THE FIRST FEW DAYS WITH YOUR NEW PUPPY

          

The first 24 hours should be reserved as time for your puppy to adjust to its new home.  Your puppy may jump right into your family with very little transition or it may sleep a lot for days.  It may be up all night whining and crying or it may sleep all night right from the start.  However your puppy reacts, just remember that it is just trying to adjust to its new home.

In the next few days you should notice your puppy fitting in and falling into a good routine.  It will start watching you and getting excited when you come in.  It may react completely different then that first day.  This is a good sign, it shows that your puppy is feeling more comfortable and safe.

Take this first week to nurture and bond with your puppy.  This doesn't have to be all play; quiet cuddle time works wonders to create a loving and safe environment.  Obviously, continue this forever too, but this first week is essential.

If your puppy begins to chew on furniture, try using a distasteful spray instead of a loud or physical interference.  This will encourage bonding and be less likely to overwhelm your puppy.

For the first week the most important things are to make your puppy feel safe, to help your puppy learn its name, and to teach it where to potty.