Bringing home a new puppy is without a doubt one of the great pleasures in life. The feeling is the same, whether you’re just a pet lover or a parent looking to give your kids a special gift. Welcoming a furry new member to your family, however, requires a good amount of preparations. Making sure you’re well-equipped to handle the arrival of your puppy will make life much easier for you, your kids, and your newest addition to the household. Here are some valuable tips to help you prepare for the arrival of a new puppy.
1. Get dog supplies before arrival.
Don’t wait until the day of adoption to get supplies – you want your home to be comfortable and ready before your new arrival shows up. Some essential supplies include:
· Feeding and drinking bowls. Choose these wisely according to the size of your pup. Get bowls that are easy to clean, long-lasting, and safe for your puppy to chew on.
· Food and treats. A healthy diet is vital for your pet’s growth and brain development.
Read up on dog nutrition so you know how to choose the right food and treats for your dog’s developmental stage. Puppies have different nutritional needs from those of adult dogs, and their diet needs will continue to change as they get older. Aside from age, your puppy’s breed, activity levels, and medical history also factor in when choosing the right food for your pup.
· Identification tags. Get tags that are comfortable for your puppy and are easy to adjust the size. An ID tag should include information such as the dog’s name, your name, and contact information.
· Training supplies and toys. These may include fetch balls, chew toys, and training treats.
· Grooming kit that includes dog brushes, combs, and shampoo. Choose brushes that are suitable for your dog’s breed to make grooming less of a hassle.
· Dog crate. This is important for a new pup who isn’t house trained. Train your pup to use a crate to keep your home clean and odour free.
2. Find a Veterinarian.
Find a vet who is easily reachable both by phone and in distance, just in case there’s ever an emergency. Having a vet prepared will guarantee good health and safety for your pet – and less hassle for you. A vet can give your new pup their first checkups as well as important information about its temperament. You can even get a DNA test for your puppy so that you will know the exact breed(s). This is useful for older dogs too. This will help you with training and feeding needs as well as knowledge about your dog’s size and growth. The vet can also chip your dog and establish a vaccination schedule. The vet will probably also know good dog trainers, and some vets even have puppy playtime!
3. Puppy Proof your Home.
A new puppy means that new safety features added to your home. Puppies love to play, run, chew, and make discoveries both indoors and outdoors. Keep in mind that what is safe for humans may not be safe for dogs. Puppy proofing the house includes:
· Clearing the floor of potential hazards such as flower pots, dangerous plants, and other breakable materials.
· Installation of stair gates to prevent your puppy from falling or going into places that are not safe.
· Keeping household chemicals and detergents in proper storage away from the reach of your playful pet.
· Keep electrical cords out of sight or cover them to prevent your puppy from chewing on them.
The Bottom Line.
Everyone knows that dogs are a man’s best friend, and this statement maybe even more true with a new puppy! If you want your new family member to have a long, healthy, and safe life, effective preparation is necessary and will ensure the most quality time with your new best friend. There is no such thing as being over-prepared, and your pet will appreciate the effort by always keeping you on your toes as well as rewarding you with cuddles and doggie kisses!
What tips do you have for settling a new puppy or dog into the family home?
Great advice I know my brother has struggled with this Thanks