Nurturing a Strong Bond with Your New Puppy
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is like opening a door to a magical world of love and adventure. The first few days are a crucial time for you and your puppy to build a strong and lasting bond. While many close friends and family may be eager to meet the little one, it's wise to ask them to wait a few days. This initial period is intended for the two of you to get to know each other, and most importantly, for the puppy to feel secure in its new home.
For the puppy, the transition from the secure living environment with its mother, siblings, and breeder to its new home is like stepping into a magical wardrobe and discovering Narnia – an entirely new world that needs to be processed.
During the first few days, it's essential to focus on the following:
Time together with the family: Create a strong connection by spending time with your puppy and the family.
Exploration of the new home: Allow the puppy to explore its new home at its own pace, like opening the doors to a world of exciting discoveries.
Peace and quiet with plenty of rest: Provide the puppy with opportunities for peace and quiet, ensuring an adequate amount of rest to cope with the new surroundings.
Security: Establish a sense of security by meeting the puppy's basic needs for food, sleep, play, outdoor walks, and, above all, love.
To ensure the puppy's security:
Offer physical closeness if the puppy desires it, as it releases "feel-good" hormones like oxytocin.
Gently stroke the puppy's head, back, and chest for a calming effect.
Explore the home together with the puppy, sitting on the floor and enjoying how it adapts to its new environment.
Respect the puppy's sleep needs and be present when it sleeps, don´t leave it.
Create cozy spots for the puppy where you often spend time, with chew-friendly toys and bones for entertainment.
Assignment:
Create a cozy spot for the puppy near you, complete with soft bedding and chew-friendly toys. If your home is large, consider using a large puppy pen (not a crate) to establish a confined and calm area where the puppy can feel secure and rest. A harmonious start to your shared journey is the key to a long and happy life together.
/Mirabelle Wesden
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