Your new puppy should be adopted when you will have time off to give him that good start which is so important. Remember, a pup will be under a great deal of stress leaving his former home or temporary shelter and learning about your home. He will miss the companionship of his littermates, have a tummy upset from a change in diet, and will be unsure of you, his new caregiver. This is one of the most upsetting transitions in a young puppy’s life—going from canine companionship to human. The first impression or imprinting you make will shape his long-term behavior.

Beginning with the ride home, it is important for you to let the pup sit next to you in the car. He may even want to crawl on your lap for security. Give him lots of pets and hugs on the way home. If he whines, do not try to reassume him with words or by cuddling. Words of assurance and touching will reinforce and encourage this behavior in the future. Touch and talk to him when he is not whining. Also, if he gets carsick, say nothing. Just clean it up when you get home. If you make a fuss over his first carsickness, a lifetime of carsickness may be imprinted.

Upon first arriving home, take the pup to where you want his permanent toilet. Wait until he goes, then praise him profusely. Take him in the house and let him roam and investigate at will. Put his food and water bowl hear the door where you will let him outside to eliminate. During the remainder of the day, take him outside periodically to eliminate. He will need to go especially after eating, drinking, playing, and waking from a nap. Take him to his toy box and show him his chew toys. Take a toy out of the box and give it to him saying, "Chew, Good Dog!" Young pups have a great need to chew, especially at the four to six month teething time. Do not put any items of clothing or shoes in the toy box. He may get the wrong idea when he sees these on the bedroom floor. Take him outside to eliminate after a vigorous chewing session. Remember to praise him each time he eliminates outside. Never scold, hit, or rub his nose in the mess in case of an accident inside. Accidents will happen during the first three week settling-in period. A quiet, calm, consistent approach to training with lots of laughs will build a bond quickly.

A puppy will feel most comfortable sleeping in your bedroom or a family member’s bedroom. He should never be left alone those first few nights in another room, the garage, or the basement. The trauma of this will result in stress that will manifest itself in behavior problems later on. Put his bed right alongside yours and remember to take him outside upon his first awakening in the morning for he will have to urinate immediately. Eventually, he will sleep until your first stir.

Change over gradually from his former food to your choice of a high quality food. Add a little of the new food to his old food each day for about a week to avoid digestive problems.