12/11/2021
Bringing home a new puppy!
As my best friend prepares to bring home her new puppy today I sit here sipping my morning coffee reminiscing about the day we brought Balter home to join the family a year ago.
I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into with a Saluki but as things turned out, he was a perfect fit for us.
The long awaited day had arrived and I couldn't have been more excited to get down to Warragul and collect our newest edition. We had a magnificent breeder, they were so welcoming and accommodating. We chatted over coffee and cheesecake sharing dog stories. I got to pick out a handmade collar for our new boy and went through all the information, paperwork and details I would need for our new pup.
There was an outside play area where we then went for some one on one time with Balter. We had already done a meet and greet visit a few weeks prior but it was so nice to share some extra time getting more familiar with this adorable little ragamuffin. We'd brought Hugo down with us for some company on the drive home in case the pup was to fret, so before we loaded up the car to drive home we let Hugo and Balter meet on lead in the breeders yard. I chose Hugo for the trip because he generally takes everything in his stride and that day was no different, he was the perfect travelling buddy for Balter. Driving home was so peaceful, everyone was so relaxed, Balter blissfully slept in his crate the entire trip home.
When we got home we did the introductions outside in the open, there was nothing in the yard that any of the other dogs owned or thought was theirs, nothing to protect and claim if they felt the need to do so with an intruder on the property. I placed the crate down with Balter securely inside and let the other dogs investigate. The crate was Balter's safe zone and it smelt like him. If any of the dogs got intense or if Balter felt scared we could simply get the other dogs to back away and give him more space. Hugo, having travelled in the car with the new pup couldn't have cared less that there was now a new trouble maker at home. I was actually surprised that once Seven, Ducky and the cat had investigated the crate and Balter, they also couldn't have cared less that I had brought home another dog . Once that initial excitement had worn off I opened the crate door, allowing Balter to come out when he was ready. I left the crate on the ground with the door open so he could retreat to his safe zone if he felt the need. We all stayed outside for about an hour enjoying this precious moment, soaking up the sun and sipping on a nice cold beer. Balter was accepted into the family like he'd been a member of it all along. That's not to say that we didn't have some teething issues after that, because we did. Bringing home a new puppy is a big adjustment, it takes time and patience to settle into a new routine. But all in all I'd say, that first day was near perfect.
If you are looking for some awesome puppy and dog training advice you can follow Meg's journey with her new puppy Wish at Playful Paws: Training & Wellness.
