The Importance of Creating a Haven for Your Newest Family Member

Getting a new puppy can be extremely exciting. However, it is essential to consider the puppy's experience as well. The puppy is being removed from its mother and adjusting to a new environment, so creating a safe haven in your home for them is necessary. 

Understandably, we can’t expect our puppies to want to play and cuddle all the time. Sometimes, they’ll want space and quiet time. Therefore, it’s vital to create a space where they can go to relax, find peace, and get away from chaos or undesired attention. 

So, here’s how to create a haven in your home for your new puppy. 

Establishing a Haven Through Puppy Training

There will be some puppy training that goes into establishing a haven in your home. Here are some steps to help facilitate the creation of a haven for your puppy:

• Choose a Location: Firstly, choose a place in your home that your puppy will want to spend time in. This means it should be quiet and comfortable, as well as large enough for your puppy to sprawl out even at their adult size. It should remain warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and it should be easy for your puppy to access. 

• Add Their Favorite Things: Fill the area with your puppy’s favorite things to make it an attractive space. Add preferred blankets or pillows, a nice dog bed, some favorite toys, and puzzles or other playthings for mental and physical enrichment. 

• Include Food and Water: Ensure their haven also has food and water. Making their haven the primary feeding location can help create a positive association for the area. Using a spill-proof water bowl can help to prevent messes. 

• Introduce Them Early On: You should introduce your puppy to the haven as early as possible to help begin to build an association. Give them treats while in the space to help them recognize it is their haven. 

• Repetition: Continue to take your puppy to the safe haven after playing, exercising, or potty time to show them that it is their place and they can go there to rest comfortably. Reward them when they begin to use the space by themselves to bolster the association. 

Finding Balance

Remember, the point of a haven is to give your dog a place to rest and relax, not to isolate them. Don’t regularly confine your dog to their safe space just to get them out of the way, and don’t keep them in there longer than they can hold their elimination needs. 

After all, they also need regular puppy socialization with other animals and people to help them adjust. Ultimately, the last thing you want is for the haven to feel like an isolation or punishment for the puppy.

Give Your Puppy Everything They Need to Thrive

When you’re getting started with puppy training, it’s essential to include nutritional treats and food. Most kibbles on the market are packed with fillers and non-nutritious ingredients that may not be good for your puppy. 

That’s why, at Get Joy, we create fresh freeze dried meals to give your puppy everything they need to live a long and healthy life. So, what are you waiting for? Start shopping today!