How to Introduce Your New Puppy To The Family This Christmas
Yes, it is true that dogs are not just for Christmas and if you’re getting a puppy or new dog at this time of year you really need to think the long-term commitment you’re making through. It is an extremely sad fact that rescue centres are often inundated with dogs at the start of the New Year because the excitement of the new puppy or dog has worn off and the hard work it takes to raise them has sunk in. So, if you are considering a puppy this Christmas, please make sure you have thought it well and truly through and really planned for the breed of dog you’re going to get.
Whilst some might disagree however, I think getting a puppy or dog at Christmas time can be an ideal time to bring them into your family. Bringing a puppy into a new environment requires thoughtful planning and patience though, especially at a time where the household can be a little more chaotic than it might ordinarily be with visitors and Christmas shenanigans! In this blog, I’ll guide you through the essential steps to make sure that you and your puppy get it right from the start this Christmas.
Prepare Your Home for the New Puppy
Before you bring your new puppy home, it’s important to make sure your home space is safe and welcoming. This means checking every room and puppy-proofing each one by removing possible hazards such as electrical wires, choking hazards and other objects that may be unsafe for a curious pup. Puppies will explore their new environment with their paws and mouths, so making sure they are safe is essential!
Create a designated space: Set up a specific area for your puppy to sleep, eat and play. This should be a quiet, comfortable space where they can feel safe and start to settle into their new environment. A puppy pen can be really helpful in the early days for times when you are unable to supervise your puppy, but please make sure that you introduce it properly so that they learn to love it. If you’re unsure here, see my Puppy Tips page for help. Make sure that your puppy has a space to go to away from the Christmas chaos so that they are able to fully rest and sleep and remember, puppies need a lot of sleep!
Gather supplies: Make sure you have all the essential items ready, including food and water bowls, a crate, toys, a bed, grooming tools and treats. See here for my recommended puppy starter kit: Must-Have Essential Items Guide for puppies.
Plan ahead with your toilet training, how to socialise your puppy and how to deal with puppy biting and make sure everyone knows what the plan is. See my Puppy Tips page for help.
Book a Pre-Puppy Session with me so that we can cover everything you are going to need to know and do from the moment you pick your puppy up and be prepared to start training your puppy from day one.
Introduce Your New Puppy to Family Members Thoughtfully
Christmas is usually a time for family gatherings and your new puppy will likely be meeting several new faces in the coming days. Here are some key tips on how to introduce them to each family member properly:
Start with calm introductions: When your family first meets the puppy, keep the atmosphere calm. Too many excited voices or sudden movements can overwhelm a new puppy. It might be worth asking people to arrive at separate times so that it isn’t chaotic all in one go.
Allow the puppy to approach at their own pace: Don’t force interactions. Puppies need time to get comfortable with new people. Allow them to approach family members rather than the other way around. This gives your puppy the confidence they need to feel safe. Don’t pass the puppy from one person to the next as this can cause puppies to have issues with over-handling later in life.
Teach gentle handling: Make sure all family members, including children, know how to handle the puppy gently. Explain that pulling on ears, tails or fur can hurt the puppy and that the puppy is to be left alone if they are sleeping. Supervise all interactions to prevent accidents or unintentional stress.
Introduce Your New Puppy to Other Pets
If you already have other pets in your household, introducing them to the new puppy will require a little extra care. Here’s how to do it properly:
Start with a gradual introduction: Let your existing pets sniff a blanket or towel that the new puppy has been using before the actual meeting. This gives them a chance to get used to the puppy’s scent. Sometimes placing it near to their food bowl whilst they eat can be beneficial.
Introduce in neutral territory: When it’s time for a face-to-face introductions, it can be helpful for both pets to meet on neutral ground (outside or in a space they’re not territorial about). However, if this isn’t practical (if you have a cat already maybe), then please make sure your cat has somewhere that is puppy free for them to eat, sleep, play and toilet without the fear of being chased by the puppy.
Monitor body language: Watch for signs of stress, fear or aggression in both the new puppy and your other pets. If there’s any tension, separate them and contact a professional for help.
Give individual attention: Once the new puppy and your other pets are used to each other, make sure you give each pet their own time and attention.
Start Basic Puppy Training Early
Training your new puppy is essential for their development and integration into your family. While it’s tempting to spoil them with affection over the Christmas period, it’s important to establish boundaries and training early on. This will help prevent undesirable behaviours and habits from developing and ensure your puppy grows up to be a well-behaved adult dog. If you need help with Puppy Socialisation, Puppy Biting, Puppy Toilet Training, Preventing Separation Anxiety and many more essential hints and tips on raising your puppy, please see my Puppy Tips page for help. Training needs to start from day one!
Routine
If you have a particular routine on a day to day basis, try and stick roughly to this over the Christmas period so that it is easier for your puppy to transition once the Christmas break is over.
Puppy Proofing Your Home During Christmas
Christmas can be busy and the house can be filled with decorations, gifts and visitors coming and going (or visiting others). To keep your puppy safe, make sure to puppy-proof your home during this time.
Watch out for Christmas hazards: Decorations such as Christmas trees, tinsel, lights and ornaments can pose a choking hazard or cause injury if chewed on. Ensure they’re placed out of reach of your puppy. I have seen lots of puppy owners place a puppy pen around the Christmas tree which is a brilliant idea for avoiding any accidents!
Toxic foods: Christmas treats like chocolate, raisins and certain holiday plants (such as poinsettias and mistletoe) can be toxic to dogs. Keep these items out of reach and educate your family on the dangers.
Avoid crowded areas: During family gatherings, it’s best to create a quiet space for your puppy where they can retreat if any noise and activity becomes overwhelming for them.
Welcoming a new puppy into your family at Christmas can be a wonderful time to do this, but it does require careful planning to ensure that everything goes well. By preparing your home, introducing your puppy to family members and pets in the right way and by starting training early, you’ll set your new puppy up for success right from the start!
At ProgDog, I’m here to help you every step of the way. I am a specialist puppy trainer with years of puppy training and experience to help you. Contact me today to schedule a training session or consultation to make your puppy’s first Christmas the best one yet!