Making the transition from where a puppy was born and what he has always known to his new home could be traumatic. You can do several things to make this easier for your new pup. When you pick up your pup (or if you have him shipped, have the breeder do this for you), take an old soft shirt or piece of blanket or even a stuffed toy and rub it all over the mom and underneath the mom's belly to get a much scent of her as possible to travel to the pups new home. Aquaria the types of toys the pup has been started on. Get the same exact food for starting with (you can change over later and gradually to the food you will use). For smaller pups ( especially in the winter ) put a heating pad on low under the pups box or crate to provide some feeling of warmth to imitate mom and littermates.
When your new pup arrives he will be tired from his trip but will also be curious about his new surroundings. It is a good idea to let him have a small meal and a little water but let him rest in his crate or designated area before showing him his entire new home. There will be plenty of time to start to learn everything in a day or two.
The first few days are important in the life long relationship you are starting on. The ground work laid now may be important for years to come. You need to find a middle ground between wanting to be with your new puppy constantly ( which he would like too ) and creating a problem over leaving him later. He will be experiencing some degree of separation anxiety over leaving his mom and littermates, but will be learning to love his new family. If you allow him to bark and whine too much by giving in and holding him to comfort him you may be teaching him that is acceptable behavior. This is not to say don't hold him and comfort him, but when it is time to go in his crate he needs to learn to be quiet.
When first starting to be in a crate alone your pup will most likely bark and whine to get your attention and get out. You may start by soothing him and talking to him or holding your fingers in the crate for a minute, but don't soothe him by taking him out of the crate or he will come to think that getting out is a reward for being noisy. Let him be quiet in the crate for at least 30 seconds. If he continues his unacceptable behavior, you may want to slap a newspaper against your hand to make a startling noise or pat the crate to make a noise while telling him to be "quiet" or "no bark" or whatever command you chose (chose one only and stick with it) after he has been quiet you may let him out.
These helps in addition to the many good puppy care books on the market will help to make your new family member comfy and start you all on a well-behaved long relationship.
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Last updated 10/04 © Inclusive from 1999, NACR.