Bringing home a new puppy can be an exciting time for the family, but it can certainly cause stress for you, too. Before your new puppy arrives, there are several things you need to get ready to make the transition easier on both of you. Some thought must be put into the puppy’s needs and requirements so that everything you need is on hand before that new family member arrives. Here is everything you need to be prepared for your new puppy.
1. Checklist of necessary things to buy:
Food and water bowls
This may be heavy-bottomed ceramics or stainless bowls that will be harder for your dog to be knocked over by accident. Plastic bowls may eventually end up as chew toys.
A collar or a lead with an identification tag
To help to train your dog to walk on the lead. Nylon or soft leather adjustable collars are recommended, as they’ll grow to adult dogs. Check the fit regularly.
Remember to make sure your puppy or dog still wears an ID tag. All dogs must wear a tag on their collar showing their owner’s name and address. It’s a good idea to add your phone number too.
Grooming equipment
Different coats will need different brushes — ask the pet shop staff, your puppy’s breeder or other owners with dogs like yours for advice.
Crate
As a new adjusting pup, a crate is a great toilet-training aid in those first few weeks. You can also use it to take them in the car to explore new sights. At night, put your puppy to bed in his crate and, as long as you let him out at suitable intervals, he won’t urinate or defecate on the floor.
A bed
Choose a soft, washable bed for your dog’s size and temperament – some are more destructible than others! Whichever type you choose, put it somewhere warm and quiet where there are no wafts.
Food
Check what type of food your puppy has been given by the breeder and if you decide to change the dog’s diet, ensure that you wean gradually over 5-7 days by mixing the new food in with the old. It is important to feed a complete and balanced dog food appropriate for the dog’s age and lifestyle.
Toys and chew toys
2. Preparing your home
Baby or Dog gates
Stairs, kitchens, and ponds should all be out of bounds for an inquisitive puppy. Create a temporary, gated-off living space for your pup where he can’t damage your belongings or eat something that will make him sick.
Puffy-proofing
There are many potential hazards for a new puppy around the home. Puppy-proof your house to make sure anything that could hurt your dog–medicines, chemicals, certain plants, loose electrical cords–is out of reach. Remove hanging objects such as long curtains and table cloths, as this is only too tempting for a puppy to pull and chew at. Make a habit of not leaving your shoes, bags, etc. lying around, as these are great chew toys for your new pup.
There are sprays available to dissuade puppies from chewing that household item. When it comes to introducing your puppy to the garden, take care to ensure it is escape-proof by mending any broken fences and filling any gaps the puppy could possibly squeeze through.
3. Find A Good Vet
There are a few things that can be taken care of before your puppy’s arrival. One of them is registering the new puppy with the local vet practice. Ask around for referrals, and schedule your first appointment. Here are a few things you can sort out well before your puppy’s first vet visit:
Worming
Vaccinations
Neutering
4. Puppy training
Puppy training classes are another fun thing about being a dog owner. Just imagine a dog that can perform tricks like “sit”, “down”, “stay”, “come” and even fun tricks like “give a paw” or “roll over”. You may want to think about signing up for training classes around the neighborhood or sometimes run by your local vet.
Not only will a good class give your puppy socialization opportunities but they will also give you access to a professional who can help answer your training questions as your puppy grows up. Having a support network for the fun stuff too can add a new dimension to both of your lives.
5. Set up a routine
A routine helps with house training and is reassuring to your dog. From there, carry out a routine for feeding, toileting, napping, and play/exercise — try to stick with it. A lot of this will involve observing your dog and working with his schedule to respond to his needs.
Once your dog is at home, he will need family time and brief periods of solitary confinement which is important so he may vocalize concern. Don’t pamper him too much or you may create a monster but give him attention for good behavior. Patience and time are all it takes for this loving and adorable pup, but he is anything worthwhile.