Bringing home a new puppy is fun and exciting, but it is important to puppy proof your home, get the appropriate puppy supplies and be prepared for your new dog, before bringing puppy home.
Getting off to a good start with your new pet is dependent on how well you and your family have prepared. And that’s true whether you adopt a puppy or you purchase him from a breeder,
It’s important to remember that the rules of your house will start to be established, on the very first day that your pup arrives.
And, if you don’t get off to a good start, breaking habits can be far more difficult than establishing good habits, from the start.
Plan for Bringing Home a New Puppy
Spend a little time, before your new pet arrives, to make some plans, decide what you will and won’t permit, and get the puppy supplies that you’ll need.
If you do this now, your new puppy will feel comfortable and safe, and you will avoid the confusion of running out to get supplies at the last minute…
The First Few Days After Bringing Home a New Puppy…
Bichon Frise puppies will need a lot of love and human interaction. And, keep in mind that, if you don’t pay enough attention to them, they can develop behavioral problems.
After first bringing home a new puppy, your Bichon puppy will feel lonely and frightened–no matter how much attention you pay to him. Don’t panic, this is normal. Your puppy is just homesick and is wondering where his mommy, daddy and litter mates are.
The little Smart Pet Love Snuggle Pet pictured on the left was designed to address the loneliness and separation anxiety of a new puppy (or anxious older dog). Your puppy can play with his new toy and sleep with his new friend.
The cute 15″ stuffed dog toy has a pulsating heart, run by AAA batteries. You can remove the heart and machine wash the dog.
In addition, you can insert warming packs that will simulate the heat of your puppy’s mom and siblings. He’ll almost feel like he never left the litter.
Bedtime is usually the worst time of the day, as your Bichon Frise puppy will probably whimper and cry, throughout the night.
Use Your Puppy’s Name often – Name your puppy right away and use his name frequently so that your dog learns his name. This will help him feel secure and part of the group.
How Your New Puppy Feels
Have you thought about what it will be like when you bring your new puppy home? Fun for you, but maybe not so much fun for your new puppy!
She’s been with mom and brothers and sisters since birth, but tonight she will be in new surroundings, with new sights and sounds, and with people that she doesn’t know.
It’s all quite frightening for a little puppy, and it’s important that you prepare well—so that things will go smoothly, and you’ll get to know each other without incident.
Decide on a Schedule Before Bringing Home a New Puppy
You need to decide what the rules in your house will be, and your puppy needs to learn them. Not next week—now! But in a gentle understanding way.
Setting a routine, with specific rules will help your new pup to feel secure, because she will learn quickly what is expected, and she’ll know what her routine will be:
During this transitional period, you can bond with your new puppy by showing her lots of love and setting aside plenty of playtime.
Dog Toys for Bichon Puppies
Bichon puppies have a lot of energy when they aren’t napping, so it would be wise to purchase several play toys that will keep your new puppy entertained.
Try twisted ropes, stuffed animals and tennis balls, as they are very popular with Bichon puppies.
Left without fun things to do, your puppy can get into mischief and chew YOUR things for fun!
Soon your new puppy will come to realize that you are his new family. The nighttime crying will stop when the puppy has bonded with you and he feels safe and secure in his new environment.
Bichon Frise puppies are wonderful and will provide great joy in your life.
You will truly have a loving and loyal companion right by your side for many years to come.
And, if your family is anything like our family, you will never want to live without one, ever again.
Make Your Home Safe for Your Puppy
Before bringing home a new puppy, you’ll need to consider:
Pet Gates – If you have open stairs or rooms that will be off limits, consider using baby gates to keep your pup where she belongs, and safe.
A pet gate can also keep your new dog confined to a room with a washable floor–especially important during the first weeks of potty training!
Puppy Proofing Measures – You will need to protect your puppy and your home. Just like you would for a baby, remove electrical cords within reach, glass objects that might break, chemicals, poisonous plants and anything else that you want to protect or keep away from your pup.
Don’t forget important furniture. It only takes a second for a small puppy to start gnawing on an expensive coffee table leg or a favorite family antique.
When your puppy knows the rules, you can bring furniture and breakable items back into your family areas.
Your Family’s Things – If members of your family have the habit of leaving socks, shoes, or toys lying around, they need to be trained not to do so.
Your puppy will not know the difference at first, between your things and hers. It isn’t fair to punish her for chewing on socks instead of her toys.
You can relax later, when she has learned what things are hers.
Establish Routines for Your New Puppy
Housebreaking Routine
Before you bring your puppy home, you should know how you will approach housebreaking. Start the routine immediately, and take your new dog outdoors on a regular schedule. You can learn more about house training a puppy here.
Feeding Routine
The same goes for feeding. Set a schedule and feed your new puppy at the same times each day. That way she will know what to expect.
A regular feeding schedule is also healthier for your dog, as well.
Bedtime Routine
This is one of the toughest, and the first night away from her dog family may be the toughest for your new pup. Decide where your puppy will sleep, and stick to it.
You may not get much sleep the first night, but you can’t get up and rescue your puppy by taking her to bed with you. Your new puppy must get used to the idea of sleeping in her own place.
Here are some things that do work.
- Place your pup’s crate or travel crate next to your bed where she can see you.
- Include a hot water bottle in a soft blanket, a toy, and a ticking clock (to sound like mom’s heartbeat).
- If your puppy cries, simply place a hand in her crate so that she knows that you are still there and have not abandoned her. This way she will learn that she has her own place to sleep, but that you are still close.
When our 3 Bichons: Buddy, Emily, and Beau were still puppies, the nighttime crying ceased after about 1 week. We discovered that turning on a night light and playing soft music helped our puppies feel more comfortable and relaxed in their new surroundings.
The key to success with your new pup is to be prepared. Plan ahead before bringing your new puppy home, purchase the things that you’ll need, prepare your family, and puppy-proof your home.
And get set to have a great time getting to know your new puppy!
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