Once you decide on the Golden Retriever puppy for you and your family, you must prepare mentally, but also physically (practically) for the new addition. Once you adopt a puppy, the first few weeks will require a lot of your time. Your Golden Retriever puppy will need fairly constant attention and care. The Golden Retriever puppy will be exploring and getting into everything. This means you must be on the look out overseeing everything the puppy does and everywhere the puppy goes. You must remember to have some patience and take everything one step at a time.
You need to have a sense of humor when you puppy misbehaves otherwise you will become much stressed, and being stressed is not good for you or your Golden Retriever!!!!!!
The First Night - Everything’s New…Everything’s a First ...........
First things first… by the time you take your puppy home it has been fully weaned from its mother, but has still been around her off and on; and, with its litter mates, in a fairly sterile and controlled environment. Your puppy’s first week at home should be somewhat quiet, but the puppy should be allowed to explore and meet his new family. Start teaching the puppy its name immediately, as well as the one word commands in section 009. When you first arrive home, give your puppy a chance to relieve itself in an area you have designated for that purpose, whether that be inside on wee-wee pads or outside.
The first few nights at home may be difficult for both you and your pup. At night the puppy may feel somewhat lonely and will probably demonstrate this by whining some. We've tried to limit this by exposing them to times be themselves even in our kennel early on.
The important thing is to expect some "discomfort" for yourself and "go with the flow"! Don't get stressed or you and the pup will get very stressed! You have a new baby in the house!
These are a few things that you can do that might make the puppy feel at home.
- Your puppy’s sleeping quarters should be in a small crate (don't give them room to get lazy and potty) – Sometimes putting a blanket over it can make it seem more cozy, but they like to see you.
- Keep the crate in next to your bed. For approximately the first three weeks, if your puppy cries, take him out, on a leash to a relieving area. After relieving put him back into his crate. Do not give him any treats or any play time. Put him right back into his crate and he should go back to sleep.
- Give the puppy a stuffed dog toy, tennis ball, etc. to snuggle with.
- Under no circumstances take the puppy to bed with you. This will form a very undesirable habit. - trust me…it’s difficult to avoid doing when your puppy is whining all night, but it’s very important to leave him in his crate.
You will also have to not only puppy proof your house but also pick up a few important items. Here are a few things that you will need to have before your new Golden Retriever puppy arrives home:
a wire or plastic dog crate - a "life stages" crate is recommended that can grow with your pup;
bedding for the crate that is machine washable as well and thick for your Golden Retriever puppy's comfort;
also you will need to pick up stainless steal dishes one for water and one for dry food;
a puppy collar with leash;
ID tag with your information in case your Golden Retriever puppy ever wanders off;
a few high quality chew toys - no "nylon" bones or similar;
grooming supplies such as a comb or brush;
dry puppy food;
a baby gate for blocking areas that you do not wish for the puppy to go into;
and information on ways to train your new Golden Retriever puppy
After a week or two you will know what to expect and your Golden Retriever puppy will begin to become more acclimated to your home and the new environment. You and your new Golden Retriever puppy will have a wonderful time learning together!
©