Mary Allen
So it was finally time to bring home the little puppy. Lovely but maybe also a little nervous, especially if it’s the first time. Here is some good advice along the way.
Secure the home
Before the puppy comes home, it is wise to secure the puppy. Go on a holiday at home with a critical examination of everything that may seem attractive to a puppy. It can be cords to chew on, clothes it can pull down so it gets things over it, stairs to fall down or inappropriate and dangerous things that can slip into the stomach.
The journey home
Does the trip go home by car? According to law, dogs may not be transported loose in the car and a cage that can be fastened in the car is then the absolute best option. If possible, it may be wise to borrow one, to avoid spending money on a cage from which the puppy may then quickly grow out. It is also approved with a harness that is fastened to the seat belt, but it can be difficult to find a size that fits. Is the puppy picked up by bus, boat, or train? Then a soft canvas cage works well.
Give the handover time
Choose a day for collection when both you and the breeder have plenty of time. It is not allowed to leave the bitch until it is eight weeks old, but it does not matter if you pick it up for a couple of days, or even weeks after that. When it’s time; sit for a while with both bitch and any siblings if she is comfortable with it. It is good if the puppy gets used to his new family a little gradually. Feel free to bring something home that smells of the bitch and the siblings, maybe a small blanket or something like that. It can feel safe the first night.
Photo
Do not forget to take photos! Having pictures of your puppy with the mother and siblings is fun.
Paper and insurance
Make sure you get with you; a purchase agreement, health certificate from a veterinarian, proof that the puppy has been vaccinated and dewormed, and ID-marked with a chip in the neck. The puppy must be registered with the Swedish Board of Agriculture. Bring a form to register the change of ownership so you and the breeder can fill it in directly together. If it is a purebred puppy, you must also bring a registration certificate/pedigree. Also, make sure that the puppy is insured.
Be inquisitive
A good breeder can be a goldmine of knowledge, take the opportunity to ask everything you wonder. Feel free to think of questions in advance and write them down. If you have not bought a puppy before, it is also a good idea to bring a dog-savvy friend, who can help you ask questions and see that everything seems okay. It can be good to know if the puppy has ridden before, is used to children, other animals, or anything else that may be important for your future life together. Also ask if something has happened that possibly scared the puppy, it can be very good to know from the beginning so you can work with it.
Practical preparations
Having a ready-made sleeping place ready, where the puppy can always be at peace, makes returning home smooth. Food and water bowls, leash, necklace/harness, something to chew/bite on, food (preferably the same as it has been given to the breeder) and poop bags are other things needed. The rest you can buy because.
Take it easy!
Moving to a new home and leaving mom and siblings means a big change. Keep in mind that the puppy is probably tired of all the new impressions and maybe even a little worried the first few days. Let it have plenty of time to get to know its family and its new home, before curious friends and acquaintances get to visit – and then not everyone is understood at the same time.
Keep in touch
You can turn to a good breeder in the future if questions arise. Maybe he can also arrange for you puppy buyers to get in touch with each other, for example via a Facebook group. It is often very fun and rewarding to follow the litter siblings.