BRINGING THE PUPPY HOME

The trip from the kennel or pet shop to his new home can be an ordeal for the young puppy. Make it as easy on him as you can. Take along a container to carry him. This can be a cardboard box, basket or commercial dog carrier. If you use a box, punch holes in the sides for ventilation. Baskets that are not too tightly woven have breathing space between the reeds. The commercial dog carriers are well supplied with vent holes.

Remember, the pup may get sick, so cover the bottom of the container with shredded newspaper. If you are driving, place the container well back on the seat or on the floor to prevent it from toppling over, should you have to apply the brakes fast or go around a sharp curve. Most dogs are uneasy when riding in cars; imagine, then, what it is like closed up in a box. Yet the container is the best way to bring home the puppy.

When the puppy meets the family

The puppy's first day in a new home is a crucial time in his life. He's got to adjust to a new world of strange people, smells and sounds. Whether he adapts well after a reasonable time or turns into a nervous wreck depends on how he is handled the first few days.

If there are young children in the home, there's going to be shrieks of delight when the pup arrives. Everyone will want to pick him up and hold him. This will be his most hectic moment, and you've got to rescue him. Explain to the children (and any persistent adults) that the puppy is frightened, that he needs time to get acquainted with the house and people. Stress the fact that the pup is not a toy, but a living creature that must be treated with care. He can easily be injured by squeezing, mauling or falling to the floor. And he can be made ill by too much excitement.

You can allow everyone to hold the puppy just once. But show them the proper way to lift and hold him. Place your right or left hand under the pup's chest, with the forefinger between his front legs. Put the other hand under his rear end for support. Now the puppy can be lifted and held with safety.

After the introductions are over, it's time to show the puppy to his sleeping quarters. He's just gone through quite a trial, and he'll welcome the opportunity to regain his equilibrium. Place him in his bed or doghouse and let him alone. You can stop by now and then to reassure him that the bottom has not dropped out of his world. Give him a pat on the head and some words of praise. Most likely he'll huddle in a corner, shivering or shaking, but with your help, he'll recoup his confidence.

It is best not to feed the puppy the first hour or two. He may have a "nervous stomach" after the car ride and meeting the family. You can offer him a little warm milk or water.

If he refuses it, take it away and wait until later. You can be sure that when he sees things aren't so bad after all, he'll be hungry and will let you know it.

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