Helping your puppy settle into its new home: how to make the transition smooth
A fresh start for your puppy
The first few days in a new home are crucial for a puppy. Everything is new: smells, sounds, people and other pets. By staying calm and patient, you’ll help your puppy settle in more quickly.
Create a safe space
Provide a basket or crate of its own where the puppy can retreat to. This gives it a sense of security and helps it get used to having a fixed place to sleep.
- Choose a quiet corner in your home
- Use a soft blanket with a familiar scent
- Avoid having too many visitors during the first week
- Let the puppy explore the space for itself
Building a routine
Puppies thrive on structure. Feed, walk and play with them at fixed times. This not only helps with house-training, but also gives the puppy a sense of clarity and peace of mind.
A puppy that knows what to expect is a puppy that feels safe.
Puppymakelaar
Socialisation in small steps
Gradually introduce your puppy to new people, sounds and environments. Don’t rush things; too many stimuli at once can be overwhelming. Short, positive experiences work best.