Bringing a new puppy home is a fun experience for everyone – if your home is properly prepared for the event.
There are several steps you can take right now to ensure your home and family are ready for this change. Here is what you’re going to want to do.
1. Prepare Your Family First
You should decide who will be responsible for clean-up duty with the new puppy before the arrival date. There should be 3 to 4 daily feedings scheduled which you cannot miss. A schedule for veterinary appointments to perform deworming and vaccinations should also be in place.
2. Have the Environment Ready
You will need to pet-proof your home. Keep anything that could be dangerous to the puppy out of their reach. That means putting away any leftover chocolate! If your new pet likes to chew, you may wish to protect your furniture too with fabric protectors and slipcovers. Make sure to cover any wood items to avoid a chewing temptation.
3. Get Your Essential Supplies
There are several puppy essentials required to create a successful transition into your home.
• A puppy toy kit to provide entertainment.
• Food and water dishes.
• A new collar and leash set on the day the puppy comes home.
• At least one comfortable dog bed.
• Puppy grooming supplies.
• Identification tags, chips, or paperwork.
With these necessary items, you can proactively reduce the risks to the puppy, yourself, and your home that always comes with a new pet around.
4. Set Some Ground Rules
Ground rules for puppies should include basic obedience commands. You should also set some expectations for everyone in the family to make sure your new pet grows in a healthy way. Decide where the puppy will be allowed in the house, what your daily routine should look like, and if table scraps are permitted.
5. Be Ready for Potty Training
Use quick-dry puppy bathroom training pads as part of the housebreaking process. Your early training plan may include a crate. Dogs do not generally go to the bathroom in their own space unless they cannot hold it any longer. This type of training can reduce in-home accidents.
Bringing a new puppy home means you’re adding another member to your family. How you train your pet will determine the personality, love, and engagement that happens in future years.
Set the stage for a successful experience now by ensuring you have everything needed to provide a successful transition into your home.