Meeting your puppy for the first time

[BaxterIsAwesome]

Since I'm going psycho over here in anticipation of meeting my li'l Baxter and bringing him home (19 days!!!!!!!), I'm realizing that I might be a little, ahem, too excited when I finally see him in person.

Do any of you - especially you breeders out there - have tips on the first time you meet your puppy? I want to start off on the right foot from the first second he sets eyes on me. Obviously I don't plan to scream and run straight at him with my arms outstretched, crying and drooling all over myself, but some general tips would be nice.

For instance, is it better to just be calm and quiet and let him come to me? Or should I call his name and give him a treat? Should I wait to pick him up or pet him? Or is there something else I should do that I don't even know about?

Here's the most recent photo that our breeder, Sarah from Yorkies of Walnut Hill sent. Isn't he handsome??

[blancla]

When my buyers come to get their puppies, they sit on the floor. I then put the puppy all by itself over at the buyer. They then start to pet them, and it's love from that moment on. I have the buyers tell me what their names are going to be and start calling them that name from the time that the deposit is put down. They know their name when they leave my house. Also, I make sure that the buyers get a blanket from the litter with everyone's scent on it so that they feel more secure. I socialize all my babies and have play time with them daily so that they are used to noises and scents and sounds.

I would be calm as they can sense that about a person. Just talk to him in a normal tone and make sure the breeder does too. I always tell my puppies what is going on and make sure that I tell the mom too. I then let the mom kiss them bye, then I kiss them bye, and when they leave, I cry like a baby.

[BaxterIsAwesome]

Originally Posted by blancla

When my buyers come to get their puppies, they sit on the floor. I then put the puppy all by itself over at the buyer. They then start to pet them, and it's love from that moment on. I have the buyers tell me what their names are going to be and start calling them that name from the time that the deposit is put down. They know their name when they leave my house. Also, I make sure that the buyers get a blanket from the litter with everyone's scent on it so that they feel more secure. I socialize all my babies and have play time with them daily so that they are used to noises and scents and sounds.

I would be calm as they can sense that about a person. Just talk to him in a normal tone and make sure the breeder does too. I always tell my puppies what is going on and make sure that I tell the mom too. I then let the mom kiss them bye, then I kiss them bye, and when they leave, I cry like a baby.

Aw! Sarah says she does the same thing. I made Baxter a blog so his family (both "biological" and adopted!) can keep up with him. I also sent him a toy and a blanket so we'll be bringing those home with us. I sure hope he's not too lonely!

I like your idea of sitting and talking calmly to him. I hope he loves me as much as I love him!!

[blancla]

I truly believe that animals know what we are talking about. I believe that most are smarter than humans. I mean think about it, they don't hold grudges etc. Just tell him that he's going to a new home where he will be spoiled and loved.

[yorkiejunkie]

Originally Posted by blancla

When my buyers come to get their puppies, they sit on the floor. I then put the puppy all by itself over at the buyer. They then start to pet them, and it's love from that moment on. I have the buyers tell me what their names are going to be and start calling them that name from the time that the deposit is put down. They know their name when they leave my house. Also, I make sure that the buyers get a blanket from the litter with everyone's scent on it so that they feel more secure. I socialize all my babies and have play time with them daily so that they are used to noises and scents and sounds.

I would be calm as they can sense that about a person. Just talk to him in a normal tone and make sure the breeder does too. I always tell my puppies what is going on and make sure that I tell the mom too. I then let the mom kiss them bye, then I kiss them bye, and when they leave, I cry like a baby.

That's about what happens at our place too!
I usually have the whole herd out to meet and greet, to show that we are family with our dogs, and they aren't yappie, then I round up the rest, and put them in another room, while the new parents fall in love!
Some people aren't *built* for sitting on the floor, so we sit at the table, and I set the pup on the table... they still fall in love...

[BaxterIsAwesome]

Originally Posted by yorkiejunkie

Some people aren't *built* for sitting on the floor, so we sit at the table, and I set the pup on the table... they still fall in love...

Aw, puppies on the table?!?! That's precious. I'm a big floor-sitter, so I'll get right down there on his level. I've spent the last couple of weeks crawling around with my nose on the floor, trying to see what Baxter will see so I can get rid of any "temptations." I think I'm turning into a dog/human hybrid.

[blancla]

It sounds like you are going to be an awesome owner.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by BaxterIsAwesome

Aw, puppies on the table?!?! That's precious. I'm a big floor-sitter, so I'll get right down there on his level. I've spent the last couple of weeks crawling around with my nose on the floor, trying to see what Baxter will see so I can get rid of any "temptations." I think I'm turning into a dog/human hybrid.

I have the biggest grin right now just picturing you with your nose to the floor!

Seriously though, I think you are going to be a wonderful, involved pet owner! I like that you're asking questions and learning in advance. Baxter is just going to love his new mommy! And yes, your new baby is very handsome! Congratulations!!

[BaxterIsAwesome]

Originally Posted by blancla

It sounds like you are going to be an awesome owner.

Well thanks! That means a lot. My husband and I have been very calculated about getting our first dog as adults, because we wanted to make sure that we can provide the best possible life for our little guy.

[BaxterIsAwesome]

Originally Posted by bonbon

I have the biggest grin right now just picturing you with your nose to the floor!

Seriously though, I think you are going to be a wonderful, involved pet owner! I like that you're asking questions and learning in advance. Baxter is just going to love his new mommy! And yes, your new baby is very handsome! Congratulations!!

Aw, you guys are the best! I didn't ask my question just so I could get compliments...but...I'm not complaining!

Kidding aside, though, it warms my heart that experienced Yorkie owners like you guys recognize how hard I'm working to make sure Baxter is a happy and healthy little gentleman.

[yorkiejunkie]

Originally Posted by BaxterIsAwesome

Aw, you guys are the best! I didn't ask my question just so I could get compliments...but...I'm not complaining!

Kidding aside, though, it warms my heart that experienced Yorkie owners like you guys recognize how hard I'm working to make sure Baxter is a happy and healthy little gentleman.

Best advise for *little gentleman*... if it would not be cute at 70 pounds.... it is not be cute at 7 pounds!!! I tell all my new parents that!
Good luck, you'll be great!

[OwnedByJezebel]

Originally Posted by blancla

I then let the mom kiss them bye, then I kiss them bye, and when they leave, I cry like a baby.

That is the very reason I could never become a breeder.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by BaxterIsAwesome

Since I'm going psycho over here in anticipation of meeting my li'l Baxter and bringing him home (19 days!!!!!!!), I'm realizing that I might be a little, ahem, too excited when I finally see him in person.

Do any of you - especially you breeders out there - have tips on the first time you meet your puppy? I want to start off on the right foot from the first second he sets eyes on me. Obviously I don't plan to scream and run straight at him with my arms outstretched, crying and drooling all over myself, but some general tips would be nice.

For instance, is it better to just be calm and quiet and let him come to me? Or should I call his name and give him a treat? Should I wait to pick him up or pet him? Or is there something else I should do that I don't even know about?

Here's the most recent photo that our breeder, Sarah from Yorkies of Walnut Hill sent. Isn't he handsome??

Sit on the floor....let the puppy come to you.....never overwhelm them, let the pup get your scent......never impose yourself on the pup.....the pup will come to you.

My pups are so well socialized I usually have the reverse problem....they're jumping all over their new owners.....

I usually ask my new owners, once they've picked their puppy to chose a name...that way I can begin using it and by the time they go home, they know their name.