The Journey:
One of the most unforgettable days of our lives (except our wedding, of course) was the day we welcomed our beloved Archer into our home. The journey to bring him home was a lengthy one, filled with anticipation and excitement.
Prior to this day, we had embarked on a day trip to visit Archer's litter, meet the breeder, and to get to know Archer's parents. This firsthand experience is something we highly recommend to anyone considering getting a dog. It provided us with invaluable insights into the love, care, and temperament of Archer's parents.
Our road trip to meet our future family member spanned approximately four hours, and it was filled with nervous anticipation. The thought that the puppy we had chosen all those weeks ago would soon be sitting in the backseat of our car was almost surreal.
When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the Breeder and her wonderful German Shepherds. And just behind the door, we spotted our Archer, sporting a shiny blue collar, eagerly waiting for our arrival. It truly was love at first sight. Archer was so at ease around us that he even fell asleep while we chatted with the breeder. Once the formalities were completed, we couldn't wait any longer. We took Archer in our arms and settled him into the backseat of the car, with me sitting right next to him.
Coming home:
After the long journey, we were eager to arrive home and introduce Archer to his new environment. I must credit my husband, Sam, for the months of dedication and research he invested in preparing for Archer's arrival. His efforts made the process of settling Archer into our home significantly smoother.
Here's a glimpse into our initial steps:
1. A Proper Introduction to His New Home: We introduced Archer to his new environment by showing him what was allowed and what wasn't. This included strategically placing distractions around the house like his bed, socks, and toys. The key advice we received was to set him up for success and failure by using positive reinforcement (with treats) for the desired behaviours. We continued this practice for approximately one month with Archer.
2. Leash Training for a Smooth Transition: Keeping Archer on a leash during the initial days in his new home allowed us to have more control, especially with house training.
3. Clear and Simple Commands: We used the word 'YES' as a clear and simple command word when Archer performed a task correctly. Immediate rewards with treats reinforced this positive behaviour.
4. Crate Training as a Safe Space: From day one, we chose to crate train Archer, making it his safe and comfortable space. We enticed him to enter the crate with treats and gently guided him with his leash, always ensuring a positive association with the crate.
We found great value in the advice and teachings of 'Nate Schoemer' during the early stages of bringing Archer home. If you're in need of guidance on what to do when welcoming a puppy, you can watch this informative video: What to Do When You Get a Puppy.
Needless to say, the day Archer joined our family was nothing short of magical. He arrived home, brimming with happiness, health, and the sleepy characteristic of a content puppy. It was a moment that filled our hearts with joy, one that we will cherish for a lifetime.
Anna Barone
Petz Pal (Co-Founder)
Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll continue to share our journey with Archer as he progresses through puppyhood.
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