🐾 Welcome Home from L&K Doxies: Setting Your Puppy Up for Success

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Bringing home a new puppy is one of life's most exciting moments! You've seen the adorable photos and videos of our puppies happily playing, snuggling, and confidently exploring their surroundings. They look calm, social, and full of personality...and they truly are.

But it's important to remember that those videos were taken in the only home they've ever known.

When your puppy comes home with you, their entire world changes overnight.

Imagine being dropped into a place where everything is unfamiliar—the sights, sounds, smells, routines, people, and even the weather. You don't speak the language, you don't know what's expected of you, and suddenly everyone wants to meet you. It would feel overwhelming.

That's exactly how your puppy feels.

What to Expect During the First Few Weeks

  Your puppy may:

• Cry in their crate during the first few nights. We recommend sleeping with them the first few nights.

• Be shy or hesitant around new people.

• Sleep more than usual or seem quieter than expected.

• Take a little time to eat normally.

• Be unsure about walking on a leash.

• Feel nervous in new places, including the veterinarian's office.

These behaviors are completely normal and are often part of the adjustment period.

Remember: Adjustment Takes Time

Most puppies need 3–4 weeks to truly settle into their new home. Some puppies may even need a little longer.

Not a day.
Not a weekend.

Three to four weeks (or more).

Please give your puppy the grace and patience they need to learn that your home is now their safe place.

How You Can Help Your Puppy Adjust

🐶 Keep visitors to a minimum during the first week or two.
We know everyone wants to meet your new family member, but giving your puppy time to bond with you first helps build confidence.

🐶 When guests do visit, let the puppy make the first move.
Ask visitors to sit quietly on the floor and allow your puppy to approach them. Avoid loud voices, squealing, or immediately picking them up.

🐶 Create a consistent daily routine.
Puppies thrive on predictability. Regular meal times, potty breaks, naps, and bedtime help them feel secure.

🐶 Start with a small area of your home.
Limiting access prevents your puppy from becoming overwhelmed and helps with potty training and supervision.

🐶 Take leash training slowly.
An 8–13-week-old puppy isn't expected to walk perfectly on a leash. Begin indoors or in your yard where they feel comfortable. Let them drag the leash for short periods and reward every little success with treats and praise.

🐶 Build your bond through positive training.
Short, fun training sessions help your puppy learn while building trust and confidence.

🐶 Supervise children carefully.
Young puppies are tiny, fragile, and can become overwhelmed quickly. Gentle, calm interactions create positive experiences.

🐶 Be patient.
Every puppy develops at their own pace. Don't compare your new puppy to previous dogs or other puppies. They each have their own personality and confidence level.

Making the Crate a Happy Place

Every time your puppy goes into their crate, spread a small amount of something delicious inside the Kong, such as:

• Wet puppy food

• Cream cheese

• Peanut butter (xylitol-free)

• Plain pâté

• A small amount of butter

You don't need to fill the Kong- just enough to keep your puppy happily licking.

Licking is naturally calming for dogs and provides mental enrichment, helping reduce stress while making crate time a positive experience.

For longer periods, you can occasionally offer a safe, long-lasting chew appropriate for your puppy.

During the day, leave the crate door open with a cozy blanket over the top and place a few favorite toys inside. Many puppies will begin choosing the crate on their own as their safe place to rest.

A Final Note from L&K Doxies

Your puppy wasn't "perfect" at our home because they were born that way, they were comfortable, confident, and surrounded by everything they knew.

Now it's your turn to help them build that same confidence in their new home.

With patience, consistency, love, and realistic expectations, your puppy will blossom into the wonderful companion they're meant to be.

We're always here to support our L&K Doxies families. If you ever have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for trusting L&K Doxies with your newest family member. We can't wait to watch your puppy grow!

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