• Issues at pick up
• Be sure to check your puppy completely and the carrier for any damage that could have caused injury before leaving the airport. Report it to the staff immediately if this is the case and call Amy immediately as well. This has never been an issue, but want to be on the safe side.
• Bathroom Break
• After picking up the puppy, be sure to let him or her out of the crate before leaving for home.  They may have had an accident in the crate, but letting them stretch and go to the bathroom is best.  Find a nice safe spot, as they like to run and play
• Call Amy
• I always worry about the puppies until I hear from their families.  So if you don’t mind, call me on my cell # or even leave me a message at home, just so I know that everything is ok.        
• Arriving home
• Slowly introduce the puppy to the new surroundings. Be watchful that he or she doesn’t go to the bathroom or dribble room to room. Then spend time with the puppy in the area that his or her crate or pen will be in. Introduce the puppy to the area he or she will be eating in as well as the area that he or she will be expected to go to the bathroom at. Gradual introductions with other pets are a must for safety.  Don’t trust any fence yet, especially until you have time to watch them and see where they may sneak out at.  Some puppies can fit right through the chain link. When time to put him or her back into their crate for the night, be gentle and place-don’t shove the puppy in the crate and be reassuring in your words. Yes, they will cry or be restless, but it will take a little time to get used to. Your puppy has been introduced to his or her crate here, however, they are at a new environment with a new family. Be sure to give them a bathroom break in the middle of the night as well. They may have an accident or 2 to start, but they are now learning cause and effect and the consequences of their actions, so this is the time they will start to realize they don’t like to sleep where they’ve had an accident.  
• They may be a little hungry or thirsty, but don’t panic if they chose to play instead. The puppy has traveled with food and water on the flight. They may just be more excited to see you than for their food. However, if they don’t express interest by the next morning, then call.  Giving them treats and all those goodies will also cause them not to eat their food as they have eaten before, so be careful when spoiling them, as it is a hard habit to break them of. Instead of the treats, just give them more kisses!

(c) 2009 Amy Lambrecht, "My Shadow" Terriers. All rights reserved.