Puppies typically begin to recognize their owners within 7 to 15 days of age. During this period, you'll notice them becoming very attached, often wanting to stay close and even sleeping on their owner's shoes, drawn to the familiar scent that offers a sense of security. In their early puppyhood, dogs have immense trust in their owners. They may not even realize when you're playfully teasing them, viewing you as their caregiver who would never cause them harm. However, this initial stage is just the beginning of the bonding process. Once puppies reach adulthood, around one year of age, they develop a stronger sense of territory and social hierarchy, potentially leading to behaviors like vying for dominance. It's crucial during this phase to guide your dog to understand its place in the family to prevent it from treating you as a subordinate. The time it takes for an adult dog to recognize its owner can vary depending on the dog. Generally, it can take 30 days or more for an adult dog to truly bond with and recognize its new owner.
Feeding Your Puppy on the First Day Home
It is acceptable to feed a new puppy on its first day at home. However, the main focus on the first day should be on helping your puppy adjust to its new surroundings. Because the transition can be stressful, it is often best to offer small portions of goat's milk formula or sugar water initially. Once the puppy seems more comfortable, you can introduce small amounts of food gradually. Monitor your puppy for any signs of discomfort, and if there are no adverse reactions, you can increase feeding gradually, ensuring to feed multiple small meals throughout the day.