puppy's first night in his new home

[Jerseyknit]

He's a 6 month lab X and I got him from a rescue centre. He's been home now since around 4pm. Not much history on him but he's just fabulous. He travelled well in his harness. He has eaten all his food. Had a good poo and a few wee's in the garden. His last poo was runny but he's on antibiotics for kennel cough so maybe that's why? Or, he's had lots of treats for his good behaviour. My cat hasn't come downstairs yet. I'm hopeful she will be just fine. She's in at least and knows he's here. He's taken immediately to my ds. They're having lots of play and cuddles together. It rally has been a lovely day so far.

Glad it's giving well but please don't allow your DS to cuddle the dog. The vast majority of dogs don't like hugs and cuddles and many owners fail to see the warning signs the dog gives out before it resorts to biting.

Is the dog crate trained? If yes a crate in your bedroom is probably your best bet for a quiet night. Then again if the dog has been in kennels he may be used to sleeping alone and may settle in the kitchen by himself.

Doggie only cuddled ds when he was sitting in the floor. Not ds cuddling doggie but vice versa. We're giving him lots of room and personal space. He has a bed in our front room. At this late hour a crate isn't an option. I'm also not having him in my bedroom. Front room, big comfy bed, nice munch toys and a supply water it is. I probably won't sleep very well. I'll check on him through the night.

Thank you boo. That's helpful advice. I hear what you're saying re cuddling. Lots of space is our aim. And everything at his pace.

Oh I see, that's fine then!

Well try him in the front room and see what happens. If he is quiet I wouldn't upset him by checking on him. If he cries a lot you may want to sleep on the sofa for a few nights to get him settled.

I will. Hopefully he will settle.

How did it go? Hopefully you all got some sleep!

He was amazing. Not a peep out if him. He went straight out and did a wee and the first of many poos. We had four walks, games in the garden and a really lovely day. Then, at dinner he did a wee on the dining room floor. It was really disappointing because I thought he was fully house trained. I put him outside for a few minutes while I cleaned up. I guess I've had it easy and I'm hoping it was as a rare accident. He has drank a lot of water. He walks lovely on the lead too.

I'm also pleased dog wee isn't as pungent as cat wee

Dog wee is much nicer than cat wee!

You may get a few accidents while he settles, even if he seems confident it is all a bit strange and moments of anxiety seem likely.

They don't seem to know how to ask to go out at times too. Ours doesn't always ask. She is a rescue and will sometimes wee in the house in the evening, sometimes she would ask by going to the door if we are in the kitchen but otherwise may sneak off somewhere. We now have an alarm set for just after 7pm and always let her out then - even if it isn't long since her walk. This has really reduced the accidents for us, that and her becoming more settled generally (we have had her almost 3 months).

Thanks purple. He's been great. Just one accident. He's so clever and I'm not so worried knowing the wee doesn't smell too bad. He's got loads of energy and I'm loving lots of walks in the park. Maybe I'll lose a few pounds.

Another accident last night. I forgot to shut the door over and typically he had a wee on my Seagrass runner which will now have to be thrown away . My own fault. I did take him for a wee before bed. I'm leaving him alone for an hour or so this morning until a friend comes to pick him up. He's been used to being in his own at the rescue and he stays downstairs pretty well all night. I'll take him out for a long walk this morning before I go. I think he will be fine. Fingers crossed.

He sounds lovely - just be careful not to overdo the walking - he's still v young and his joints are still developing

If you really want to tire him out do some training games with him - mental exercise for dogs is exhausting

Thanks noits. I hadn't thought of that. Yes, we play games through the day too and he's very clever. I'm sad about my lovely runner. I only bought it a few weeks ago. I've noticed he's picking at my carpet too. What on earth can I do to stop that? He's got lots of toys. I've got rugs in the front room. He doesn't seem bothered with them.