Picking up puppy tomorrow

[marmiteandhoney]

Help!

We've bought a kind of dog carrier for in the car. How are we best transporting her home? It's about an hours' drive. It's my husband's day off, so there'll be two of us. Should I hold the puppy on my lap, or put her in the carrier by my feet? Will she need access to water on the way? Shall I put a puppy pad in the carrier, or will that make her think she is meant to wee in the car?!

What else do I need to have ready?

I'm used to primate babies :) This feels like cross-species adoption!

When we brought ours home I held him on my knee on a towel. I was puked on. Repeatedly.

Good luck!

My Westie puppy slept on the floor by my feet while my husband drove the four hour car journey (grrr traffic!) to our home. No pee or puke the whole way home, though we did stop to give him the opportunity. As soon as we arrived into the house he peed on newspaper and we thought we had a wonder dog.... then the fun began with a poo behind the sofa.
I would say definitely get yourself a crate for in your home. It is absolutely brilliant to have somewhere where you can put them when you have to go out where you know they will be safe and not eating your furniture, or just to calm down in, and also to sleep in. Really helps with the toilet training too as they won't pee in their area. We have a vari-kennel and it is brilliant. Our dog is now 3 and still sleeps in it with the gate removed. It is his special place and as our 7 month old DD gets mobile will be a great haven for him.
I also highly recommend clicker training.

I always bring a pup home in my arms, don't care about puke or pee, it's their first big journey and away from Mum, I like them to feel me breathe, my heartbeat and lots and lots of kisses. After their first journey it is a crate all the way, vet bed, a few toys and I sit beside it first few times for reassurance.

I read that you shouldn't have the puppy on your lap in the front because of the airbag (in case of accidents) but on your lap on a towel in the back is best.

Lap is best, but be prepared for a wriggler. Mine was determined to escape out of the window.

This poor little girl has already been without her mum and siblings for weeks :(

She was abandoned at 6 weeks all by herself in a pound in Ireland.

All the same, I think a bit of stroking and human warmth/cuddles won't go amiss on the journey! Nice to see that my gut instinct is what lots of you seem to have done.