The day you bring your canine companion home for the first time is an exciting experience, but can be quite stressful if you haven’t adequately prepared. Even the simple process of driving your new pooch home can seem like a tiresome expedition without certain supplies. Be sure to bring a leash and collar, along with a couple plastic bags—these will prove to be helpful accessories for any pit stops made along the way. A roll of paper towels is also a good item to bring alonPuppy Picture, Dog Crate, Dog Cage, Wire Dog Cage,g in case your dog vomits or has an accident during the ride. Like any passenger in your car, your new dog or puppy needs something to restraint them for their safety. There are safety belts on the market designed specifically for dogs and useful if you are bringing home a large dog, but in most cases, a dog crate or dog cage is the more practical transportation option. If traveling alone, place the dog crate in the front seat as far from the dashboard as possible in the case of the car’s air bag deploying. If there’s more than one person in the car, place the dog crate in the back seat. Be sure to keep the dog crate door closed and secure the entire dog crate with a seatbelt. If you haven’t purchased a mattress for your dog’s crate, line the bottom of the dog crate with a soft blanket or towels to make it more comfortable to lie on. A good idea is to bring a chew toy for your puppy to distract him from any nervousness he may have about car travel and about leaving his old home. Stock your car with these basic supplies and you’ll do well to make the trip home as comfortable as possible.

The first thing to do upon arriving home is to take your new pet to a designated potty area, as car rides often prompt bathroom breaks. Make sure to give him a couple of minutes to explore; let your pup take his time to become accustomed to the fresh environment. When you bring him into the house, give him time to sniff around and get used to his surroundings, but keep a good watch. If you spot any circling, intense sniffing, or preparation to squat, take your dog back out to the potty spot quickly.

After an hour or so of introducing your dog into your life, put him in his crate or another confined area and allow him to take a nap. It may be tempting to keep him up and play with him, but your pup’s had a long day and needs his rest. Kept an eye on your slumbering pooch, and when he wakes up take him out to go to the bathroom, and praise him when he goes.