Raising Baby 4: Welcome Home

 The happy day arrived. We were so excited.  The breeder notified us that pup got a good health report, had his initial shots and was ready for adoption.

Puppy was 8 weeks old when we drove over 100 miles to pick up our new puppy. When we got there, the pups were running around so cute. One of the males ran right to me. That was that. He chose us.

The breeder gave us a supply of the "food" puppy had been eating.
Puppy cuddled in my arms, looking at My Honey all the way home. My heart was his from that moment.

My Honey and I were ready to welcome our Samson home. The puppy crate we chose was for a large full-grown dog. It had dividers. We kept the sleeping area small and moved the dividers as he grew in body size and weight.  



My Honey and Puppy

We placed the crate and playpen next to each other in the family room next to the door to the yard. That way My Honey could take puppy outside to the grass area earmarked for his potty spot.

It’s common sense to again think about what else baby needs to smoothly transition from the warmth and safety of mommy’s womb to a strange new environment.

Keep in mind that even though a puppy can’t speak, even a baby puppy can feel or sense being comfortable or uncomfortable. Why else do puppies whimper and cry?

Here’s how the second of Maslow’s Theory applies to our baby puppy:
 
2. ”Safety refers to the need to experience order, predictability and control in life.” The need for safety doesn’t mean locks and bolts. Baby’s early need to feel and be safe can be fulfilled by family and socializing, such as touch by mom, dad, siblings, even other pets; as well as, sounds, such as music and happy voices.

For example, in life, emotional security can be fulfilled through behavior that supports freedom, stability, property, health and wellbeing.

You see, when you bring a new puppy home, those first days and weeks are not about you. That time is about helping baby feel comfortable in his or her new environment. ///