Tips for Bringing Home Your New Puppy
Congratulations on your new puppy! Bringing them home will be an exciting memory you will cherish forever. Having a dog is a lot of responsibility though, and it starts even before your puppy arrives at your home. To help with this transition here are some helpful tips to make things as smooth and least stressful as possible.
Preparing your house for your new puppy
Since puppies are known to be master chewers (and sometimes trouble makers) you’ll want to ensure your home is safe and secure for anything they may try to get into. Check and make sure any medicine, chemicals, and certain plants are entirely out of sight and reach so your pup has absolutely no way of accessing them. Also due to a puppy’s need for teething, you should also check that you don’t leave anything in their area of access that you don’t want to get torn up. One of the easiest ways to ensure these safety precautions is to set up a temporary gated-off living area. This will ensure that they are confined to one area of the house that is free of any danger until they’re house trained.
Stock up on your puppy supplies
Since you’re adding a new member to the family, you’ll want to make sure you’re adding some new supplies. You’ll want to stock up before you’re furry friend arrives so you can have some quality time to settle down, instead of having to immediately run a bunch of errands. Some of the basic but most essential items you’ll need will include the following:
- A Crate
- Food & Water Bowls
- Puppy Food and Treats
- A Collar & Leash (with ID tags)
- A Bed
- Toys, (especially chew resistant toys)
- Stain & Odor Removing Cleaners
- Baby Gates (in case you want to block off any sections of your home)
Plan Your Trip Home
Definitely don’t try to pick up and bring your puppy home alone, if possible. It’ll be much more comfortable and calmer for you and your new furry friend if you have a helper along with you. A new puppy may be terrified of a car ride and will need extra support to calm their anxieties. When you arrive home, make sure you don’t overwhelm your pup. Too much excitement could cause them an abundance of unneeded stress so for the first few days try to keep it calm (even though a new puppy is extremely exciting). Finally, you’ll want to have a routine in mind that you can start implementing as soon as possible. Figuring out a schedule for walks, meals, potty breaks, and exercise will make both of your lives easier.
Finding a Vet
Scheduling vet visits are especially important for your young new puppy. You want their first visit to be a pleasant one, so they don’t dread their future visits. Don’t just choose any vet either; you should ask for referrals and check reviews. Ensure you’re taking your furry friend to the best place possible before scheduling a visit. Their first visit should be pretty soon after you get them, and will consist of an overall checkup and necessary vaccines.
Start that Training
Starting training early is the best thing you can do for your new four-legged friend. The first several weeks of your pups life will be the most influential and impactful on their learning and behavior. Ensuring your dog is getting the training they need will be extremely helpful in promoting a happy, healthy lifestyle that they can continue for a lifetime.
The first few weeks home with your new puppy will definitely be a lot of work and adjusting. But overall a puppy is a start to an exciting new chapter in your life full of love, laughter, and adventure – so enjoy it!