Before they arrive we need to set up the space for your new dog. Whether a rescue or a puppy it's not the best idea to give them the run of the house straight away.
We recommend setting up your living space as near to your outdoor space as possible. The aim is for them to have a living space with their crate inside so they can go and decompress, but they also need to be able to ask to go outside.
When going outside keep them on lead, as it's the best way to set them up for success- plus it has the bonus of showing them leadership straight away.
This is the case whether for a rescue or a puppy, but for different reasons.
With a rescue we don't want to overwhelm them- we want them to be able to settle down and then slowly increase the space as they are able to take in all the new information.
With a puppy, the restriction of space is more to save your home from being chewed and peed on. We want to set them up for success by only having them able to get to safe toys we want them to chew.
Within the living space you should provide them the crate as mentioned before. Inside the crate you can either leave it bare (good in hot weather) or put down a blanket/bed. Remember- if you put a bed in the crate, you must supervise them as bed destruction is very common in unsettled dogs.
To help channel that energy you should provide a small selection of chew toys. Dogs get a happy hormone when they chew so this will help with them decompressing and settling in, we just have to make sure it's the right thing and not their bed, or your door, or your shoes, your underwear, your phone, the list goes on and we have heard it all.
Puppies have the added drive to chew as it relieves the pain of their teeth coming through. You can buy teething toys to help them chew through it appropriately.
Your dog should always have access to a water bowl that is refreshed and cleaned at least once a day.
