Just got through first night

[ianw]

Picked up Ziva yesterday and got her home for about 3pm. I thought I was prepared, but wasnt really! She was demanding constant attention. Only had 1.5 accidents. Managed to take her out approx very hour, but it can take 15-20 mins before she goes sometimes.

During the night I slept on a single mattress in the kitchen, with Ziva in an open topped crate. She was pretty good letting me know that she wanted out during the night, though standing outside at 4am in -4 degrees isnt much fun!

What slightly worrying is that she hasnt eaten since sat morning - 24 hours ago. Is this normal?

Any advice for these first few days in her new home?

Thanks
Ian

[Tedsmum]

Oh how I remember standing in a freezing garden in the middle of the night while my puppy found leaves to play with instead of doing a pee. Such joy!
You did it wrong like me, you should always get a puppy in the spring or summer. Not to worry, she will be worth it.
She is probably just a bit flummoxed by her new world and all the changes that have happened in the last 24 hours. She will likely eat today so just keep offering her something at regular intervals until she takes it.
Good luck and enjoy her. x

As Tedsmum says Ziva will eat when she's hungry. It's all so new for her, bless.

I too remember standing in a freezing garden at stupid o'clock wearing dressing gown, wellies and a beanie. Mine brought me a ball instead of having a wee!

[Caryll]

As long as she looks healthy & lively & is drinking her water properly then I wouldn't worry at the moment.

Give her another 24 hours, if she hasn't eaten by then give the vets a quick ring.

[ianw]

What sort of plan should I be following for getting her used to being left alone?

If only left her alone for 10-30 secs a few times so far, and once for 20 mins while I showered. Lots of whining when she is alone.

Ian

Is it just you in the house, Ian?

I've never had a really young pup, so others are better to advise you on this. I've rehomed rescues who can be very clingy and always start as I mean to go on - the dog has to know you go out, but that you come back.

If you pander to a pup with too much fuss you'll turn it into a velcro dog - and GSDs more than other breeds really like being with their pack. For Ziva it's a huge change, no litter mates, different house, new owner. You are her world now.

I'd allow some settling-in time for her, it's early days yet. Once she's into a routine do things like leaving the radio on when you go out of the room for a bit, so she has 'company' noise. If she whines ignore her, just keep doing the going out and coming back - she'll soon learn it's a normal thing.

Then you can extend the times, gradually. Don't fuss her when you come back into the room, wait until she's calm and then give her some fuss. Use baby gates on rooms so she can hear you but not be with you. Are you using a crate with her?

Originally Posted by ianw

Picked up Ziva yesterday and got her home for about 3pm. I thought I was prepared, but wasnt really! She was demanding constant attention. Only had 1.5 accidents. Managed to take her out approx very hour, but it can take 15-20 mins before she goes sometimes.

During the night I slept on a single mattress in the kitchen, with Ziva in an open topped crate. She was pretty good letting me know that she wanted out during the night, though standing outside at 4am in -4 degrees isnt much fun!

What slightly worrying is that she hasnt eaten since sat morning - 24 hours ago. Is this normal?

Any advice for these first few days in her new home?

Thanks
Ian

Personally I wouldnt be sleeping on a mattress in the kitchenunless you intend to do this
Leave her for small amounts during the day and let her sleep where you intend her to too from the start, yes its antural she will want to be close to you, but you dont want seperation anxiety to set in either.
My two have always slept in the kitchen overnight with a little lamp on and the radio on low.
Never had any issues.
They are now 2 and 22 months
I think you may have to get up during the night to toilet her rather than be there through the night as she will expect you to be there all the time

Linda

[ianw]

Yes, its just me in the house. Its a new house for me as well ... I moved in on wed!

Here's the setup I have in the kitchen for Ziva:



Consists of 2 Savic pens ... one folded to be a crate, and the other setup as a pen. Tonight I''ll leave her alone in the kitchen. I'll leave the crate open, and she can "go" on the newspaper in the pen if needs be.

Thanks
Ian

Originally Posted by ianw

Yes, its just me in the house. Its a new house for me as well ... I moved in on wed!

Here's the setup I have in the kitchen for Ziva:



Consists of 2 Savic pens ... one folded to be a crate, and the other setup as a pen. Tonight I''ll leave her alone in the kitchen. I'll leave the crate open, and she can "go" on the newspaper in the pen if needs be.

Thanks
Ian

Looks great Ian
but please move the plastic sheeting on the floor as she could rip it and eat it

[ianw]

I talked to the breeder on the phone. She told me to leave her alone more often otherwise I'll get a clingy dog. So I went out for 30 mins to clear snow. When I got in again she had broken out of her pen, and was whining a lot.

So I fixed up the pen and made it more secure. Then after an hour or so I went out for 45 mins. She was still whining when I got back (I could hear her before I put the lock in the door).

Should I leave him alone in the kitchen for periods when I'm at home?

Thanks
Ian

PS. This is much more stressfull than I imagined!