First Night Home
Your puppy's first night home will be his/her first night away from the rest of the litter and this may be overwhelming and overstimulating until they have time to adapt. Some puppies will adapt a lot more quickly than others, but they are all different and will need time and patience. Your new family member will need to be slowly introduced to his/her new housemates such as other dogs, cats, etc. It is advisable to keep your new puppy and current dog on a leash for their first introduction and closely monitored so they can be safely introduced. Introducing on a leash, outside, or through a dog gate or other barrier are good techniques to do so. Keep a close eye on your new puppy as they may wander around and pick things up off the floor to eat or chew cords out of curiosity. They are like babies and it is best to "puppy proof" the house prior to pick up. Make sure you have a crate, harness/collar, leash, food, food and water bowls, puppy pads and anything else that will help to be prepared for when you bring your puppy home. Your puppy may cry throughout the night at first because they are not used to being alone. Please don't give your puppy a treat to stop them from crying as this will reward their behavior and they will continue to do so more often. When I am training a dog to be alone or working with one that has separation anxiety, I leave them alone in a room for a short period of time, wait for them to stop barking/whining and then immediately come back in and reward with a treat or lots of affection. These periods of time alone can be gradually increased and with consistency will help with their independence and coping with being alone. Make sure to give equal attention to all of your pets when your new puppy arrives home so that they don't feel neglected or become jealous. Reward them for getting along with each other.