its finally here : Adoption day !!
Adopting your newest family member
Park in our driveway in front of the Log Cabin and come to our gate to be let in .
during covid we have been meeting outside on the front porch for adoptions.
( by sending some ahead of time for them to use with littermates here at sunshine acres before you pick them up and take the familiair items for security in their new home/family. ) getting your new bundle of joy home to start new good habits with your pack is a BIG Day !
Adoption day for Sadie Mae !
they were so supportive and helpful sending greenies to use with the pups and treats and food.
they also sent a case of eukanuba canned food to help the litter transition to weaning from mom. |
on her ride home she had her blanket and toys on
the bed they had also sent us ahead of time for her to get used to here before using it at their home. |
repeat customer Margaret had her older boy sit with their new one for the ride to comfort him :)
"We just got home
with our New Puppy!"
Okay, so you just got out of the car with your new puppy in hand, what should you do first? Well we know that after that nice car trip, everyone's going to be ready for a bathroom break!
(Keep in mind to not allow the newest member of the pack to think that it might be okay to get away with things- they need to know your expectations consistently from the start of your relationship, so be sure to communicate to them properly while they are developing their personality and behavior in your home.)
Quote from the Dog Whisperer:
(The New Puppy)
Just because your puppy has been socialized doesn't mean he doesn't still need your guidance from day one!
Don't forget to get right to work setting your new pack's rules, boundaries, and limitations and consistently enforcing them. Your new puppy is easily influenced by your pack leadership, so keep it balanced and consistent! Housetraining and introduction to the sights and sounds of your puppy's new home should begin right away. Positive experiences associated with the various new elements of your puppy's life will help ensure a smooth transition. And don't forget that your puppy is still a social animal! If you have no other dogs or pets, try to find calm, vaccinated dog pals for him to interact with. This could prevent issues that may arise later on from lack of socialization.
Designate an area of the yard for puppy's "Hurry-Up" breaks.
We call it hurry up, simply because its up to you what English means!
You don't have to revert to "peepee" in public, if you'd prefer to keep what you're doing on the down-low! LOL
Yes, we do recommend setting up the bathtub with Paper & Bed so that you can help your new puppy avoid accidents in their new home during that first adjustment period, however you can also let this area outside in the yard be one of your pup's first impressions of going "HurryUp" at their new home.
Remember to encourage them with an upbeat "Good Hurry Up !" when they do go outside.
If its too cold, wet, or something, don't worry about it- you of course have plenty of time to start this habit. You can simply just put Puppy on the paper in his tub setup, but we know that after the car trip / any naps, he's gonna need to go, so its just a good opportunity where you know the puppy will need to go, & you can wait for him to go in the appropriate spot.
We call it hurry up, simply because its up to you what English means!
You don't have to revert to "peepee" in public, if you'd prefer to keep what you're doing on the down-low! LOL
Yes, we do recommend setting up the bathtub with Paper & Bed so that you can help your new puppy avoid accidents in their new home during that first adjustment period, however you can also let this area outside in the yard be one of your pup's first impressions of going "HurryUp" at their new home.
Remember to encourage them with an upbeat "Good Hurry Up !" when they do go outside.
If its too cold, wet, or something, don't worry about it- you of course have plenty of time to start this habit. You can simply just put Puppy on the paper in his tub setup, but we know that after the car trip / any naps, he's gonna need to go, so its just a good opportunity where you know the puppy will need to go, & you can wait for him to go in the appropriate spot.
Now we're inside the house.
The tub or playpen is all set up with paper put down, and puppy's bed and toys on the other end.
You can go ahead and put the puppy in the playpen setup for a little while so they can become accustomed to the more familiar surroundings. If you previously sent us a toy so that he could bring back that scent from littermates & our home, you can go ahead & put it in the tub with them- maybe show it to them with a happy "toy" voice since it's familiar & can comfort them.
The tub or playpen is all set up with paper put down, and puppy's bed and toys on the other end.
You can go ahead and put the puppy in the playpen setup for a little while so they can become accustomed to the more familiar surroundings. If you previously sent us a toy so that he could bring back that scent from littermates & our home, you can go ahead & put it in the tub with them- maybe show it to them with a happy "toy" voice since it's familiar & can comfort them.
Sometimes folks go ahead & order a few toys, bed, etc (& sometimes surprises for mommy, or a gift card to help us get what the mommas need most, and things like Eukanuba Healthy Extras or Iams Puppy Biscuits to help her consistently make the most nutritious milk during their puppy's nursing stage!) and they have their items sent to our home ahead of time so it benefits their puppy during its development, and the bed / toys smell like his/her first home, & is familiar when they take it with them to their new forever home.
Take a Break.
While your puppy is in the tub , or playpen ,checking out the new surroundings that he'll be spending a few weeks in, it'll give you a few minutes to catch your breath, and proceed with anything else that needs to be done at home.
This time apart is showing him that he's not always going to be the only thing in your world going on, you will have important things going on in your life, and he can build respect for your time. (Being spoiled is fun and all, but developing a high ego, as well as expectation from being too cute & special is not so great!)
If you have other pets,
This is a good time to greet them, and then put them back in their crate or another area before bringing the puppy out.
This way the first time the puppy experiences your home & your family in it, there aren't other pets around to possibly frighten or distract the new puppy during his first experience in your house. You want them to first feel comfortable with your family in a calm state, secure in your arms & then on your carpet with you, before introducing the energy of your other pets.
This time apart is showing him that he's not always going to be the only thing in your world going on, you will have important things going on in your life, and he can build respect for your time. (Being spoiled is fun and all, but developing a high ego, as well as expectation from being too cute & special is not so great!)
If you have other pets,
This is a good time to greet them, and then put them back in their crate or another area before bringing the puppy out.
This way the first time the puppy experiences your home & your family in it, there aren't other pets around to possibly frighten or distract the new puppy during his first experience in your house. You want them to first feel comfortable with your family in a calm state, secure in your arms & then on your carpet with you, before introducing the energy of your other pets.
Time to Introduce your Puppy to your Home
After a little while, When you come to a point that you feel it will a good time to devote all your attention to introducing your puppy to your space, you can bring the puppy out with you into the house.
(First make sure you know that he/she has already gone to the bathroom, & won't have that urge before you introduce them to the house.
Keep in mind that anytime they eat, drink, or wake up from a nap, within 5-10 minutes puppies normally need to go to the bathroom. )
Now you can spend some quality time with your puppy.
First, on your lap, and then after they have become comfortable with you as the leader, and are sitting calm & content in your lap, you can then walk around with them, or place them safely on the floor while being monitored by you.
Remember, if you need to go to the phone, its just a few steps to the bathroom where you can set your puppy safely, and it can't have an accident on your carpet. You can then continue with your conversation without feeling rushed to keep an eye on the baby. Or, you can hold your puppy in one arm while talking on the phone, and give him/her another chance to further bond with you, spending time in your responsible hands.
(First make sure you know that he/she has already gone to the bathroom, & won't have that urge before you introduce them to the house.
Keep in mind that anytime they eat, drink, or wake up from a nap, within 5-10 minutes puppies normally need to go to the bathroom. )
Now you can spend some quality time with your puppy.
First, on your lap, and then after they have become comfortable with you as the leader, and are sitting calm & content in your lap, you can then walk around with them, or place them safely on the floor while being monitored by you.
Remember, if you need to go to the phone, its just a few steps to the bathroom where you can set your puppy safely, and it can't have an accident on your carpet. You can then continue with your conversation without feeling rushed to keep an eye on the baby. Or, you can hold your puppy in one arm while talking on the phone, and give him/her another chance to further bond with you, spending time in your responsible hands.
Quote from the Dog Whisperer:
People often ask me at what age they should start
training their puppy. The answer is "immediately!"New puppy owners often make the mistake of endlessly worrying about finding the right accessories, puppy treats, or bed. They spend little or no time thinking about how or what they will teach their new puppy. Yes, a puppy needs nutritious food and a safe, warm place to live, but another equally powerful and important biological necessity is the need for a strong pack leader.
Puppies are naturally hard-wired to follow a pack leader. A pack leader is, by definition, strong, stable, and consistent; traits many new puppy owners forget. Many of my clients are strong leaders in their jobs, but when they come home, they turn to mush with their dogs. Then they come to me puzzled as to why their dog won’t behave.
Puppies sense our confidence levels and will take control if they perceive us as weak. When this happens, bad behaviors, such as excessive barking, leash-pulling, or anxiety, will develop.
The most important thing you can do is become your puppy’s pack leader. This role doesn’t begin when your dog is six months old or when he’s bad. For your puppy to grow into a healthy, balanced dog, you must demonstrate leadership from day one!
Please find SAFE ways to exercise your puppy! Talk to your veterinarian about the risk of long-term bone development problems, parvovirus, and other health issues before implementing an exercise routine.
After a dose of some family lovin,
you can put your puppy back in the playpen for a while,
And if you have Other Pets, this is a good time to remind them that they are still very important to everyone, and you love them just as much as always. Bring your other pet(s) back out & let them smell the new puppy on you & in the room where it's been as their first experience with the idea of a new family member. This way your dog or other animal doesn't react in a possibly defensive manner when the concept of having another animal in their home is introduced. Just to be easiest on everyone, doing it gradually is the preferred method.
It wont be long until your existing pet takes the new addition under their wing, and they become good buds!
It wont be long until your existing pet takes the new addition under their wing, and they become good buds!
If its dinner time, go ahead & cook dinner or do whatever needs to be done around the household, you can give your puppy its dinner meal in the tub, and maybe a small bowl of water if s/he's thirsty. Within 5-10 minutes afterwards, if the weather is agreeable you can go ahead and go back outside thru the designated door for hurry visits, and you can be saying "Wanna go hurry up ?" as you walk to the spot carrying your puppy. Set puppy down in the grass where you saw it go when you first got home if that was already done. Dogs are generally scent triggered, meaning when it walks back over the scent of where it marked the first time in your grass, it will think to go again around the same spot. This is one way that K9's mark their turf, as well as relieving themselves, and you can use this to your advantage- as they are going, say in a pleasant, upbeat voice "good Hurry Up, whata good HurryUp!" They haven't necessarily learned the words hurry up quite yet, but your tone of voice shows you are please & happy about what they just did out there in that area of the grass, and remember- they really want you to be happy with them, so they'll want to repeat the behavior that caused you to react in so positively! Once you think that they've finished, usually you can tell because they walk towards you & often try to stand on your foot in order to be picked up, you can pick them up & give them a big kiss & tell them what a good puppy they are, that was a really good hurry up! After hearing this each time you're with them when they go to the bathroom, it won't be long till they associate those words Hurry Up, with using the bathroom, and begin going on command more or less, which makes outings & pit stops, as well as chilly winter mornings especially easy on you if you can tell them to go & they know what you're talking about, and want to do it since their goal as companion pet has become to please you.
Since you know all the important times to take your puppy out, if you're diligent the first week or 2, you can avoid allowing any accidents to happen inside your home, which better helps not set that precedence that going in the home is an option. They won't be thinking "Oh I have to go.. what do I do... I want to go back & remark that spot that I had to go on last time" they will instead be thinking
"I need to run to the door that we always go out, so that I can show them I need to go hurry up!"
Since you know all the important times to take your puppy out, if you're diligent the first week or 2, you can avoid allowing any accidents to happen inside your home, which better helps not set that precedence that going in the home is an option. They won't be thinking "Oh I have to go.. what do I do... I want to go back & remark that spot that I had to go on last time" they will instead be thinking
"I need to run to the door that we always go out, so that I can show them I need to go hurry up!"
Okay, its the first day, and they are sooo cuuutee... But this can't be an excuse to let your pup get away with things you wouldn't want them to do later on. Don't confuse them by letting things be okay one day, and start thinking that the behavior is acceptable in this new pack, when later those things aren't going to be acceptable &/or desirable to your family.
Like one family who recently brought their puppy back for boot camp told us... Once he had started biting, and wiggling to get free whenever he wanted to, they had lost control, just because at first it was cute to be rebellious, and rough house, and they didn't make sure that he understood that they did not like or approve of that behavior that he was experimenting with - and that he should respect their wishes as the parent/master figure.
Dogs love those that they can respect as strong leaders, more than those that seem like wimpy subordinates (much like their littermates, who they can feel free to rough-house with & bite at their will - often until one overpowers the other & wins)
When it comes to having a companion pet for the next 10-15 years, starting out the right foot is worth it, as you either make your way through the puppy stages on the right path & with ease, or with difficulty until the puppy is convinced that what you say is the law & is important, & that you deserve their respect. Just remember, once you've made your point, your puppy will be more content to trust your wisdom & discernment, and want to please you, the alpha, rather than the other way around.
Instead of you fitting into his demands whenever he expects your attention & absorption in his cuteness, he needs to understand that his proper place is to follow your lead in hopes of fitting into YOUR pack.
Once you've established the pecking order, things can move forward & learning your family's routine can proceed without discord. Then you can all be on your way to joining the many happy families who appreciated our experience & took our advice to heart, implementing it from day one, in order to achieve that ultimate happy balance with their new exceptional companion beagle for all those many happy years to come!
Like one family who recently brought their puppy back for boot camp told us... Once he had started biting, and wiggling to get free whenever he wanted to, they had lost control, just because at first it was cute to be rebellious, and rough house, and they didn't make sure that he understood that they did not like or approve of that behavior that he was experimenting with - and that he should respect their wishes as the parent/master figure.
Dogs love those that they can respect as strong leaders, more than those that seem like wimpy subordinates (much like their littermates, who they can feel free to rough-house with & bite at their will - often until one overpowers the other & wins)
When it comes to having a companion pet for the next 10-15 years, starting out the right foot is worth it, as you either make your way through the puppy stages on the right path & with ease, or with difficulty until the puppy is convinced that what you say is the law & is important, & that you deserve their respect. Just remember, once you've made your point, your puppy will be more content to trust your wisdom & discernment, and want to please you, the alpha, rather than the other way around.
Instead of you fitting into his demands whenever he expects your attention & absorption in his cuteness, he needs to understand that his proper place is to follow your lead in hopes of fitting into YOUR pack.
Once you've established the pecking order, things can move forward & learning your family's routine can proceed without discord. Then you can all be on your way to joining the many happy families who appreciated our experience & took our advice to heart, implementing it from day one, in order to achieve that ultimate happy balance with their new exceptional companion beagle for all those many happy years to come!