Question
If a puppy has yet to be introduced to a crate, is it more stressful to crate the dog (and thus possibly create a bad association with the crate) or should we try some other method of transporting the pup during his/her first ride home?
I was thinking I could possibly sit in the back of the car and hold the pup on my lap by the collar while petting and soothing the pup, but this seems a recipe for disaster.
Should we just toss a treat (puppy kong?) in the crate and hope for the best? Or is there a way I haven't thought of? The ride should be a mere hour to ninety minutes, depending on traffic.
Answer
Assuming you're taking him home from the breeder at around 8 weeks of age, he's still in his critical (socialisation) period, meaning that they are very open to new experiences and won't have a priori a fear reaction. Also the pup should already be socialised to humans and be confident being handled by humans.
So what I would recommend:
- take something with the smell of his litter, a towel, a toy, everything will be different for him, but a least he has something smelling familiar, that should help
- take him with you in the back of the car, that way you can have him on your lap, he'll have a first idea of who you are and you can help him relax (slow, long, gentle petting). Speak to him with a normal voice. Don't overplay it if he's showing signs of anxiety, that would reinforce his fear
- have a box or a small open crate with you so that you can take a break, 90 minutes with a pup on your lap is a long time (in some way that can be some initial crate training). As he falls asleep you can put him in the crate.
- take a bunch of treats with you and create a very positive experience for him being with you. If he's too distressed he'll probably refuse to eat and you'll know that something is wrong
Answered By - Cedric H.