Barriers: Use baby gates to block off rooms or staircases. This keeps your puppy confined to safe areas while they learn their boundaries.
• Check Doors and Windows: Make sure doors and windows are secure to prevent your puppy from slipping out or falling.
• Cover Sharp Edges: Add corner protectors to furniture with sharp edges to prevent injury during playtime.
• Don’t Forget the Outdoors: If you have a yard, inspect it for hazards like toxic plants, broken fences, or sharp objects. Make sure your fence is secure to prevent escapes.

4. Potty Training Fundamentals

Welcoming a new puppy into your home comes with the responsibility of teaching them how to live harmoniously in their new environment. Potty training is one of your puppy’s first and most important skills, setting the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted companion.

Understanding Your Puppy’s Needs

Before diving into the training process, it’s essential to understand your puppy’s natural habits. Puppies have small bladders and immature control over their bodily functions, meaning they need frequent potty breaks. Most puppies need to go out:

• After waking up.
• After eating or drinking.
• After play sessions.
• Before bedtime.

A regular and consistent routine helps your puppy learn what to expect, making the potty-training process much smoother.

Choosing the Right Potty Spot

Deciding where your puppy will potty is one of the first steps in their training. Again, consistency is key. Whether you’re training your puppy to go outside or use an indoor spot, such as puppy pads, take them to the same location every time.

Outdoor Potty Training

• Pick a Specific Spot: Choose a designated area in your yard where your puppy can relieve themselves. This helps them associate that spot with potty time.
• Ease of Access: Ensure the spot is easily accessible and free from distractions.
• Reinforce with Praise: Each time your puppy successfully goes in the right spot, reward them with praise and a treat to encourage repetition.

Indoor Potty Training

If outdoor potty breaks aren’t feasible, puppy pads can be a helpful alternative.

• Place the pads in an area they can easily access.
• Gradually move the pads closer to the door if transitioning to outdoor potty training later.

Read: Deciding Where Your New Puppy Will Potty

Establishing a Routine

Creating a routine is one of the most effective ways to accelerate potty training. Start with:

• Scheduled Feeding: Regular meal times help regulate your puppy’s digestive system, making potty times more predictable.
• Frequent Potty Breaks: Take your puppy to their designated potty spot at least every 1-2 hours initially, gradually extending the time as they gain control.
• Supervision: Keep a close eye on your puppy during the training process. If it starts sniffing the ground or circling, it’s a clear sign that it needs to go outside.

Handling Accidents Gracefully

Accidents are inevitable in potty training, and it’s important to approach them with patience. Here’s how to handle them:

• Clean Thoroughly: Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors completely. This prevents your puppy from returning to the same spot.
• Avoid Punishment: Scolding or punishing your puppy can create fear and confusion, slowing progress. Instead, redirect them to the correct potty spot.
• Learn from Patterns: If accidents are frequent, reassess your routine. Are you waiting too long between potty breaks? Is the designated spot too distracting?

Signs Your Puppy is Making Progress

Potty training takes time, but you’ll begin to notice signs of success, including:

• Fewer accidents inside the house.
• Your puppy consistently going to the designated potty spot.
• The ability to hold their bladder for longer periods.

Celebrate these milestones with praise and encouragement. Positive reinforcement builds your puppy’s confidence and strengthens their training.

Final Tips for Potty Training Success

• Stay Consistent: Consistency is the cornerstone of successful training.
• Be Patient: Every puppy learns at their own pace. Celebrate small victories and remain calm during setbacks.
• Use Rewards Wisely: Treats, praise, and playtime are powerful motivators for reinforcing good behavior.

Potty training is a foundational step in building a harmonious life with your puppy. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your puppy will master this skill in no time, creating a happier home for both of you.

More Reading:

• Potty Training
• Know Before They Go: Your Guide to Potty Training

5. Containment Strategies for Success

The Role of Crate Training

At first glance, a crate or kennel might seem like a “cage,” but for dogs, it can become a secure and comforting space when introduced properly. Crate training involves teaching your puppy to feel comfortable and relaxed in their crate, turning it into a safe retreat where they can rest and recharge without fear or unease.

When used correctly, a crate can:

• Provide a Safe Space: Dogs naturally seek small, enclosed spaces for security. A crate can serve as a personal haven where your puppy can retreat when they need quiet time.
• Assist with House Training: Puppies instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area, making the crate a valuable tool for teaching bathroom habits.
• Prevent Misbehavior: While you’re away or unable to supervise, a crate keeps your puppy safe and prevents them from chewing on furniture or getting into trouble.

Proper crate training is a gradual process that focuses on creating positive associations, ensuring your puppy feels secure rather than confined. With patience and consistency, the crate can become a place your puppy loves to call their own.

How To Introduce The Crate Positively (Never As A Punishment)

Bringing home a new puppy means teaching them to feel safe and comfortable in their crate, but don’t expect them to take to it immediately. Gradual and positive introduction is key to helping your puppy view the crate as a secure and inviting space. Here’s how to effectively introduce your puppy to their crate:

1. Create Positive Associations

Never force your puppy into the crate, as this can make them fearful. Instead, encourage exploration by placing treats or favorite toys inside. Let your puppy inspect the crate at their own pace, and be patient if they hesitate. By showing that their beloved items are safe inside, you’ll create a welcoming and positive environment for your pup.

2. Use Verbal Cues

Just like teaching commands such as “sit” or “stay,” introduce words like “crate” or “kennel” when your puppy is near or inside the crate. Use a cheerful and encouraging tone to reinforce that the crate is a positive space, not a place for punishment.

3. Provide Mental Stimulation

When your puppy is in the crate, keep them engaged with puzzle feeders, lick mats, or interactive toys. These activities not only entertain but also help soothe and calm your puppy, preventing boredom or anxiety. For convenience, choose a lick mat that can be attached to the crate, keeping it in place for easy access.

4. Encourage With Rewards

Positive reinforcement is powerful. Praise your puppy and offer treats whenever they voluntarily enter the crate. This builds confidence and reinforces the idea that the crate is a rewarding and safe place to be.

5. Gradually Increase Crate Time

Even if your puppy willingly enters the crate, it’s natural for them to be cautious at first. Leave the door open initially so they don’t feel trapped. Once they settle inside comfortably, gently close the door for a short period. Start with just five minutes and gradually extend the time as they adjust.

6. Establish a Routine

Introduce a consistent “crate time” schedule that aligns with your puppy’s day, such as during naps, snacks, potty breaks, or bedtime. A predictable routine helps your puppy understand when it’s time to use the crate and builds their trust in the process.

7. Make the Crate Comfortable

Transform the crate into a cozy retreat by adding soft bedding, a blanket, or familiar toys. Some owners find that placing a piece of clothing with their scent inside the crate provides added comfort, especially at night. Just ensure your puppy is potty-trained before introducing these items to avoid unnecessary messes.

8. Observe Your Puppy’s Behavior

Pay close attention to how your puppy reacts during crate time. If they appear stressed or uncomfortable, reduce the duration and gradually build it up again. Adjusting to the crate takes time, and every puppy’s pace is different.

Read: How to Crate Train a Puppy?

Using Playpens or Gates

Providing your puppy with a safe, designated space is essential for their well-being and your peace of mind. Playpens and gates are excellent tools for balancing freedom with supervision, offering your puppy the independence to explore while keeping them secure.

A contained area ensures your puppy won’t accidentally chew on items they shouldn’t or ingest something harmful. It also plays a crucial role in setting them up for success with potty training. By limiting their roaming area, you can establish predictable routines and help your puppy learn where it’s appropriate to relieve themselves.

Incorporating playpens or gates into your home creates a structured environment where your puppy can thrive, learn boundaries, and feel safe as they adjust to their new surroundings.

Essentials:

• Crate and Crate Pad: Select a size-appropriate crate with cozy bedding. Crate training promotes quicker potty training and offers a secure place for your puppy to rest.
• Playpen: A sturdy playpen provides a safe environment for your puppy to explore while preventing access to off-limits areas. This is especially handy if you have limited space at home and don’t want your puppy getting into an accident.
• Doorway Baby Gates: Use baby gates to restrict access to certain rooms or staircases, ensuring your puppy stays within designated safe zones. You can also use these baby gates to contain your puppy in a specific room when you invite guests over. Your puppy will still be able to see you through the gate so it won’t feel alone and anxious.
• Indoor Dog Electric Barrier: An indoor electric barrier can effectively keep your puppy out if certain rooms are off-limits and you prefer not to use gates.

Read: Finding the Right Crate Size For a Puppy

Crate Training as a Potty Training Tool

Crate training is a valuable method for teaching your puppy to hold their bladder. Puppies naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas, making a properly sized crate an effective tool.

• Right Size: Choose a crate just big enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down. Too much space can encourage accidents.
• Consistency: Take your puppy outside immediately after they come out of the crate.
• Positive Associations: Make the crate a comfortable and inviting space—never use it as punishment.

Check out different types of containment in this blog: Bringing Your New Puppy Home: Containment

6. Emotional Preparation for Your Puppy

Bringing a new puppy home is such an exciting time, but it’s important to remember that it’s a big change for your little one, too. Helping them feel safe and loved from the start will make all the difference.

Adjusting to Their New Home

Your puppy is going through a lot—leaving their mom and littermates can be scary! Give them time to settle in and explore at their own pace. Spend time cuddling, playing, and showing them that they’re part of the family now.

Building Trust and Bonding

Your puppy looks to you for safety and comfort. Small things like using a calm voice, giving treats for good behavior, and sticking to a routine help build trust. These early moments together are the start of a wonderful friendship!

Patience and Commitment

Raising a puppy takes time, but it’s worth it. Training is about more than just teaching good manners—it’s about helping your puppy feel confident and happy.

If you’re looking for guidance or want to give your puppy the best start possible, enrolling in Happy Pup Manor can be a wonderful option. Our expert trainers provide personalized care and training in a calm, structured environment that sets your puppy up for long-term success. Plus, the luxurious amenities ensure both you and your pup enjoy the process every step of the way.