Preparing Your Family
If you have children, no matter their ages, they will be extremely excited about the arrival of the family dog. Dogs are sensitive to the emotions of the people around them, and your family's nervousness and excitement are going to have an effect on the new dog.
Getting Your Puppy
For most puppies, being picked up by you and taken to your home is the first big change in their very young lives. For you it's the greatest thing ever; for them, it's confusing and scary. Everything they've known so far will be gone — their mom, their brothers and sisters, the people who've been caring for them, the smells and sounds they're used to. With this in mind, a puppy will certainly welcome your family's loving attention. Be aware of what “loving attention” can be, though. Handling the puppy gently, speaking calmly and soothingly, allowing the puppy to do some exploring on her own while still keeping an eye on her, making sure she has a quiet and comfy place to nap — all of these are ways to help your pup feel secure and loved.
It's okay for everyone to come along when you pick up your puppy, but think about how you want to position her for the ride home. Your children will all want her to be on their lap and may want to pass her around during the trip. This could lead to arguments over the puppy, pulling the puppy, or accidentally mishandling the puppy. If the puppy should have an accident in the car, the kids may not handle it well. All of these scenarios lead to major distractions for the driver as well as a negative experience for the puppy. If you're traveling with another adult who can sit quietly in the passenger seat, allow her to hold the pup on her lap during the trip home. Place an old towel or blanket on her lap for extra comfort and in case of an accident, and have some paper towels handy, too.
If it's just you and the kids picking up the puppy, bring along the pup's crate and bring him home in that. Make sure there's a thick, soft towel or blanket for him to lie down on, and secure the crate on the front seat or in the back of the car. The pup may cry in the crate, but at least you'll know he's safe.
Getting Your Older Dog
Depending on your dog'scircumstances, you could be one of several new places he's been lately. You are just another change of scenery for him at first, and it will take some time for him to warm up to and trust you. You may think that you're giving him the greatest home ever, but he may still be mourning a past caregiver or finally feeling used to his most recent situation. Whatever his past holds, your dog is leaving everything he knows to come to your home, and just as you would respect that change for a puppy, you need to appreciate it when it comes to your new, older dog.
For the most part, dogs are amazingly adaptable and resilient. Expect that a young puppy or new dog will need time to get used to you, and be accommodating without being overly indulgent. As you all get to know each other and settle into your routine, you'll see your dog's true personality emerge, and you'll feel your bond deepen.
The loving attention your older dog needs is similar to that of a new puppy: be gentle with him, allow him to explore under your watchful supervision, don't pester him, and don't overwhelm him.
Whether you are bringing home a puppy or an older dog, make sure you already have all the supplies you'll need to care for a dog. If you have those ready when he arrives at your house, you won't need to stress him by going for yet another car ride to another strange place.
