WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT WHEN WE GET HOME?
It will take time for your puppy to adjust to a new home. Leaving his mom, litter mates, and the only home he has ever known is a big deal. The puppy may not eat well, may cry or get quiet, and may have loose stools. Don't worry, but be observant, calm, consistent, and if needed, take appropriate measures.
Eating / Drinking
The most important thing is to be sure your puppy drinks plenty of water. Always have it available for your puppy. If it is reluctant, check with your veterinarian. He/she may recommend sweetening the water with a little honey (put it in warm water to dissolve it and then cool it), or Pedialyte. Sometimes the stress of this big change can cause an upset tummy and diarrhea. If this happens, canned pumpkin (as much as he wants) or 1/2 tsp. of Kaopectate may do the trick, but if the problem persists for more than 24 hours, take the puppy to your veterinarian. Dehydration can be very serious.
We feed Purina One Healthy Puppy Food (large breed for our standard puppies). Usually there is no need to change change your puppy's food, but if your vet recommends otherwise, wait until he's comfortable in the new surroundings and, even then, change it gradually by mixing it in gradually increasing amounts to avoid tummy discomfort and diarrhea. Your puppy will need to eat three times a day in the beginning and the routine needs to be consistent. Be sure to take your puppy out to potty first thing in the morning, then feed him immediately, and visit the potty place again shortly after breakfast.
Sleeping Habits
Your new puppy needs rest! He is like a newborn baby, so playtime should be limited to no more than 30 minute increments in the beginning. Make sure he has had a potty break right before bedtime. If separated from you at bedtime he may whine or cry a bit. Putting a towel or stuffed animal in the crate may help. (Do not put a puppy pad in the crate.) Be careful not to respond to every whimper because you'll simply be encouraging bad behavior. He will need to be taken outside to go potty early in the morning (between 4:00 and 6:00 am). You'll be able to adjust the schedule as he gets older. If he simply MUST go out to the potty area in the middle of the night, be sure you do not reinforce this choice by playing or praising this behavior. Allow him to do his business and put him back in the crate. Keep it dark and quiet.
Chewing / Rough Play
Puppies love to chew and wrestle. Be sure to have plenty of appropriate toys and, if he starts chewing on furniture and people, redirect him to the toys. There are some effective sprays that can deter him from chewing on table and chair legs, but careful monitoring is necessary. Keep in mind, his teeth are coming in and he'll need to chew and play. Don't ever let him chew on your hand, etc. That encourages a behavior you don't want and will be confusing to him when you scold him later.
Obedience Training
Praise, repetition and consistency are key. You can start working on simple commands right away. Short, frequent sessions are best with praise and/or small treats. Be patient; be positive.
Potty Training
This is often the most daunting part of bringing a new puppy home. This process began when your puppy was about 3 weeks of age with the breeder, but it is not uncommon for a puppy to be close to a year old before he fully grasps the concept. It is important to pay attention to his sleeping and eating habits and be consistent with the routine. Be sure to take your puppy out to a designated potty area as soon as he wakes or finishes eating. As soon as he "potties" in the appropriate spot, give immediate praise, pets, and a small treat. This must be on-site and immediate in order for him to associate his actions with the praise. Your puppy will not want to use the restroom where he sleeps, so crate training at night and when he's left at home for short periods is often very effective. Also, remove water dishes after 7pm or so. Whenever he is released from the crate, be sure to take him to the designated area immediately and praise every appropriate potty behavior.