Starting on the 60th day of life, the puppy is “ready” to face the change and begin its new life with the adoptive family.
Even if this is not your first dog and perhaps you consider yourself to be an “expert,” remember that your Chihuahua, has undergone the stress of separation from his mother, change of environment, and not least, the presence of his new family.
In this regard, especially in the first few weeks after adoption, the use of a pheromone appeasement diffuser might be indicated; as might the use of a so-called transitional object, such as one of your own used jerseys, which you will have taken care to leave in the weeks prior to adoption with the breeder. In this way, by taking on the smells known to the puppy, it can have a reassuring effect on him.
In the week leading up to the puppy’s arrival, it is a good idea to put some measures in place, to “puppy-proof” the house such as:
- Remove carpets that might appear to the puppy to be an ideal place for pottying
- Place dangerous or valuable objects and toxic liquids at a height where they cannot be reached
this is because the puppy needs to jump, chase, nibble and have the experiences that will enable him to become a balanced dog. It is therefore good to provide him with an environment rich in objects, noises and smells that can cognitively stimulate him and satisfy his “hunger for the world,” so that he does not turn his attentions to objects that we are not ready to sacrifice.
In order to explore the world, the puppy needs to be able to find in the owner a substitute for the primary attachment figure (i.e., mother), who will serve as a secure base and help him build those securities that are the basis of his balance.
Therefore, it is essential to coincide his arrival, with a week’s vacation, so that he is never left alone, even overnight. The kennel placed in the owners’ room will allow the puppy to feel secure and build fixed references, which day by day will lead him to be independent.
On the other hand, while it is well established, that isolating your puppy during the night is detrimental and promotes the establishment of behavioral problems, it is important to understand, that being present when he needs security, does not mean being morbid, for example keeping your puppy always in your arms or attached to you.
During the day, you will take care to place the kennel, in an area of the house that is not isolated, but decentralized enough to allow him to rest quietly undisturbed.
PIPI AND POPO’
We have covered this topic in detail in previous articles, but for the benefit of those reading me for the first time, I would like to reiterate the importance of getting your puppy used to doing his business outside the home from the very beginning, choosing a quiet, identifiable place, possibly a nice lawn. Avoid the use of Diapers or newspaper sheets on the floor, because in this way you will only slow down the puppy’s learning process, since the message you will give him is: “This is the right place to pee and poop.” and later, even if you remove diapers and newspapers, the dog will tend to use the same place and will struggle to learn how to retain droppings.
Carla Beard
Sing To The Moon Dog Center