Settling in a new puppy

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oldie48

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Hi, we have a border terrier pup arriving in a weeks time and as it is 17 years since we last had a pup I am looking for help in ensuring we do everything as well as we can. What tips do you have for settling a new puppy into your home? He will be the only dog in the house, we have used crates for our previous borders and as we have a very elderly person in the house we will have a puppy play pen in the kitchen, where I spend quite a lot of my time. He will be a pet rather than a working do and as I am retired and my OH only does the occasional bit of freelance work now, generally there is someone around all the time.Thanks in advance for any suggestions that you have.
 
Could you get a bit of bed him and his siblings have slept on? First night our pups come home, pick them up as early as you can in the day, they get put to bed about 11 in a room of a comfortable temperature with a comfy safe bed and their blanket and left until 5am. My mum recommends a quiet radio and/or ticking clock but we have never bothered.
 
i took a toy with me and rubbed it on the other pups and the mum and the breeder also gave me a bed which had also got the scent of the mum and pups on it. mine wouldnt settle downstairs even though i have another dog who sleeps in the same room,and as i am in a terraced cottage and my neighbour has to leave for work at 5.30am i really couldnt have a pup yapping till the early hours, so i have him in a crate in my bedroom and will hopefully get him to settle downstairs in the not too distant future..he seems ok to be left in the crate downstairs during the day so fingers crossed....dont forget we will need piccies of your new addition....
 
The first time away from his mum and rest of the litter will be stressful for him especially at night.He will be crying and restless and need lots of comforting during the night.Having his crate by your bedside will save getting up all the time.A fleece mat like Vetbed is cosy and is absorbent of any mishaps.I am not of the mindset of leaving pups to cry all night, our Cairn terrier pup got lots of cuddles during the night to help him through. Its only for a few weeks until he is familiar with you and his new surroundings.House training from an early age is important and he will soon learn to go to a familiar place outside.Of course he will be delightful to have around soon you will be able to give him gentle training in what you want him to do. Arm yourself with some books or videos so you will understand how dogs think and you will be able to show him you are his leader as he grows up and have a good partnership.With an elderly person sharp little puppy teeth can be painful when playing so look out for that too. Terriers are wonderful characters and are happiest when out and about with plenty to occupy their active mind.As mine lives in the country with hens and livestock on his doorstep not to mention squirrels in the garden, he takes his energies out on some tough soft toys when he gets back from walks shaking them to bits! Have fun and dont get stressed,get the basics right and you will be fine.
 
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We collected our pup on Monday and she's been a dream at night, but she's been allowed to sleep in the bedroom while she settles in. She will be going down in the kitchen (crated) with our other dog from tomorrow night when her new crate arrives.
 
Pup came on Sunday and is a delight. Settled in very quickly, has gone through the night without a murmur, is going out to poo and pee and is basically, just a lovely little lad. He came from a local "hobby" breeder and she has given all the pups a great start. He wore a collar from 4 weeks and was sensibly weaned. I'd left a toy and one of my t shirts so he came home with something that smelled of his mum and the rest of the litter + me (Chanel no 5 of course!) We'd met both parents, who are lovely friendly dogs and I'd gone to see him weekly. No doubt I will share loads to many pics but he is just such a star! He'll never replace either of our previous borders, of course, but he's found a place in our hearts already.
 
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