Table of Contents
Introduction
Getting ready to bring your German Shepherd puppy home is quite an exciting experience! Before the big day, make sure you have everything you need. A sturdy crate for transportation, a comfortable blanket or towel, a collar and leash, and a few chew toys are essentials. Remember, it’s a good idea to bring someone along to keep an eye on your puppy while you’re driving or better yet drive while you hold your puppy.
If that’s not possible, be sure you have your crate with you as that will be the safest place for your puppy and you if you can’t hold him. You will want to line the crate with puppy pads! For that matter, if you are holding your puppy on the ride home you may want to line yourself with puppy pads. You can’t have too many. Throw a few on the seat and floor while you are at it. I did all that and somehow Jasper managed to vomit in just the place I had no coverage!
Your Puppy May be Stressed
Bear in mind while this is an exciting time for you your puppy is likely confused and scared. The ride home could be a bit stressful for your little friend. It’s likely the first time they’re away from their mother and siblings, and the moving vehicle might scare them. It’s not uncommon for puppies to get car sick too, as I said, so be prepared with some paper towels and cleaning supplies just in case. But don’t worry, with some soothing words and gentle petting, you can make this journey a comfortable transition for your new German Shepherd puppy.
They are amazingly resilient as most young animals are. Jasper was the last of his litter to get picked up so I can only imagine what he was thinking as his siblings disappeared one by one! It would be no wonder his poor tummy was upset.
Don’t Forget Chewies, Water, Treats and a Collar and Leash
I didn’t have far to go to get home with Jasper but if you do, be sure to bring water and a bowl and offer your puppy water every two hours. He will also need to be given a potty break about then.
Just be sure you do NOT let your puppy out in places where other dogs may have been. Your puppy is not fully vaccinated and is at risk of disease. Choose someplace like an off-ramp where no one is likely to have stopped. Avoid gas stations and rest areas.
Be sure you have a well-fitted collar and leash on your puppy before you get out of the car. Your puppy may not be used to a collar or leash so be patient.
And don’t forget the treats! Giving your pup a little snack every once in a while can be an effective way to keep them calm and focused. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to start practicing positive reinforcement training with treats as rewards. Of course, if he is vomiting you may want to hold off on this!
Also, try to get a towel or piece of cloth from your breeder with the mother’s and siblings’ scent on it. This may help calm your puppy.
Finally, be sure to have something besides your fingers your puppy can chew on! Those puppy teeth are sharp and it’s never too soon to begin teaching your puppy you are not a chew toy.
If You Have to Travel Overnight
If you have come so far, it will require an overnight stay on the way home, be sure you bring your crate, puppy pads and bowls. You also may want to check to be sure there is a motel that will allow dogs on the way back.
This is not the time to be strict with your puppy. Sit that crate right next to your bed so you can head off 2 am puppy howls that may disturb your neighbors. Have a plan for pottying which in this case might best just be a puppy pad. You can’t know what dogs have been outside your motel.
What to take with you to get your puppy list:
- Crate
- Collar
- Leash
- Puppy pads
- Collapsable water bowl
- Water, bottled
- Something with mom scent on it
- Chew toy or two
- Blanket or pad for crate
- Paper towels
- Cleaning supplies
If you are having your Puppy Shipped.
I don’t recommend this and my breeder will travel halfway to meet anyone buying her puppy to avoid shipping. It can be traumatic for the puppy. However, sometimes there is no choice. Just be aware the puppy may be extra nervous and need more patience and time to adjust.
What to Get From Breeder:
- Papers needed to register dog with AKC if applicable
- Shot and worming record
- A cloth or toy with Moms scent
- A small supply of the puppy food your puppy has been on
- One puppy
Finally Home
Once you’ve arrived safely at home, take a few moments for your puppy to adjust to their new surroundings. Try to give them some space, and let your puppy explore their new home in their own time. Puppies use their noses to explore so sniffing is normal. Just be sure he has gone potty first!
Make sure your new puppy have access to a quiet area where she can relax and rest, as well as plenty of fresh water. Decide before you ever get your puppy where he will be staying and puppy-proof that area. If it can be chewed on your puppy will find it! I spent the first few nights on a pallet by Jaspers crate. I could reach out my hand if he stirred.
That got uncomfortable so I moved his kennel to a table at the foot of my bed. That way my husband could join in the fun!
If you have children they will be excited. Make sure you instruct them beforehand they will need to wait a bit for the puppy to become comfortable before playing with him. With lots of patience, love, and the right supplies, you’ll be able to make your German Shepherd puppy’s transition a smooth one.
Conclusion
Bringing home a new puppy is very exciting. But it’s up to you to ensure your puppy feels safe and secure in their new environment, and that they get all the right care from day one. With patience, love and dedication you can make sure your German Shepherd puppy settles into their forever home quickly and happily.
Remember not to overfeed or over-exercise your puppy during the first few days and weeks, as this may cause distress. Pups need plenty of rest to help them adjust to their new environment and lifestyle. Puppies also require a lot of time for training, so start teaching basic commands early on. This is particularly important with German Shepherd puppies as they do not stay small long! Remember every interaction with your dog IS training. Be clear on what you want him to learn.
Last but not least, show patience and kindness when introducing your new pup to other members of the family. Make sure all interactions are calm and positive, so they can learn what’s expected from them. With a little effort, your puppy will soon become an integral part of the family and you’ll have years of fun ahead!
For more on German Shepherds check here.
Good luck and enjoy your furry new friend!
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