New Experiences for Your Puppy

Plan ahead to introduce your puppy to his new home and to begin his socialization. Help him adjust to his surroundings, then gradually introduce him to people - one or two at a time under circumstances you control. Do not let him become overwhelmed by a crowd of people. Take him for walks in the neighbourhood. Show the neighbourhood children how to pet him and talk to him. Introduce him to the postman,  the meter reader and other service people who visit your home regularly.

If you have another pet, keep the puppy and the pet separated but within sight of each other for the first few days. Reassure the other pet to help prevent jealousy. When you feel confident that they will accept each other, you can put them in the same area and they should become friends. However, it is important to continue to give the other pet extra attention.

Introduce your puppy to riding in the car. Too many times, puppies learn to associate riding in the car with trips to the veterinarian and become, at best, reluctant travellers. Short rides (even if the ride is only around the block) soon become happy experiences for the puppy. When the veterinarian is the destination, the puppy arrives relaxed and is usually easier to manage during his examination. A puppy accustomed to riding in the car becomes a better travelling companion when it is necessary to include him in family travel plans.

For safer driving for you and your puppy, confine him in a carrier or use a restraining device. Some puppies may experience motion sickness, but they usually outgrow it. Withholding food for at least three hours before travelling and conditioning the puppy with short drives usually minimizes this problem.