If I had 100 puppies during the Covid-19 Pandemic, it wouldn’t have been enough for all the serious inquiries that have reached out. The shelters are empty (yay!) and every dog has found their human. Our hearts are full(er) with these furry companions to walk these days of “New Normal” with. I want to share a few tips that will make your new furry companions first days with you as stress free as possible. We have had many puppies leave our home, but it’s only been recently that we have had the wonderful addition of sweet 8 week old Libby. In the next year, I have reserved two other puppies (black & tan female and tri male) so I’ll need refreshing at that time as well. So, this blog post is for all of us who will ever experience that New Puppy Experience. While this experience is fresh in my mind, I thought there might be others who may appreciate the tips that have helped us, and many others along the way. Much of the following info. can be found in the 5th chapter of the book I was featured in, Amazon’s Cavalier Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/2ZP2yHL

Hopefully you have found a pup or dog from a reputable breeder. If you have any doubts, please read my 2-part blog on Puppy Mills: https://lifewithcavalierkingcharlesspaniels.com/puppy-mill-or-reputable-breeder-how-can-we-really-tell/ Having a well adjusted, amiable dog, our puppies need to begin their first steps with a strong and confident human who has made a plan for their success. I like to say “that cute three month old who whines and begs for your attention isn’t so cute when he’s three YEARS old.” This blog post will give you a step-by-step plan to help both of you soar into it’s old age with grace and glory.

When picking up your puppy, be sure to allow TIME (apx. one hour) to transition from their 1st human family to yours. You should receive (and go through) a few items during that pick-up: a blanket that smells of the kennel he came from, a bit of the food your pup has been eating, and paperwork (including the Vet notes and Purebred Registration, if applicable). It’s good to pick-up earlier in the day, so that the transition to you and your home and family can take place before the evening comes. Bring a crate, put the puppy in with the blanket and sure enough in a few minutes of travel, he will be resting quietly.

Humans tend to breath out a big SIGH when we need to destress, canines yawn. As well, they often will look away. It would help your pup if you do the same (yawn and look away). Being aware of a dogs body language will help your fur-baby begin that trust and bond that you will tap into for many days to come. I like to purchase the Adaptil “calming collar” to have for that first car ride and adjustment into the new home environment. This one lasts 30 days and is a nice, drug free way to bond and connect. It has a small release of pheromones that sends messages of comfort to your pup. Here is a link for the Puppy Collar: https://amzn.to/36IOl0r There are also diffusers that you can have around your Puppy Area as well (though most Cavaliers adjust quite quickly).

Remember, dogs have an incredible sense of smell, even up to a mile away. Remembering this, you want to clean your house, but please, do not use harsh toxic chemicals. A spray bottle of 1 part white vinegar, 3 parts water will do the trick for most household cleaning. I use a air purifier after cleaning at least a day or two before a new dog/puppy arrives (and then turn off a day before bringing him in).

Walk your new furry friend around the perimeter of your yard as soon as you arrive, and use the word that you have chosen in the specific area you want him to do his business – I use “go potty”. This is to be repeated apx. every 2-4 hours around the clock for the next two weeks. (Side note: I like to use a bell each time I walk through the door area to get the puppy ready to train to “ring when I need to go out” and will help YOU for all your live long days. Here is a link to bells and clickers to begin early training right away: https://amzn.to/36IOl0r

Those first 10-14 days are critical in the development of bonding, attaching and training. If you MUST share that puppy love with others outside of your home and family, Video Chats are the best way. Keep your puppy’s world SMALL. The puppy’s immune system is just now developing, he has all that amazing nourishment from his Dog-Mom, in addition to those first puppy shots (8-10 weeks), so there’s no need for fear, just caution. If you aren’t sure if the grass has had Weed-n-Feed or flowers sprayed with pesticide, keep a distance! I hope you had time to prepare an outdoor and indoor area for your fur-baby and you are ready to see how he adapts. I like the indoor/outdoor fences and use them all the time until completely potty trained. If you need a supply list of good recommendations, I have many Puppy recommended items on my other page here: https://lifewithcavalierkingcharlesspaniels.com/new-puppy-set-up/

That first night the pup is typically worn out from all the changes and excitement, so a good night sleep is almost certain to be had by all. Be forewarned: there are a few times each day that your new pup will have the “zoomies”, or , as the Vet community calls it “FRAPing” (which stands for Frenetic Random Activity Period). It’s literally the exuberant bursts of energy he will display for 5-10 minutes of running around and playing that takes over our puppies. I find that this will happen just before they are ready for a good long nap.

A few “tricks up my sleeve” for that nighttime sleep is to put the travel crate (with his blanket) next to your bed. When he does awake, you will hear and take him out promptly. Don’t expect a full night’s sleep for several months – until his bladder is strong enough to be held. A rule of thumb is apx. 1 hour of sleep for every two weeks of life (or thereabouts). Again, ring your bell, say your que word and go to the same are of your yard each time.This is most likely the first time your puppy has been away from his litter-mates and Mama.

Your pup will appreciate being offered a little “midnight snack” and drink and maybe even a ball toss. Sometimes the nighttime oil carries on for an hour or two before he is ready to cuddle and be put back in his bed. I like adding a bully stick or hard chew toy in the crate when I put the puppy back, sometimes the chewing helps to rest and relax. Some people like to add a rice bag (a drop of lavender) and a wind-up clock nearby – to immolate heartbeats. There are stuffed animals for this type of thing as well: https://amzn.to/2XEngrb A soft music can sometimes help block out the new and unusual sounds that puppy isn’t used to – there are plenty of playlists on YouTube like this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIMiZA1PGKE&t=2295s – especially when you leave pup alone at home.

Now that you’ve gotten through an entire day with your puppy, hopefully you both are feeling a bit more comfortable. You’ve gone through the paperwork, gotten a few meals down and are getting into your routine. Definitely take the time to look at his bowel movements. It’s quite normal during the change in his environment, to have soft stools. Here is a chart and explanation of “normal” poo: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/guides/whats-your-dogs-poo-telling-you

If your pup isn’t eating, vomiting or has true diarrhea, these are indicators that something more could be going on (parasites or bacteria), get in to your Veterinarian ASAP – and don’t forget to bring that poo sample. If it is just softer than you’d like to see, add a teaspoon of pure (no added seasonings) pumpkin. **Watch for an upcoming blog on your Dog’s 1st Aid Kit.

From the 3rd day of life, I begin a “Early Neurological Stimulation” which helps the puppies ability to adapt and adjust to his environment and potty training. While in my home, I commit to introducing a new “thing” each day. It might be a new sound, texture, taste or person. When you bring your pup home, it would do you well, to continue this learning process. Use this checklist (or find another/make your own) “100 Things in 100 Days”: https://www.preventivevet.com/puppy-socialization-checklist-100-things-in-100-days

A few things you will need to decide pretty quickly to help this amazing transition go as smoothly as possible are:

1. Schedule your Veterinary Appointments for the next three months of Vaccine Boosters (remember to bring in a fecal each time to check for parasites) and nail trims.
2. Plan on a week (minimum) to spend 24/7 with the puppy and help him adjust, crate & potty train.
3. Puppy Obedience Train each day (1 minute per week of life) and schedule a Puppy Training Class. and
4. Who will be on “Puppy Duty”? Write it down so that there’s no question.

I hope this blog has helped you get geared up for your new furry love! If I didn’t address something you think is a concern, would you consider writing your question below?