Harley's homecoming not so great, advice? Car sick etc.

[Kimberly Kaindl]

We picked up Harley today. He got very car sick. The ride home was about two hours. I immediately tried to get him to go potty outside when we got home. He is not interested in much. He wants to be in his crate with his puppy that smells like his mom. After an hour I tried again, still no potty. He ate a small amount of food but then just wanted to stay in his crate. The kids had to understand that it was not going to be a big play day. I am hoping he perks up. Has anyone else had these issues coming home with their new puppy?

[Melissa Bissell]

We have not brought our pup home yet, but this is what I have heard:  Our breeder told us that our pup would probably not want to eat for the first day.  I think adjustment issues in the first 24 hours or so is probably normal.  I have also heard that Snuggle Puppies can be very helpful for a puppy with separation anxiety.  

[Kimberly Kaindl]

We did get the snuggle puppy , and it has his mothers scent on it. It is the only thing he is interested in. I wish I could make him feel better.

[Melissa Bissell]

That is so hard when you have been waiting so long and then he seems sad, but I am sure he will come around.  I have been wondering if I should invest in a snuggle puppy ahead of time also, just in case… He probably has a combination of feeling lousy from the car ride and missing his family.  But my understanding is that puppies do move on pretty fast.  Hopefully tomorrow he will feel a lot better.  Hang in there!  And congratulations on your new family member!

[Kimberly Kaindl]

Thank you!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Puppies are all different, but this is a hard time sometimes for our little guys. They are leaving the only home they have ever known and going to someplace they have never been. On top of that, your little guy got sick on the way home and probably doesn't feel all that great. As he gains confidence things will get better, but I would try and keep the homecoming low key and calm. It is always advised not to overwhelm them with tons of family and friends stopping by at first. Let him settle in and I bet it will get better in a few days. Can you hold him along with his snuggle puppy and cuddle him?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I also wanted to ask how old is your puppy?

[Kimberly Kaindl]

Harley is 9 weeks old. We went on vacation so the breeder kept him an extra week.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

That is good. How is he doing today?

[Kimberly Kaindl]

See reply below, I put on wrong spot! Thanks for asking!!!

[Kristen and Chewbacca (Chewy)]

Aww I'm so sorry that happened...such a disappointment after so much anticipation. Those are great suggestions mentioned above. I am planning to get a snuggle puppy as well. You may want to post in the puppy madness group also for suggestions. I'm sure others have been through this before.

[Kimberly Kaindl]

Harley is doing much better today. He slept from 9:30 pm to 5am this morning. He has eaten and gone potty regularly outside. He is starting to want to play with some of his toys! I think things are looking up!

[Melissa Bissell]

That is so good to hear!!!  Keep us posted on his progress.