Welcoming a new puppy into the family is exciting – but also requires some preparation. Read this guide on how to make your puppy’s transition as smooth and stress-free as possible!
Bringing a new puppy into your family can truly change your whole life for the better.
However, that’s not to say that puppies aren’t a huge responsibility and a lot of work! Adopting a dog (or cat) requires careful consideration and loads of planning and preparation for their arrival.
If you’ve signed the papers and you’re waiting for the day for your new furry friend to arrive, here’s what you can do to get ready.
Puppy-Proof Your Home
First of all, make sure that your home will be a safe environment for a curious little creature. This means blocking off certain areas and removing any wires or choking hazards out of their reach. You can also install safety gates if you think it necessary, and remember to do your research about any house plants you might have and whether they’re toxic for animals.
If your puppy will be spending much time outdoors, then investing in an electric dog fence, such as one from Colorado Pet Fence, would be a good idea.
Puppy-Proof Your Garden
If you have a garden, then make sure that it’s secure and safe for your pup to explore. This means checking the fence for any gaps or holes, as well as making sure plants and other garden items are out of reach.
You may also want to think about getting rid of any chemicals or fertilizers that you have in your garden.
Puppy-Proof Your Schedule
It’s important to look at your daily schedule and see how these changes will impact it. Puppies need lots of attention and care, so make sure that you are able to spend enough time with them and that they are looked after when you’re away.
If you can’t get back home during the day, then be sure to make arrangements for someone else to take care of your pup and give them all the attention they need!
Create a Cozy Space
Your new pup will need a space to call their own: somewhere for them to sleep, eat, relax, and amuse themselves when you’re not around to play with them.
A crate is a great idea for this purpose. However, if you’re not certain about crate-training, then you can simply invest in a comfy dog bed and a cozy blanket for them to snuggle up with. Try to make sure you place this where you’d like your puppy to sleep, so that they can learn and make that association from a young age.
Stock Up on Supplies
There are also plenty of bits and bobs you’ll need to buy to keep your new canine companion happy, healthy, and entertained all day.
Make sure that you have all of the must-have items for puppy care and keep stocking up on anything that needs to be repurchased regularly. These items include beds and blankets, collars and tags, a leash for walks, high-quality food and bowls to feed them out of, doggie shampoo and other grooming tools, and more!
Schedule a Vet Visit
On day one, you’ll want to make sure you get the little critter to a vet for a check-up, to ensure that your puppy is healthy and happy.
Make sure that they have had all their necessary shots, and find out any details about their health, needs, when they can be neutered, etc. Your puppy’s medical care is a big responsibility, and finding a good vet that you trust early on is essential.
Your vet is a great source of information about nutrition, exercise and training for puppies too, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Look Into Puppy Training
Training your puppy is an essential part of the process, so it’s important to be ready for this! You can begin by reading up on or watching videos about how to train your pup, what kind of rewards work best and also some of the common mistakes people make.
It might also help to have a few treats on hand or toys that you can use as rewards during training sessions. This will keep your pup engaged and keen to learn.
Professional training classes are hugely beneficial in helping both your pup and you understand the basics of obedience and good behavior. It can also be a great way to introduce your pup to other dogs and people, helping them become more social and well-adjusted as they grow.
Training classes are especially helpful if you’ve adopted or rescued a puppy who may have been through some traumatic experiences. It can also be useful for teaching them important tricks like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’, toilet training, and more.
Create a Family Plan
Finally, make sure that you have a plan in place to care for your new puppy; there’s a lot to be done on a regular basis!
If you have kids, help them remember and be encouraged to take care of their puppy by printing out a pet care chart so that they can tick off daily and weekly tasks. If it’s just you or you and a partner, make sure to discuss responsibilities and ensure that everything is being taken care of by someone.
In Conclusion
By taking these steps before bringing your new puppy home, you can ensure that everyone in your family has a wonderful start together! With the right preparation, you’ll be sure to have many years of joy with your furry best friend.
What’s the next step? Start researching the perfect pup for you and your family! With a bit of research and preparation, you’ll be ready to welcome your new four-legged family member in no time! Good luck on your puppy journey!
One more important tip: always make sure you and your pup get plenty of rest. Puppies need lots of sleep, so be sure to factor that into your daily routine. Naps are especially helpful for puppies when they first come home, as it helps them acclimate to their new environment. With the right amount of love and care, you can create a relaxing, peaceful home for your puppy.
And don’t forget to have fun! Puppies are bundles of joy and life, so make sure you take the time to play together. There’s nothing quite like having your pup by your side no matter where you go. So go ahead – enjoy the adventure that awaits you both!
