Getting your new Puppy

Settling your puppy in its new home

Settling into a new home is a stressful and disorientating process for a puppy. It is usually the first time a puppy has spent any time alone, separated from its siblings and its usual source of comfort and reassurance, the dam.  Many puppies will cry for the first few nights but owners may not want to encourage the puppy to rely on them for emotional support as this may predispose a puppy to separation problems later in life.

 During the days following adoption, disturbance and vocalisation can be a common problem, especially amongst gundog breeds, for a puppy and its owner. It is important that steps are taken to help a puppy cope with its new environment, without becoming unduly stressed.

A puppy adopted prior to 12 weeks of age is at its most sensitive and its perception of the world can easily and permanently be influenced by new experiences and encounters.

Instead, installing a DAP® Diffuser or fitting a DAP® Collar can help the puppy cope better with the change and reduce the chance it will adopt attention seeking behaviour when left alone. 

 Collecting the puppy or dog from the breeder

  Travel phobias can result from just one bad experience.

  • Fit a DAP® Collar to the puppy or dog on collection.

• DAP® Spray can also be used to give added reassurance during the first car journey to the new home. DAP® Spray should be applied to a box or crate in the back of the car 15 minutes before introducing the dog. On long journeys this may need to be re-applied every 2-3 hours. After spraying, owners should wait 15 minutes for the alcohol to evaporate before re-introducing the dog to the area.

 Your puppies first nights in their new home

• At least 24 hours before the new puppy / dog arrives plug in a DAP® Diffuser at floor level in the room where the dog will sleep and spend the most time.

• The diffuser should be switched on continuously for at least 4 weeks and the refill replaced as required.

• The DAP® Diffuser can be used alongside the DAP® Collar and DAP® Spray if desired.