The First 72!

Transition into a new home.

By Raina Townson

The first 72 hours of having your new puppy home will be a highly stressful event for him.

Your puppy will be faced with a brand new environment filled with new sights, smells, sounds, and people. Not much about the new structure and routine of his life will be the same, so take time and patience to help him adjust.

During these first 72 hours, try to avoid adding any additional stress such as introducing him to other animals or people. It is also a great idea to avoid visiting any new parks or areas. Make sure your new puppy is supervised at all times and wearing a drag leash. This will make it so that you can redirect him if necessary.

Due to the high levels of stress and being in a new environment, it is not uncommon for potty accidents to happen even if the puppy has been potty trained. It is also not uncommon for the dog to experience separation anxiety and become destructive. If he is being monitored closely, you might be able to prevent these things from happening.

The best place for him to sleep during the night is in a crate which can be placed next to your bed so he knows you are near by. A crate is also the best place for him to be if you leave the house, for his safety and the safety of your home. If you have children in the home, it is important to limit their time with the puppy and to show them how to appropriately interact with him to avoid overstimulation or any accidents.

Give your puppy at least these first 72 hours to settle into his new home, but remember that the time each puppy will need may vary.