Top 10 Tips Before Bringing Home A New Puppy
Posted by Hot Dog Collars on 02/20/17 9:30 AM
Whether you are buying your new puppy from a local breeder or adopting
one from the pound, the introduction of this new family member will mean
enormous changes to your life. From how you travel to how well (or poorly) you
sleep, you will see the influence of your new four-legged family member in
countless ways.
It does not matter if this is your first pet or not - there are steps
you should take to make your new puppy, and everyone else in the family, as
comfortable as possible. Here are 10 ways to get ready for the new addition.
1.Puppy-proof your home - In many ways,
puppy-proofing your home is similar to baby-proofing, so stock up on outlet
covers and other essentials. You will want to cover extension cords, keep
medicines out of reach and remove anything that could cause harm to your new
puppy.
2.Sign up for puppy classes - Socializing your new
puppy will be a vital part of its training, so sign up for puppy kindergarten
and other training classes.
3.Set up your puppy gates - Restricting your new
puppy to a small part of the home will allow the animal to settle in without
getting overwhelmed. You can use puppy gates to block off the no-go areas -
just make sure they are in place before your new puppy comes home.
4.Buy a dog bed - Your puppy will need a
safe place to curl up and relax, so invest in quality dog bed and stock it with
an assortment of toys. Look for toys that are well-made and sturdy - puppies
are prodigious chewers.
5.Get a crate - Crate training will be
very beneficial for your new puppy, aiding with everything from housetraining
to socialization. If someone you know already has a crate, ask if you can
borrow it for a month or so. If not, add a puppy crate to your pet store
shopping list.
6.Talk to your children - Your kids will be
excited to meet the new addition, but be sure they know how to behave. Make
sure your children know not to pull on the puppy's ears, and not to surprise it
or sneak up behind it.
7.Make sure you have a suitable collar and leash - The collar you choose should be easily adjustable, so it can grow
with your puppy. The least should be high quality and easy to hold - even small
puppies can be surprisingly strong.
8.Establish a relationship with your chosen veterinarian - You do not have to wait until
you have your new puppy to get to know the local vets. Now is the time to forge
relationships and make sure everything is in place. Be sure to schedule a
checkup for your new puppy within a day or two of bringing your new pet home.
9.Work out a care and feeding schedule - Every
member of the family should be ready to chip in, so establish a schedule for
feeding your new puppy, taking it on walks and taking it outside. Make sure
everyone in the family understands their role.
10.Set up a quiet space - New puppies are easily
overwhelmed, so make sure your four-legged friend has a quiet space to relax
and recharge. That quiet space can be its bed, an extra room or any place that
is calm and free from distractions.
Bringing home a new puppy can be a lot of fun, but it is important to be
ready. Taking the time to prepare for your new puppy's arrival now means you
will have more time to enjoy, and play with, your four-legged family member
later.