Puppy Pickup: What to Bring and What to Expect on the Ride Home

by Laura Kathryn July 8, 2026

What to Bring

Please bring the following items when picking up your Shiloh Shepherd puppy:

• 200 series plastic crate for the ride home, approximately 28” L x 20.5” W x 21.5” H

This is a temporary size for safe travel. Your puppy will quickly outgrow this crate.

• Exercise pen for potty, food, and water stops. A 30” high exercise pen is a good option and can later be used in your home, yard, or while traveling with your Shiloh. This is the safest way to stop with your puppy for food/water/potty breaks.

• Towel or blanket for the crate

• Extra towels in case of carsickness or accidents

• Paper towels

• Puppy wipes or unscented wipes

• Poop bags

• Trash bag or plastic bags for soiled items

• Bottled water

• Water bowl

• Collar/harness size recommendation: SMALL. Look for a 10–14” neck fit and 14–18” chest girth. Adjustability is key.

• A second adult, if possible, especially for a long drive

Car Setup

A 200 series plastic crate is recommended for safe travel. A loose puppy in the car is not safe and can distract the driver.

Place the crate toward the front of the vehicle if possible, as this may help reduce motion sickness. Keep the crate secure so it cannot slide, tip, or move around during the ride.

If you have another adult riding with you and the puppy wants to sleep on their lap during the ride, that is fine. The driver should not hold the puppy.

What to Expect on the Ride Home

This is your puppy’s first long car ride. Most of our puppies sleep for much of the ride home.

Your puppy may also:

• Whine or cry briefly

• Drool or pant

• Vomit from carsickness

• Have a potty accident

• Refuse food or water at first

Drive carefully so accelerating and braking are gradual when possible. This may help reduce motion sickness.

Food, Water, and Potty Stops

Do not feed your puppy a large meal during the ride.

For long trips, you may offer small amounts of water during stops. If food is needed, offer only a small amount from the quart baggie of kibble provided.

Use an exercise pen at stops so your puppy has a safe, contained space to potty, drink, or eat. If your puppy is safely inside the exercise pen, a leash is not needed.

Where to Stop

Please take your puppy directly home after pickup.

Avoid:

• Pet stores

• Dog parks

• Public dog potty areas

• Busy rest stops

• Grooming salons

• Places where unknown dogs have been

Your puppy is not fully vaccinated yet and should not be exposed to high-traffic dog areas.

If a potty stop is needed, choose a quiet, clean area away from where other dogs are commonly walked. Set up the exercise pen, keep the stop short, and do not allow your puppy to meet unknown dogs.

If using an exercise pen is not practical, you may use a properly fitted collar/harness and leash instead. However, many puppies are more comfortable in an exercise pen during stops.

When You Get Home

Take your puppy to the potty area first.

Keep the first week calm. Your puppy is acclimating to you, their new family, and a new home. They will also be missing their mom and littermates.

Avoid visitors, too much excitement, outings, or passing the puppy around. Give your puppy time to rest, bond, and adjust.

It is normal if your puppy sleeps a lot, eats very little, cries some, or seems unsure during the first few days.