Bringing home a new puppy is a big step -- no, make that a huge step. Your Golden Retriever pup is coming home for the first time!
The Car Ride Home If you have been following the suggestions on this site, you are probably going to be bringing home a new puppy from a rescue, shelter or
breeder
that is driving distance. Remember that usually the puppy is not fed in the morning on the day she is going to her new home. This is to make her first car-ride less accident-prone.
I would still recommend that you take a blanket, paper towels, and cleaning solution as accidents do happen! When bringing home a new puppy in the car, she may get car-sick and vomit -- it's her very first car ride (of thousands to come)!
It's a good idea to have at least two people to go pick up the new puppy. That way, when bringing puppy home, one of you can drive, while the other can focus on her. I think it's ideal to sit in the backseat with the blanket on your lap, and the puppy on the blanket. I recommend this highly as the most optimal way to bring your puppy home (better than putting the puppy in a
crate
or in the back of an SUV, etc.). The puppy feels much more secure and comfortable this way.
Upon Arriving Home As soon as you get home, take the puppy directly to the toileting area that you have pre-decided. Start getting her used to her
daily routine
. Use a particular word (such as "Get Busy", "Go Potty"). You will use this word consistently to
toilet-train
her. Be patient and give her plenty of time -- hopefully the puppy will need to relieve herself, and you will have your first toilet training success! Be sure to praise the puppy heartily!
Visitors Undoubtedly when people find out you are bringing puppy home, they will want to visit (I am one of those very people!) but politely tell them they can come in a few days (or weeks) -- the puppy will still be just as cute and a lot better adjusted.
Then take your new puppy into the house. Have her meet members of the immediate family. Other than that, please keep the number of people she meets to a minimum. Give your new baby a chance to become familiar with her family and her new home first before being inundated with visitors.
Amidst all the excitement, don't forget to give your new puppy fresh water and
food. Remember, she has probably not eaten all day! Also remember to keep taking your puppy out at frequent intervals for her toileting needs.
Your puppy will be very excited about the new surroundings. She will want to explore and sniff around everywhere. As long as she has done her business before coming into the house, and as long as you have
puppy-proofed
, you should be fine. Make sure to follow her everywhere, and watch closely. No matter how much you have puppy-proofed beforehand, your puppy will assuredly be able to find ways to get into trouble!
Unwinding And Settling Down After the initial excitement of showing the puppy her home and new family, all of a sudden it hits you -- this puppy is home to stay 24/7! She doesn't understand anything, not even her
name
! She is darting around frenetically, and is trying to chew and eat everything in sight. She may have even had an accident or two. All your earlier puppy-proofing efforts seem like they made no difference at all. WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH THIS PUPPY?
Breathe! You are going to be just fine. Before you know it, it will be like your new puppy has always been with you. In the meanwhile, just remember that although she does not comprehend words, your puppy does understand more than you think. She can read expressions and understand tone/inflections. The doors of communication are indeed open -- use these to communicate effectively with her. With patience and consistency you will see that very soon she will learn the words as well. Thankfully, Golden Retriever puppies are incredibly smart.
Congratulations! Your first day after bringing home a new puppy is done. And what a success it has been!
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and challenging event. You may feel a bit overwhelmed at first, but just breathe -- you are going to get through this with flying colors!
The Car Ride Home
