This is the first part of a series we are writing for new puppy owners. Most of you who are first time owners of a pup are often not sure what you should do when you have brought your new pet home.

This series will take you through the do’s and don’ts of welcoming your new puppy to the house. Part one deals with getting to know each other and establishing trust.

A puppy is a puppy

Most of us tend to confuse puppies with human beings—children, that is. Shake out of that belief. Puppies are sensitive animals. While they share some common fears, inhibitions and feelings with humans, the two species are not same. So step 1… make your puppy feel comfortable, but don’t stifle it.

Most puppies available in the market are about 3 months old. They are taken away from their mothers for the first time in their lives. Obviously, they will be tensed, depressed and scared. So don’t be surprised if your new puppy is not jumping for joy at the sight of you and your family. They are missing their mother and their familiar surroundings.

1. Give them time and space. Watch from a distance and observe them smell and take in every bit of information they can about this new place. They will probably not approach you and your family right away, but they will be watching you.

2. After a while, when they have got used to you, approach slowly. Remember, you appear like a giant to that little dog. So bend down and look them in the eye.

3. Keep to an arm’s length and watch the puppy’s reaction. He/She may cower away a little at the sight of you approaching. That is okay.

4. Slowly extend your arm at the dog and hold it at a position where it can smell your palm. Allow it the time to slowly approach and sniff at it.

5. After a while, you will notice it relaxing. Gently pet it on its head with a finger.

6. I can tell you from my experience, nine out of ten puppies will melt at this gesture. See your new puppy return the gesture by licking your outstretched fingers.

Congratulations! You have now earned its trust.

What to do next?

7. Slowly inch towards the little puppy as it licks your fingers. Remember to return the gesture from time to time. As you come closer, it will start to sniff at your shoes, lick it, or try its new fangs on them. That is fine. It is all play.

8. Bend/ sit down, and allow the puppy to explore its new parent. Remember, once you have taken the child away from the mother, you must make sure he/she doesn’t miss mom.

9. Spend plenty of time with your new pup this first day (and as much time as possible on other days) so that it is assured that someone is there to protect and love it.

In the next part of this series, we will discuss the games and activities that you can keep your puppy engaged with.

Do let us know if you have any comments or feedback. We will be looking forward to it.