I have just read that using Bach Rescue Remedy in Walnut (a few drops added to drinking water) can ease anxiety in puppies (and any anxiety caused by changes in routine etc. in all dogs). Has anyone used this method and how does it work? I am interested in getting some feedback. Also, I have read about DAP sprays and diffusers. I am thinking of getting one as I know again that this can help dispel anxiety in pups when they come to their new home, but it is pretty expensive, so I want to hear whether it is worth the investment. I am going to be dropping off a nice blanket that I have been sleeping under for the past three weeks (build up my smell on the blanket) to the breeder when the puppy is 4 weeks old (next week), and I will bring this back with the puppy when I go to collect her at 8 weeks. I have a nice quiet spot in the front room chosen, a heat pad and a ticking clock. Is it worth getting DAP spray too?

Bach general Rescue remedy is excellent for anxiety (yours and the pups) :)  but I wouldn't worry too much, ask the breeder not to wash the blanket so it can gather the smell of the litter, it may pong when you get it home but your pup will settle easily if this is in her bed ;)  I wouldn't assume that the pup is going to be anxious, if the breeder has done their job well the pup should be able to cope with the changes and may well find the whole thing quite exciting if she's ready to leave mum, you sound as if you have most things covered anyway.  Has your front room got a carpet or solid floor?  remember that an 8 week pup will not be housetrained, and may know where to 'go' at the breeders but will not know in your home for quite some time, this can be ruinous for carpeting as they produce quite a surprising amount of waste  :D :D :D

I have wooden floors downstairs (thank god!), and straight off the front room is the back door. I am really excited as the time draws closer to getting her. I am really excited to be seein gher soon. The breeder is an absolutely excellent lady who does the utmost of her pups, she really is a star!

Thanks for the advice. I think I will get the Bach walnut remedy, but perhaps not the DAP spray!

I bought a DAP difusser and spray, but didn't actually use them.  I left a blanket, toy and puppy collar with the breeder the second time we went to see Poppy (she was 4 weeks old) - both the toy and blanket were in a bit of a mess when we collected Poppy (at 10 weeks old), but she slept all the way home in the car on the blanket next to me on the back seat, and the first night we had no problems with crying etc because we put the blanket in her bed.  I don't think I washed for the first 2 weeks or so.

I'll keep the difusser for the build up to firework night, but hopefully we won't need it.  I think you'll be OK with the blanket.

Thanks for that. I think the blanket may be enough because it will be full of familiar smells by the time we collect her. We are going to see her next week, and will drop the blanket off then, and we won't be collecting her until the third week of August, so it will really pong by then!

Thanks for the advice.