From the Day BEFORE SPOT ARRIVES HOME...to the end of the First YEAR!
This is a Guide to help you to navigate the path to a HAPPY and SUCCESSFUL first year with your New Pup (regardless of their age)...with LESS frustration and anxiety! Remember to avoid rushing a pup, trust is not built in a day, positive experiences matter more than speed & patience is key! We also recommend taking a look at the HEALTHY and FIT for LIFE page to learn about proper weight management, routine Dalmatian grooming, putting together a Puppy First Aid Kit to keep on hand, and more!
Preparing for a SAFE "SPOT" in your home...
BEFORE your new pup arrives
At minimum have:
- Their FOOD and appropriate BOWLS
- A SLEEPING KENNEL - this fulfills several early needs that a pup has in a new environment. It's their "Den"...a place they feel safe to rest/sleep AND it is a safe place for them to stay when you are away from your home (errands, dinner out, etc) while your pup is learning the routine & boundaries of your home. This safeguards them from dangers like power-cords & toxic house plants AND it keeps your belongings safe as well. Link to a great demo.
Managing STRESS during the First 24 hours...
FIRST DAY
To help a new pup travel easier:
- Limit the number of people at pickup to Immediate Family (or less) - this is a time when "Less is More"
- Bring a travel kennel/crate for them to ride in (especially it you are traveling more than 1 hr)
- Bring a towel so that they can be held on an adults lap (that isn't driving) without the risk of ruining clothes if they have an oops or get car sick
- Bring Paper Towels or Wipes
- Go straight home - no side trips that would lengthen travel time.
- Activate their Pet Insurance
Letting your new pup ADJUST to their new home...
The FIRST WEEK OR TWO...
To help them adjust to your home we recommend:
- WAIT to meet new visitors outside of the immediate family for the first week or two.
- No extra trips (don't take them to the pet store, dog park, car rides etc)
- Set a routine and stick to it as much as possible. This includes where and when they sleep and eat, with lots of trips outside for the OPPORTUNITY to go potty. Praise them when they are successful...if they don't potty, try not to feel it was a wasted trip.
- Do the 2 week Titer Test w/Vet (Form)
Setting Boundaries and TRAINING for success...
DURING THE FIRST MONTH TOGETHER...
I always tell folks "Start as you mean to go on..." this means if you don't want the DOG on the couch...don't put the new puppy on the couch in the beginning days thinking you will just "teach them NOT to" in future...this sends a confusing message to a pup that doesn't understand why the rules changed.
- Watch Training Video's!
- Consider signing up for a Puppy Class to begin after the first month...these are usually fairly affordable and help to socialize your pup in a more controlled environment.
Explore the world...
AFTER YOUR FIRST MONTH TOGETHER...
After the first month, when they are in a routine at home, you are past the initial HOUSEBREAKING stage, they are more comfortable with you and their new home, and you have started working on basic and intermediate training...NOW it's time to explore outside of your normal boundaries. Remember to:
- Take it slow, provide positive reinforcement, remember that this all new...patience now will pay dividends in the future as they learn that NEW is good.
- Have a plan for if a new experience is too scary.
Up your game...and theirs...
The FIRST 1 YEAR...
Once you have a trusting relationship and the world isn't so BIG and scary...it's really time to FLY!
- Consider more advanced training
- Consider taking part in AKC Sports for dogs...they are always coming up with new games...from scent work to obediance, from dock diving to AKC FAST CAT like the Dal in the photo above whimsythedal.
- Please keep in touch, let us know what you and your SPOT are upto!