Realistic Expectations

A great post about bringing your puppy home by Karen Balinski, Killara Field Spaniels.

As puppies head to their forever homes I wanted to touch base on a common issue that breeders come across with new owners: Realistic Expectations.

You go to the breeders’ home. The puppies are all social. They are quiet in the pen. The breeder shows you videos of them being totally relaxed at a dog show. Everything seems perfect, and you bring your puppy home.  Then reality hits. Your puppy may cry in the crate for the first few nights making you tired and agitated. Your previously happy, social puppy is refusing to greet the half dozen overly excited friends you invited over to see your new puppy. Your puppy refuses to walk on a leash. Many people wonder: “How did my perfect puppy turn into a nightmare?”

Let’s discuss realistic expectations when your puppy goes home. First of all, your puppy has been in the breeders’ home since birth. They had their mother and their littermates as constant companions. They had their routine, were taught expectations and were completely in their comfort zone. Suddenly they are taken to a totally new environment. Picture yourself being dropped into an unknown country, often in a different part of the world. You know only a few words of their language. There are different trees, animals, smells, temperature and people. In the middle of this your routine is also switched up…someone decides to have a party with people you don’t know, and asks you to do jobs you have no idea about. You are overwhelmed to say the least.  This is what every puppy goes through when going to their new home. Stress manifests in different forms. From not eating, to reluctancy to play and greet people. Being apprehensive at the vet’s office or as strangers reach for them. Diarrhea, vomiting and depression can occur.

So, what can you as a new owner do to help your puppy acclimate?  Have Realistic Expectations!

First, most puppies take 3-4 weeks to acclimate to you and their new home. Repeat after me THREE to FOUR WEEKS! Not a 1-2 days. I can’t stress this enough about how much time is needed for a dog or puppy to feel comfortable in their new home!  Understand your puppy needs time to see you as family. Expecting an immediate bond is unrealistic.

Second, limit the number of guests during the first week. We understand you are excited to show off your new puppy, but give them time to adjust. Plan on waiting 1-2 weeks before inviting people over.  When you do, ask guests to sit on the ground and let the puppy approach them. No squealing and grabbing the puppy

Third, set up a good routine and train your puppy.  This not only helps you to bond but the puppy to look to you for direction and input.

Fourth, restrict your puppy to a small area of the house. This not only reduces them being overwhelmed but also allows you to watch them.

Fifth, don’t expect a 9-13 week-old puppy to walk on a leash. Instead work at home with a leash where they are comfortable. Let them drag the leash, use treats to encourage them to walk with you. If your puppy is refusing to walk give them time. My first trips to town with puppies a walk around a small block took 1 1/2 hours. We only move when the puppy initiates the movement as they need time to take in the different environment.  Outings should be planned at puppy speed. So, while you might imagine a fun walk around the lake, in reality your puppy might only be able to handle walking a short distance that day. Most outings for me take a long time, as I am often just standing still as the puppy cautiously explores the new environment. Patience is key!

Lastly, be patient. Don’t declare “omg there’s something wrong with this dog.” Nothing occurs overnight.

Remember if the puppy was wonderful at the breeder’s house but now is struggling, you as the owner, need to help the puppy adjust which takes time, patience and training. Have realistic expectations and give your puppy positive experiences. Each puppy is an individual, so don’t compare your current puppy to past pets and judge their behavior based on how another dog handled things. Try to see thing’s from your puppy’s perspective and adjust to situations accordingly.

Reposted with permission by Castiron Kennels

Ric, Ellen of Castiron Kennels and their 4 Picardy Spaniels live in New Glarus, WI just 25 minutes southwest of Madison.  A lifelong hunter, Ric has trained and hunted Small Munsterlanders, Gordon Setters, and for the past 7 years Picardy Spaniels.  Ellen has an extensive background in animal genetics and a PhD in Reproductive Physiology.  She bred and trained Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs prior to Picardy Spaniels.