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Your New Pom Puppy: First Week Home Survival Guide

Bringing home a tiny, fluffy Pom puppy is an exciting time! But it’s also a period of major adjustment for both you and your new companion. The first week is crucial for building a strong bond and setting a positive foundation. Here’s your survival guide: **1. Prepare Your Home:** Puppy-proof! Remove anything dangerous or valuable within reach. This includes electrical cords, medications, cleaning supplies, and small objects they could swallow. Designate a safe space – a crate or a puppy-proofed room – with a cozy bed, food, water, and some toys. **2. The Arrival:** Keep it calm and gentle. Let your puppy explore their new surroundings at their own pace. Avoid overwhelming them with too much attention from family and friends. Offer a quiet, safe spot where they can retreat. **3. Potty Training Begins Immediately:** Poms have small bladders, so frequent potty breaks are essential. Take your puppy outside every 2-3 hours, especially after waking up, eating, and playing. Use a consistent command like “go potty” and reward successful elimination with praise and a small treat. Accidents will happen – clean them up thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odors and discourage repeat offenses in the same spot. **4. Feeding and Hydration:** Continue feeding the same puppy food your breeder or shelter used, at least initially. Follow the feeding guidelines on the food packaging, but adjust as needed based on your puppy’s individual needs. Fresh water should always be available. Poms are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so ensure they are eating regularly. **5. Sleep and Rest:** Puppies need lots of sleep! Provide a comfortable and quiet sleeping area. Resist the urge to constantly play with them – they need downtime to rest and process their new experiences. **6. Socialization Starts Now:** While your puppy may not be fully vaccinated, you can still start socialization. Expose them to different sights, sounds, and textures in a controlled environment. Gentle handling and positive interactions with people they are comfortable with are also important. Avoid large crowds or interactions with unknown dogs until your vet advises it’s safe. **7. Basic Training:** Begin with simple commands like “sit” and “come.” Keep training sessions short, positive, and reward-based. Poms are intelligent but can be stubborn, so patience and consistency are key. **8. Bonding Time:** Spend quality time with your puppy. Gentle petting, talking to them in a soothing voice, and playing with appropriate toys will help strengthen your bond. **9. Veterinary Care:** Schedule a vet appointment within the first few days to confirm their health and continue their vaccination schedule. Discuss parasite prevention and any breed-specific concerns. **10. Be Patient:** Remember that bringing home a new puppy is a big adjustment for everyone. There will be ups and downs. Be patient, consistent, and focus on creating a loving and supportive environment. With time and dedication, your Pom puppy will blossom into a well-adjusted and cherished member of your family.